DISASTER NURSING
DISASTER
- Integral part of human experiences since beginning of time .
- Which creates all kind of losses to the individual.
French word “DESASTRE “ & Italian word “DISASTRO”
which means “Bad star
DEFINITION
“Any occurrence that cause damage,ecological disruption ,loss of human life,deterioration of health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extra ordinary
response from the outside community or area"-WHO
DISASTER NURSING
DEFINTION
“The adaptation of professional nursing knowledge, skills and attitude in recognizing and meeting the nursing, health and emotional needs of disaster victims.
”GOALS OF THE DISASTER NURSING
- To meet the immediate basic survival needs of populations affected by disasters (water, food,shelter, and security).
- To identify the potential for a secondary disaster.
- To appraise both risks and resources in the environment.
- To correct inequalities in access to health care or appropriate resources.
- To empower survivors to participate in and advocate for their own health and well-being.
- To respect cultural, lingual, and religious diversity in individuals and families and to apply this principle in all health promotion activities.
- To promote the highest achievable quality of life for survivors
PRINCIPLES OF DISASTER NURSING
- Rapid assessment of the situation and of nursing care needs.
- Triage and initiation of life-saving measures first.
- The selected use of essential nursing interventions and the elimination of nonessential nursing activities.
- Evaluation of the environment and the mitigation or removal of any health hazards
- Adaptation of necessary nursing skills to disaster and other emergency situations. The nurse must use imagination and resourcefulness in dealing with a lack of supplies, equipment, and personnel.
- Prevention of further injury or illness.
- Leadership in coordinating patient triage, care, and transport during times of crisis.
- The teaching, supervision, and utilization of auxiliary medical personnel and volunteers.
- Provision of understanding, compassion, and emotional support to all victims and their families.
