CU4

• Nurses Role in Disaster Nursing

  • Disasters can result from man-made or natural causes
  • Nurses play a major role in responding to disasters to help ensure the best possible outcomes
  • Nurses need to be adequately prepared to be effective in disaster relief efforts
  • Preparation for a disaster should be done before it occurs
  • Nurses have a wide range of responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response
• Nurses Role in Disaster Management: Preparedness

  1. Institution/Community disaster response written plan familiarization

  2. Task delineation and delegation in the event of a disaster

  3. Proper use of materials and equipment during drills (i.e. PPEs, fire escape, fire extinguisher, emergency routes, communication devices)

  4. Identification of agencies (GOs and NGOs) and their roles/responsibilities in disaster risk reduction and management
• Materials needed

  • Personal Laptop/mobile device
  • Internet connection/device
  • Reading materials
  • Paper and Pen for writing
• Nurses Role in Disaster Management: Preparedness

  • Understanding disaster preparedness and response plans, operational protocols, and security measures
  • Proper use of materials and equipment during drills
  • Volunteering and becoming involved with an organized disaster response system for better preparedness
  • Identification of agencies (GOs and NGOs) and their roles/responsibilities in disaster risk reduction and management
• Disasters are catastrophic events that often result in extensive property damage and loss of life
• Preparing self and family


  Personal preparation with an emergency plan and basic supplies to ensure family safety and ease worries
• Benefits of volunteering and becoming involved with an organized disaster response system

  Better preparedness when disaster strikes
• Participating in continuing education on disaster risk reduction and management

  Educating consumers and the community to make it safely through a disaster, alleviate fear and anxiety
• Challenges nurses may encounter

  • Balancing professional and personal obligations
  • Dealing with restrictions to volunteering
  • Working with limited resources and supplies
  • Facing security and safety threats
  • Dealing with legal implications
  • Working in uncontrolled physical environments
  • Struggling with life-and-death situations and ethical decisions