Disaster Preparedness

In the modern world, the possibility of having an emergency disaster is very high. This results from the increased human population as well as the congestion of people around some given locations such as urban areas or working units. Other causes include attacks and warfare resulting from human conflicts and friction. When a disaster arises, the health facilities, professionals and organizations within and beyond the locality are called to action. They are required to attend to the possibly high number of casualties that result from such a disaster. In case of an outbreak, all the stakeholders in the medical practice must coordinate their activities to ascertain its nature and agree on the most appropriate actions that can be employed to yield a solution (ANA, 2010). However, for local disasters such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and fires, the efforts of the medical practitioners must be combined with a population-based response while still paying attention to individual needs.

Such disasters are likely to hurt the people living close to water bodies or in areas that are way below the sea levels as well as those living in the congested areas. Usually, the number of the casualties may be high especially for floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Fire can also be very dangerous especially when it burns around a congested or enclosed area. Modern forms of energy such as electricity and gas cookers are some of the most frequently reported causes of fire (Powell, Hanfling and Gosting, 2012). It is also important to note that such disasters do not necessarily affect the areas where medical practitioners and facilities are readily available. Sometimes the casualties may have to be accorded first aid care before being transported to health centers and facilities.

When there are no ambulances or certified medical practitioners available at the scene of disaster, members of the society should take responsibility and utilize the available opportunities to save the lives involved. This may include transporting the casualties to health areas with facilities or attending to their first aid needs with the advice of a competent medical practitioner. The public may also remove the casualties from the scene of the accident especially when their presence at the location converts to increased dangers in their health and life (CDC, 2014). The public should also take responsibilities and call the ambulances to the areas affected by the disasters. This is part of the spiritual obligation required from humanity by divine forces (Busby, Speraw and Young, 2008). In order to be best equipped for possible instances of disaster, members of the public should access training on first aid and the various ways of handling casualties.

One of the disasters that can cause widespread damage of property and loss of life is that resulting from uncontrollable fires. Fires may result from errors and faults in handling domestic fires or electrical gadgets. Other sources may not be in the control of the people who get affected by the disasters. In such instances, people around the area where the fire occurs should move from the scene and study the movement of the fire. One can then decline on the most applicable and quickest way of distinguishing the fire. This depends on the type of the fire. For electric fires, one may switch off the power at the main supply area. The fire can then be distinguished with water as is the case of ordinary fires. In firefighting, fire extinguishers take a central place. Many buildings and public structures are fitted with fire extinguishers that bear instructions for potential users (Powell, Hanfling and Gosting, 2012). Untrained people must, however, weigh their options and the safety involved in the process. One should not endanger his/her life while trying to save material things. In order to halt the fire as quickly as possible, it is important that the extinguisher gas is sprayed in adequate quantities instead of small quantities repeatedly. In case of water, large quantities should be poured on the fire sources.

Many organizations, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) run programs that seek to enlighten the general public on the most appropriate responses applicable in situations of disasters and outbreaks. Members of public should, however, not endanger their lives in trying to save lives. As a matter of fact, members of public without any form of training are advised to avoid taking risks and move from the locations of disaster. Children are also advised to keep off from areas affected by the disaster whenever it is possible. They should not try to save material things as they may be entrapped and hurt or killed in the process. However, disasters should be reported to the relevant authorities and public institutions as soon as they occur. Many institutions that deal with disaster management such as fire brigades operate some lines and addresses that are quick to access.

References

American Nursing Association (ANA) (2010) who will be there? Ethics, the law and a nurse’s duty to respond in disaster. American Nursing Association Journal. Print

Busby, S., Speraw, S., Young, E. (2008) How nursing intersect with disaster relief and planning. Journal of Christian Nursing. Print

CDC (nd). Emergency Preparedness and Response. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Official Website. Web http://emergency.cdc.gov/ on 4th April, 2014.

Powell, T., Hanfling, D, Gosting, L.O. (2012) Emergency preparedness and public heat: the lessons of hurricane sandy. The Journal of the American Medical Association. Web HYPERLINK “http://jama.jamanetwork.com/data/Journals/JAMA/926137/jvp120122_2569_2570.pdf.gif”http://jama.jamanetwork.com/data/Journals/JAMA/926137/jvp120122_2569_2570.pdf.gif on 4th April, 2014.