Disaster Control Nursing

DISASTER CONTROL

·         Disasters is defined as a threatening or occurring event of such destructive magnitude and force as to dislocate people, separate family members, damage or destroy homes, and injure or kill people. (American Red Cross)

·         Disaster events can either be classified as Natural disasters, like floods, winter storms, wildfires and earthquakes, or Human-caused disasters, such as residential fires, domestic acts of terrorism and transportation accidents.

Level of Disaster

Level III        A minor disaster that involves a minimal level of damage but could result in a presidential declaration of an emergency

Level II        A moderate disaster that likely will result in a presidential declaration of an emergency, with moderate federal assistance

Level I        A massive disaster that involves significant damage and results in a presidential disaster declaration, with major federal involvement and full engagement of federal, regional and national resources. Large scale disasters will likely activate National Response Plan/Framework.

Phases of Disaster Management (*FEMA)

1.        Mitigation - measures or actions are taken to prevent the occurrence of a disaster or reduce the damaging effects of a disaster.

2.        Preparedness - e.g planning and practicing community disaster plans.

3.        Response - putting disaster planning services into action and the action taken to save lives and prevent further damage.

4.        Recovery - restoration of the previous normal situation of the community.

Guidelines for Nurses in Disaster Planning

·         Nurses should have personal and family disaster plans. It is difficult to provide care to others when one is concerned about the safety of one's family.

·         Nurses must be aware and familiar with the disaster plan in their facility and community

·         Disaster preparedness is essential in executing disaster plans in the community. Nurses should maintain certification in disaster training and CPR.

·         In providing care to the injured, nurses would care for the victims by attending to those with life-threatening problems first. Immediate plans for triage should begin. Nurse must be familiar with the triage system of the health care facility.

Three-Tier Triage System

1.        First Priority: Emergent (Red)

·   Victims that have life-threatening injuries, but are readily correctable.

·   Example: trauma, chest pain, severe respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, shock.

2.        Second Priority: Urgent (Yellow)

·         Victims must be treated within 1 to 2 hours.

·         Example: simple fracture, asthma without respiratory distress, fever, hypertension, abdominal pain

3.        Third Priority non-urgent (Green)

·         Victim has no injury, is noncritical or is ambulatory.

·         Example: minor laceration, sprain or cold symptoms

Priority Action in the Event of a Fire
→	Rescue: Evacuate all the patients away from the vicinity of a fire.
→	Alarm: Activate the fire alarm and report a fire before attempting to extinguish it.
→	Confine: Close all doors and windows to contain and prevent fast spread of fire.
→ TYPE A: B: C:	Extinguish: Use appropriate type of extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Class of Fire Wood, cloth, upholstery, paper, plastic Flammable liquids or gases, greases, tar, and oil-based paint Electrical equipment