ON DUTY, ON POINT: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES' COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Abstract

Disasters, defined by the World Health Organization as sudden ecological events of extraordinary magnitude necessitating external assistance, have persistently posed severe challenges to communities throughout history. The diversity, frequency, and detrimental consequences of these calamities have touched every facet of society. Recent years have witnessed a surge in disaster occurrences, notably meteorological, climatic, and geophysical events, as indicated in the 2018 World Disaster Report. Given the heightened incidence and devastating impact of these disasters, a critical need exists for every nation to establish dynamic and accessible disaster management plans. Effective disaster management encompasses a range of activities, from pre-disaster needs assessment to post-disaster recovery efforts, including risk analysis and damage mitigation. This includes addressing the healthcare, housing, clean water, food, and safety requirements of affected individuals. Such preparedness necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration, involving healthcare professionals, security forces, fire brigades, and emergency rescue teams, to develop a dynamic, community-focused, and solution-oriented disaster management strategy. In the aftermath of disasters, the affected population faces significant challenges, such as loss of life, injuries, disabilities, and disease outbreaks. The role of healthcare professionals becomes paramount. However, empirical evidence from various national and international hospital-based studies underscores a concerning inadequacy in the preparedness of both health institutions and professionals, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive and effective disaster preparedness measures