Disaster

What is Disaster?

Disaster is a sudden , calamitous event bringing great damage, loss and destruction and devastation to life and property. The damage caused by disaster is immeasurable and varies with geographical location, climate and type of the earth surface/ degree of vulnerability.

WHO defines disaster as “ any occurrence that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area”.

Red cross define disaster as “ an occurrence such as hurricane , tornado, storm, flood, high water, tidal wave, earthquake, drought, blizzard, pestilence, famine, fire, explosion, building collapse, transportation wreck, or other situation that cause human suffering and creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance”.

Disaster Nursing

Disaster Nursing refers to nursing services offered to the victims of disaster who experiences trauma cause by disaster. It is nursing practiced in a situation where professional supplies equipment, physical facilities and utilities are limited or not available.

It can be also define as “ the adoption of professional nursing knowledge , skills and attitude in recognizing and meeting the nursing , health and emotional needs of disaster victims”.

Goals of Disaster Nursing

To meet the immediate basic survival needs of populations affected by disaster (water, food , shelter and security).
To identify the potential for 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 promotional activities.
To promote the highest achievable quality of life for survivors.

Types of Disaster

1. Natural Disaster

Natural disasters are large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential to cause loss of life or property. These types of disasters include:

Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Floods
Wildfires
Earthquakes
Drought

2. Man-made Disaster

A man made disasters is a disaster resulting from human intent, negligence or error. It can be both intentional and unintentional. It results in huge loss of life and property. These types of disaster includes:

Pandemic and disease
War and civil conflicts
Terrorism
Chemical Weapons
Radiation Emission
Bio terrorism

Level of Disaster

Level I: If the organization, agency or community is able to contain the event and respond effectively utilizing its own resources

Level II: If the disaster requires assistance from external source, but these can be obtained from nearby agencies

Level III: If the disaster is of a magnitude that exceeds the capacity of the local community or origin and requires assistance from state level or even federal assets.

Phases of Disaster

Pre impact phase
Impact phase
Post impact phase