Disaster: Key Points

Christina Barrick

What is a Disaster?
Forces overwhelm a community Services are compromised Outside assistance is required.

Legislation

The Disaster Relief Act of l974: Public Law 93-288

defines

and describes disasters provides relief to States

Characteristics of Disaster Agents

Predictability Frequency Controllability/Mitigation Time: speed, duration Scope Intensity Community Implications

Manmade Disasters: Terrorism

D.O.D. estimates that as many as 26 nations possess chemical / biological agents. 10 countries are believed to possess biological agents as weapons. Attack can take many forms. Scenario

Phases of a Disaster
Predisaster Warning Emergency:

isolation rescue remedy

Recovery

Immediate Management of the Disaster Victim

Validate what you hear. Perform a thorough assessment. Assess for other injuries/illnesses even when symptoms are absent. Is condition life-threatening? What is past medical history? Do not ignore patient fears or complaints.

Management of the Psychosocial Aspects of a Disaster Victim

Predisaster Preparation and Warning Phase reactions: apathy to panic interventions: mock drills, leadership Impact and Emergency Phase reactions: disaster syndrome interventions: prevent isolation; rumor control Recovery Phase reactions: rise and fall of postdisaster utopia interventions: mental health services

Reactions of Children to a Disaster

Developmental

level Familys reactions Separation anxiety School refusals Enuresis Guilt

Elderly Reactions
Generally cope better Prob. related to chronic illness/resources Fear loss of independence Interventions

assistance

with clean-up financial, legal, and tax advice referral to a support team

Caregivers Reactions
Same as Victim Role Strain Concerns over Personal Safety & Family Possessiveness towards Victims Nurse - Parent Identification with Pediatric Victims Interventions:

clear

disaster plans & disaster exercises

Criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The trauma is universally recognized. Re-experience the trauma Demonstrate either emotional numbing or decrease in normal events.

Role of Nurse at the Disaster Site

** Safety Establish four areas:

disaster,

treatment, transportation, leadership

Rapid initial assessment using ABC Triage and transport 24/7 Volunteers

Major Health Concerns

Overcrowding Decreased personal hygiene & contamination Injuries and malnutrition Contamination Disruption of services

Three Tier Triage System

First Priority Second Priority Third Priority Special Cases:

pregnancy injured

disaster personnel family of rescue workers agitated or violent patients