Disaster Management and Preparedness

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Questions and Answers

What are the three main types of disaster classifications documented?

Natural disasters, Man-Made disasters, Infectious disease

Warning, Impact, Isolation

Floods, Hurricanes, Earthquakes

Multiple-patient incident, Multiple-casualty incident, Mass casualty incident (correct)

What is a disaster defined as according to the text?

An event of immense destructive force that can cause displacement, separation of families, damage or destruction of homes and injury or death.

The term "MCI/MCE" is an older term that has been replaced by "disaster" because of its potential for a larger number of victims during certain types of disasters.

False

Which of these events is NOT considered a Man-Made disaster?

Wildfires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disaster phase where damage occurs and outside help arrives?

Isolation Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym RAIN stand for in "RAIN system in Obtains information on threat"?

Recognizing the hazard or threat, Avoid the hazard or injury, Isolate the hazard area, Notify appropriate support Signup and view all the answers

Match the following disaster triage colors with their corresponding levels of severity:

Red = Immediate Yellow = Delayed Green = Minimal Black = Deceased Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Incident Commander in a disaster response?

To lead and direct all facility mobilization and response to an emergency, ensuring that the entire response is carried out effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that determines if a disaster is present?

The availability of resources Signup and view all the answers

In a disaster, resources are always available to meet the needs of the victims.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Logistics Section Chief in the ICS (Incident Command System) framework?

They organize and direct the operations related to maintaining the physical environment during a disaster, including food, shelter, and supplies. Signup and view all the answers

What specific task does the Security Section Chief undertake during a disaster response?

They coordinate all security operations, including securing hospital entrances and exits and controlling traffic flow. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT typically recommended during a hurricane?

Staying at home to protect your property Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary concerns for a disaster response in the case of a fire?

The primary concerns are structural failures, especially in populated areas, and the potential for the spread of fire to other locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that differentiates a multiple-patient incident from a mass casualty incident?

The number of casualties Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disaster Definitions

A disaster is a destructive event causing widespread disruption, injury, or death.
It disrupts people's lives, separates families, and damages or destroys homes.
Mass Casualty Incident/Event (MCI/MCE) is a more recent term replacing "disaster".
MCI/MCE refers to events potentially causing many casualties.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A tool for effective management of emergency situations.
ICS organizes personnel, facilities, equipment, and communication for emergency situations.

Disaster Preparedness

Activities to minimize disaster damage.
Activities to improve disaster response and prepare organizations and individuals for response.

Disaster Types

Natural disasters—include floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, tsunamis, wildfires, and epidemics.
Man-made disasters—include fires, building collapses, transportation accidents, hazardous materials releases, explosions, and acts of domestic terrorism.
Infectious diseases—include any infectious biological agent or events such as pandemics, or outbreaks of new or emerging infectious diseases.

Disaster Phases

Warning: Recognizing the likelihood of danger.
Impact: The event causing damage.
Isolation: The period between the impact and outside help arriving.
Rescue: External assistance becomes available.
Restoration: Emergency operations lessen until normal functions resume.
Normal operation: All functions return to their usual state.

Components of Disaster Preparedness

Information gathering on potential threats.
Planning (such as hospital emergency preparedness plans).
Drills and exercises.
Training and education.
Evaluation.

RAIN System for Threat Assessment

R: Recognizing the hazard/threat.
A: Avoiding the hazard/injury.
I: Isolating the hazard area.
N: Notifying appropriate support.

Color-Coded Triage System

Immediate (red): Urgent care needed.
Delayed (yellow): Can wait for treatment.
Minimal (green): Minor injuries.
Deceased (black): Deceased.

Incident Command System (ICS) - Personnel and Functions

Command center: Central hub managing the facility mobilization/response to emergencies.
Incident commander: Directs all facility response and ensuring effective execution of the response.
Command Center Recorder: Records incidents and other required details.
Logistics Section Chief: Organizes sufficient supplies (food, shelter, etc).
Nursing Section Chief: Coordinates nursing and direct patient care.
Medical Director: Oversees collection, credentialing, and support for medical staff.
Security Section Chief: Manages security operations in support of the disaster.
Facilities Management & Development Section Chief: Maintains and repairs essential utilities (power, water, etc).
Finance Administrator: Monitors financial resources required in the emergency.
Ancillary Service Section Chief: Supports the optimal functioning of ancillary services.

Disaster Classification (Based on casualties)

Multiple-patient incident: Fewer than 10 casualties; typically managed by a single hospital.
Multiple-casualty incident: 100 or fewer casualties; potentially requiring multiple hospitals.
Mass casualty incident (MCI): More than 100 casualties; significantly strains existing healthcare resources, and usually requires multiple hospitals and significant support.

Causes and Safety Precautions for Specific Disasters

Floods: Drowning, waterborne diseases, injuries. Safety tips: listen to alerts, avoid flooded areas, protect belongings.
Hurricanes/Storms: Drowning, injuries, lacerations, burns, and conditions, animal bites. Safety tips: secure your home, bring inside loose items, stay indoors, listen to instructions.
Earthquakes: Crush injuries, lacerations, contusions, fractures, pneumothorax, ruptures spleen, liver laceration, and inhalation injuries. Safety tips: listen for unusual sounds, be near a stream, flow instructions.
Terrorist attacks: Inhalation injury, ocular injury, or both, and chemical terrorism. Safety tips: Follow instructions, close doors and windows, turn off air conditioners, go to higher ground.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in disaster management including definitions of disasters, the Incident Command System (ICS), and types of disasters. It also addresses the importance of disaster preparedness activities to reduce impact and improve response efforts. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects of managing emergencies.