Disaster Management Assignment Student Guidelines Purpose ✓ Solved

Disaster Management Assignment Student Guidelines Purpose: Disasters

Disasters are catastrophic events that often result in extensive property damage and loss of life. Extreme devastation can occur from both man-made and natural disasters. Nurses play a major role in responding to disasters to help ensure the best possible outcomes.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, the learner will: 1. Understand the role of the Community Health nurse in disaster management. 2. Understand the principles of disaster management, including working within incident command structures. 3. Differentiate between the adult and pediatric triage algorithms (START and JumpSTART). 4. Apply triage algorithms to appropriately prioritize and treat victims. 5. Utilize principles of professional collaboration to assure for efficient and effective care of victims.

Instructions: Please complete all of the following assigned readings and viewings, answer the questions below. Read: Association of Public Health Nurses “The Role of the Public Health Nurse in Disaster Preparedness and Response. Read: Demarco & Healey-Walsh: Chapter 20 pages (Stop at Bioterrorism). Read: ATI: Chapters 2 & 6. Review: Class Powerpoint Presentation on Disasters. Review: Triage algorithm: Please answer the following questions. Questions must be answered by individual students in narrative format. Turnitin® will be used to assess for integrity.

1. What disaster risks are present in the Chicagoland area (natural or man-made)? 2. Explain the disaster management cycle/plan/continuum. How do nurses participate at each step/phase? 3. What is an Incident Command System and why is it necessary? 4. What activities are prioritized at a disaster site? (p. 23-24 AAP article) 5. Explain the START (Field) Triage Model, including assessments critical for determining a victim’s condition. 6. What is the difference between START and JumpSTART Triage Models? 7. Fill in the boxes: Color coding for Triage (Table 20.2) Color Designation Condition 8. What Life Saving Interventions (LSI) should first responders/medical personnel be prepared to administer at a disaster site? What might they delegate to the “walking wounded”? 9. Mental health issues can emerge during and after disaster situations and could lead to permanent disability. What does the term “Psychological First Aid” mean and how might the nurse engage in this activity in a disaster situation?

Identify and prioritize three (3) nursing diagnoses related to this topic.

Paper For Above Instructions

Disaster management is a critical aspect of public health and community health nursing, particularly as communities worldwide face increasingly complex challenges related to both natural and man-made disasters. In examining the role of nurses within this sphere, it is essential to first understand the unique disaster risks present in the Chicagoland area.

Disaster Risks in the Chicagoland Area

Chicagoland faces a variety of disaster risks, including both natural and man-made events. Natural disasters such as severe storms, which can lead to flooding, and winter storms that may result in hypothermia or traffic accidents are common. Moreover, the area is susceptible to tornadoes, as indicated by historical data showing tornado occurrences in the region. Such phenomena pose threats to public safety, property, and the environment.

On the other hand, man-made disasters, such as terrorism-related incidents, chemical spills, and infrastructural failures (like building collapses or transportation accidents) present further risks to residents. Given Chicago's status as a major urban center, these risks underscore the city's vulnerabilities and the essential need for a robust disaster management framework.

The Disaster Management Cycle

The disaster management cycle comprises several phases: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. During the preparedness phase, nurses can engage in community training, educating families about emergency plans, and maintaining communication with local health authorities. In the response phase, nurses are on the frontline, providing care to victims and ensuring that triage protocols are correctly implemented.

In recovery, nurses play a vital role in rehabilitation efforts, addressing the physical and emotional needs of those affected. Finally, in the mitigation phase, nurses can contribute to community assessments and promote strategies to reduce risks associated with both natural and man-made disasters.

Incident Command System (ICS)

The Incident Command System (ICS) is vital for orchestrating effective disaster responses. It provides an organized mechanism that allows various responders and agencies to work together seamlessly. ICS ensures that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and communication processes, thereby minimizing confusion during a chaotic event. Nurses' inclusion in the ICS helps facilitate a coordinated approach to victim care and allows for skilled oversight in triage and treatment.

Activities Prioritized at a Disaster Site

According to relevant literature, including AAP guidelines, prioritizing activities at a disaster site involves immediate medical assessment and triage, establishing a command center, and ensuring the safety of medical personnel and victims. Providing basic life support, stabilizing critical cases, and ensuring continuous communication with other on-ground responders are paramount. Thus, nurses may prioritize actions like performing triage and directing additional medical assistance where needed.

START Triage Model

The START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) model is a widely utilized system for assessing victims' conditions in field scenarios. It is based on three simple questions: Can the victim walk? Does the victim have a pulse and can they breathe? This model enables responders to quickly categorize patients into priority groups that guide treatment. For instance, those who can walk are typically considered "low priority," while individuals exhibiting severe signs of distress receive high-priority status for immediate interventions.

Difference Between START and JumpSTART Triage Models

While the START model is primarily designed for adults, JumpSTART adapts these principles for pediatric patients. JumpSTART includes additional questions to account for developmental differences in children, such as body weight and developmental milestones. Recognizing the specific needs of pediatric populations in disaster scenarios enhances the effectiveness of triage and medical interventions.

Triage Color Coding

Color coding for triage categories effectively communicates patient status to responders. The common designations include:

• Red (Immediate): Victims who require immediate attention due to life-threatening injuries.
• Yellow (Delayed): Individuals who need medical care but their condition is not life-threatening.
• Green (Minor): Patients with minor injuries who can wait for care.
• Black (Deceased): Victims who are not responsive and likely do not have a chance of survival.

Life-Saving Interventions (LSI)

First responders and medical personnel must be prepared to administer crucial Life Saving Interventions (LSIs) at disaster sites. These interventions can include establishing airway management, delivering CPR, controlling bleeding, and addressing shock. Moreover, for those classified as "walking wounded," first responders could delegate tasks such as moving to designated safe areas or checking in with medical teams for non-urgent assessments.

Psychological First Aid

The term "Psychological First Aid" refers to support measures aimed at reducing the initial distress experienced by survivors of disasters. Credentials in mental health are significant for nurses, as they can engage in active listening, provide reassurance, and help link individuals with additional support services. This action is essential to prevent long-term psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Nursing Diagnoses Related to Disaster Management

In considering nursing practices related to disaster management, three pertinent nursing diagnoses may include: 1) Risk for trauma due to exposure to disasters, 2) Ineffective coping related to the psychological impact of experiencing a disaster, and 3) Risk for deferred medical care as a result of overwhelmed healthcare systems following disasters.

Conclusion

In summary, nurses have an essential role in disaster management, encompassing preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation phases of the disaster cycle. Their involvement in triage models such as START and JumpSTART, alongside their familiarity with ICS and color-coding systems, enhances the capacity for effective disaster responses. Furthermore, the provision of Psychological First Aid ensures that mental health is addressed during crises.

References

• Association of Public Health Nurses. (2022). The Role of the Public Health Nurse in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
• Demarco, R. F., & Healey-Walsh, J. (2021). Nursing in Disaster Management. In: Nursing: A concept-based approach to learning, Volume 2.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Pediatric Preparedness and Response to Disasters.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Health in Emergencies: A research agenda.
• Folkman, S., & Moskowitz, J. T. (2021). Coping: Pitfalls and Promise. Annual Review of Psychology.
• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (2019). Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). Interagency Coordination During Large-scale Emergencies.
• Mason, K.A. (2018). Coordination of Recovery Efforts After Disasters: The Role of Nurses. Journal of Emergency Nursing.