Emergency Preparedness Flashcards
(231 cards)
Disaster is defined as
A catastrophic event that leads to major property damage, a large number of injuries, displaced individuals, or major loss of life
- sudden calamity exceed coping of resources
- unforeseen = great destruction and human suffering
- needs external assistance
Natural disaster
hurricanes
tornados
storms
floods
tidal waves
earthquakes
volcanic eruptions
droughts
blizzards
pestilence
famines
wildfires
Human-made disasters
explosions
building collapses
commercial
transportation wrecks
leakage and spills of toxic chemicals
radiation contamination
building fires
etc…
Personal and Family Preparation for a Disaster
- Preparations can be made to deal with those circumstances
- Relief and rescue workers generally arrive quickly after a disaster
- aftermath of all disasters is very similar
Most natural disasters, except for earthquakes and volcano eruptions, have a warning period ranging from
few minutes to several hours
During the time between the occurrence of the disaster and the rescue, individuals are
Left to their own devices and resourcefulness for their survival
The aftermath of all disasters is
similar
- relief and rescue workers arrive quickly but can not take care of all the injured or trapped at the same time
What research should the nurse do prior in disaster management
Find out what disasters the community has experienced in the past. Is it on a fault line and likely to have earthquakes?
Is it located in tornado alley?
When was the last time a wildfire broke out?
There may be some potential man-made hazards associated with the community.
Does it havelarge fertilizer or fireworks plants that may explode?
Is there a large oil or natural gas pipeline that runs under the town?
How old is the freshwater dam that is located upstream from the community?
Virtually impossible to make preparations toavoiddisasters caused by
acts of terrorism and catastrophic human engineering failures
How to make a plan for preparing for a disaster?
Get informed (city layout, weather belt, meeting places for pets and contacts)
- Get an “out-of-town” contact person
- Establish a preselected meeting place
- Have a family communication plan (everyone’s numbers, poison control, local hospitals, close relatives)
- Map out escape routes and safe places (turn of utility
- special plans for disabled
- Make a plan for pets (take with if able
What needs to be included in a disaster supply kit?
- Basics
- Inventory of all home possessions
= this can be done by taking pictures or a video of the inside of your house with focus on big items - Laminate and copies of records and documents
- Insurance coverage
= homeowner insurance does not cover floods/earthquakes - How to turn off utilities
In the event of a disaster, you should have basic supplies for how long?
72 hours
Disaster Supply Kit
airtight plastic bags (plastic bins or duffel bags)
Water/water filter
Nonperishable food
Radio (battery or hand crank)
Flashlight
First-aid Kit
Extra batteries (outside the devices
Matches/candles
change and dollars not big bills
Extra dry clothes
Whistle
Space blanket
Weapons
Dust Mask, Plastic sheets, and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bag
Wrench/pliers
Manuel can opener
Local maps
Chargers and back up batteries
Water
one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
During the Preimpact Phase, what is critical?
communication
Preimpact Phase
- some have warnings (tornados, hurricanes)
- preparation for the after effects
- local community levels
- practice with drills
Impact Phase
- disaster strikes to
- goal is activating emergency response and reduce long-term
- First responders set up command post
- identify/remove victims and stabilize situations
What is the most important need for the impact phase?
protection for the first responders
- nurses help them
Postimpact Phase
begin 2 hours after or longer (years) to recover
- recovery
- rehabilitation
- rebuilding
*scam artists will appear**
evaluation
What is the longest disaster phase?
postimpact
What takes priority over rescue efforts?
protecting lives and health of first responders
- PPE
After exposure to any type of chemical, biological, or radioactive agent, personnel must go through
decontamination procedure
Vital step after postimpact phase
evaluation of prep and rescue
Internal emergencies
inside the facility/hospital
- active shooter
- power lost
- fire inside
- gas leak