DISASTER NURSING
Definition
and concepts of disaster nursing
·
It is the systematic and flexible utilization
of knowledge and skills specific to disaster related nursing, and the promotion
of wide range of activities to minimize the health hazards and life-threatening
damage caused by disasters in collaboration with other fields.
Definition
·
Disaster Nursing can be defined as the
adaptation of professional nursing skills in recognizing and meeting the
physical and emotional nees resulting from a disaster.
·
Disaster Nursing is nursing practiced in a
situation where professional supplies, equipment, physical facilities and
utilities are limited or not available.
·
Disaster nursing involves response to &
preparedness for natural and man-made
that affects an entire community (communities) that massive number of
casualties and extensive property damage.
·
Disaster nursing can be defined as 'The
adaptation of professional nursing knowledge, skills and attitude in
recognizing and meeting the nursing, health and emotional needs of disaster
victims." WHO
Goals
of disaster nursing: The overall goal of disaster nursing is to
achieve the best possible level of health for the people and the community involved
in the disaster. Other goals of disaster nursing are •
·
To meet the immediate basic survival needs of
populations affected by disasters (water, food, shelter, and security).
·
To identify the potential for a second disaster.
·
To appraise both risks an 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 management
The aim of the disaster
control is to prevent or minimise death, disablement, suffering and loss.
Eight basic principles should
be followed to achieve this goal.
Principles
of disaster management: -Sanford(1984)
1.
Prevention of occurrence
2.
Minimizing casualty number
3.
Preventing further casualties
4.
Rescuing the injured
5.
Providing first aid
6.
Evacuating the injured
7.
Providing definitive care
8.
Facilitating reconstruction recovery
Or
Principles
Of Disaster Nursing
1.
Rapid assessment of the situation and of
nursing care needs.
2.
Triage and initiation of life-saving
measures first.
3.
The selected use of essential nursing
interventions and the elimination of nonessential nursing activities.
4.
Adaptation of necessary nursing skills to
disaster and other emergencies. The nurse must use imagination and
resourcefulness in dealing with a lack of supplies, equipment, and personnel.
5.
Evaluation of the environment and the
mitigation or removal of any health hazards.
6.
Prevention of further injury or illness.
7.
Leadership in coordinating patient triage,
care, and transport during times of crisis.
8.
The teaching, supervision, and utilization
of auxiliary medical personnel and volunteers.
9.
Provision of understanding, compassion,
and emotional support to all victims and their families.
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