UNIT 9 Nursing management of patient in Emergency and Disaster situations Disaster Nursing
Disaster Nursing is the systematic application of nursing knowledge and skills to address and meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals, families, and communities affected by disasters — whether natural or man-made.
📝 As per WHO:
“Disaster Nursing is the adaptation of professional nursing knowledge, skills, and attitude in recognizing and meeting the nursing, health, and emotional needs of disaster victims.”
A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event causing great damage, loss of life, and disruption of normal life, requiring immediate response from local, national, and international aid.
🌀 Types of Disasters:
Nurses are frontline responders who:
✅ Save lives and minimize health hazards
✅ Provide timely and efficient care
✅ Prevent complications and infections
✅ Promote psychological well-being
✅ Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams
✅ Support recovery and rehabilitation of victims
Let’s explore the academic principles with symbols and clarity:
🧠 Assessment is the cornerstone of disaster nursing.
📌 Goal: Do the most good for the most people.
💬 Information saves lives.
👩⚕️ Nurses heal wounds — both visible and invisible.
🚨 Be ready before disaster strikes.
🔧 Efficiency ensures continuity of care.
🦺 The nurse must stay safe to help others.
🧾 Documentation is a legal, ethical, and medical necessity.
🌐 Ethics never stop, even in emergencies.
| 🔢 Principle | ✨ Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Rapid Assessment | Evaluate scene, victims, resources |
| 2️⃣ Triage | Prioritize patients based on severity |
| 3️⃣ Communication | Clear messages with all stakeholders |
| 4️⃣ Psychosocial Support | Mental health and emotional well-being |
| 5️⃣ Preparedness | Planning, training, mock drills |
| 6️⃣ Resource Management | Optimal use of available materials |
| 7️⃣ Safety and Security | Protection of self and environment |
| 8️⃣ Continuity of Care | Follow-up and recovery |
| 9️⃣ Ethical & Legal Responsibility | Human rights, legal duties, documentation |
Disaster nursing requires competence, compassion, and courage. It is a multi-dimensional specialty combining emergency care, trauma handling, public health, and ethics. Nurses must remain adaptable, resourceful, and emotionally resilient to serve humanity in its most critical moments.
💪 “In the chaos of disaster, a nurse brings calm, care, and courage.”
(For Effective Disaster Risk Reduction & Management)
Disaster Policies are the official plans, strategies, laws, and guidelines framed by governments and organizations to:
✅ Prevent or reduce the impact of disasters
✅ Ensure effective preparedness and response
✅ Promote recovery and rehabilitation
✅ Safeguard human life, infrastructure, and environment
📌 These are essential for creating a resilient health system and society.
🎯 To reduce disaster risks and vulnerabilities
🎯 To establish a legal framework for response
🎯 To define roles & responsibilities of all stakeholders
🎯 To allocate funds and resources
🎯 To promote community awareness and capacity building
🎯 To coordinate local, state, national, and international efforts
| 🧱 Component | 📌 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 📘 Risk Assessment | Identifying hazards and vulnerable populations |
| 🛡️ Prevention & Mitigation | Measures to reduce disaster impact (e.g., flood barriers, fire codes) |
| 🧰 Preparedness | Training, drills, education, and resource readiness |
| 🚑 Response | Emergency services, rescue operations, triage systems |
| 🩺 Recovery & Rehabilitation | Medical, social, and economic restoration post-disaster |
| 💼 Legal & Institutional Framework | Laws, departments, authorities, and their jurisdiction |
| 💰 Funding & Insurance | Disaster relief funds, international aid, and disaster insurance schemes |
➡️ Landmark law establishing the legal and institutional framework for disaster management in India
🔑 Key Features:
📜 India’s first formal disaster policy focusing on:
🌀 All hazards approach: Natural + Man-made disasters
🔷 Hospital Disaster Management Plans (HDMPs)
➡️ Ensure that hospitals can maintain functionality during disasters — includes emergency exits, triage zones, supply management, etc.
🔷 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)
➡️ Focus on disease outbreaks, pandemics, and chemical/biological threats
| 🏢 Agency | 💼 Function |
|---|---|
| 🟦 NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) | National-level policy making & coordination |
| 🟨 NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management) | Research, training & capacity building |
| 🟥 SDMA & DDMA (State & District Level) | Local level planning, drills, emergency handling |
| 🟧 Ministry of Home Affairs – Disaster Management Division | Nodal Ministry for disaster coordination |
| 🟩 Armed Forces / NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) | Search, rescue, logistics, relief distribution |
🌍 Countries follow global guidelines and cooperative agreements, such as:
🔑 Four priorities:
🎯 Promotes health system readiness to manage biological, environmental, and technological threats
✅ Upholding human rights
✅ Protecting marginalized groups
✅ Ensuring equity in relief
✅ Maintaining accountability and transparency
✅ Respecting consent and dignity during care
✅ Q1: The Disaster Management Act in India was enacted in which year?
🅰️ 2005
✅ Q2: NDMA functions under which ministry in India?
🅰️ Ministry of Home Affairs
✅ Q3: What is the main objective of the NPDM 2009?
🅰️ Holistic, pro-active, technology-driven disaster risk management
✅ Q4: Which international framework succeeded the Hyogo Framework?
🅰️ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030)
✅ Q5: What is the role of NDRF?
🅰️ Specialized force for disaster response and search-rescue operations
Disaster policies are the backbone of organized disaster response. With proper frameworks in place, governments and healthcare systems can save lives, reduce suffering, and rebuild faster. For nurses and healthcare professionals, understanding these policies is crucial to contribute effectively during crises and ensure ethical, coordinated, and safe disaster care.