Disaster Nursing Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

​ •​ Document client responses and nursing care services rendered during disasters.

​ •​ Apply techno-intelligent care in disaster risk reduction and management.

​ •​ Given a simulated situation, Level IV students will:

​ •​ Demonstrate knowledge of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

1. Disaster and Risk Management Plan

A structured approach to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

2. Incident Response Team (IRT)

A team of professionals trained to respond to emergency situations such as natural

disasters, security breaches, cyberattacks, or critical incidents.

Roles and Responsibilities

1.​ Incident Commander (IC) - Leads and manages the entire incident response.

​ •​ Oversees coordination of all IRT actions.

​ •​ Makes high-level decisions and prioritizes actions.

​ •​ Ensures communication with stakeholders, authorities, and the public.

​ •​ Ensures response aligns with established plans and policies.

2.​ Operations Manager - Manages operational response aspects.

​ •​ Coordinates on-the-ground activities.

​ •​ Deploys teams for containment, mitigation, and recovery.

​ •​ Ensures timely execution of tactical response actions.

3.​ Logistics Manager - Oversees supply and logistical support.

​ •​ Ensures availability of resources, equipment, and materials.

​ •​ Arranges transportation, shelter, and food supplies.

​ •​ Monitors resource distribution.

4.​ Public Information Officer (PIO) - Manages public and media communication.

​ •​ Prepares and distributes press releases and updates.

​ •​ Acts as a spokesperson for media inquiries.

​ •​ Ensures accurate and timely dissemination of information.

5.​ Safety Officer - Ensures the safety of all personnel involved in response efforts.

​ •​ Identifies and assesses risks and hazards.

​ •​ Implements safety protocols for IRT members and affected populations.

​ •​ Monitors safety conditions and adjusts operations as needed.

6.​ Legal and Compliance Officer - Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and
protocols.

​ •​ Advises on legal aspects, such as liability and data privacy.

​ •​ Reviews regulatory requirements and documentation needs.

7.​ Intelligence and Security Officer - Focuses on maintaining security of the response
area.

​ •​ Gathers and analyzes incident-related information.

​ •​ Monitors security threats and coordinates with law enforcement.

8.​ Technical and IT Support - Provides technical expertise in managing IT-related

incidents.

​ •​ Ensures communication and data systems are functional.

​ •​ Manages IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.

9.​ Recovery and Continuity Officer - Focuses on long-term recovery efforts.

​ •​ Coordinates restoration of operations and resources.

​ •​ Assesses long-term disaster impacts.

​ •​ Develops post-incident review and improvement plans.

10.​ Resource Manager - Manages financial, human, and material resources.

​ •​ Identifies resource needs and coordinates supply procurement.

​ •​ Tracks resource use and ensures efficient allocation.

11.​ Incident Documentation Officer - Responsible for documenting all response efforts.

​ •​ Records incident details, actions taken, and outcomes.

​ •​ Maintains legal and regulatory records.

​ •​ Prepares reports for stakeholders and government authorities.

3. Disaster Management Response

Includes the immediate actions taken to protect lives, reduce damage, and support recovery
efforts.

Vulnerable Groups

Populations at higher risk during disasters due to physical, social, or economic conditions.

Examples:

​ •​ Children – Need protection, healthcare, and education.

​ •​ Elderly – May have mobility limitations or chronic illnesses.

​ •​ People with Disabilities – Require assistive devices and special evacuation

procedures.

​ •​ Pregnant Women – Need maternal healthcare services.

​ •​ Economically Disadvantaged – Often live in high-risk areas with fewer

resources.

​ •​ Indigenous Communities – Face cultural and geographic barriers in accessing

disaster relief.

Response Strategies:
​ •​ Provide targeted assistance such as food, shelter, and medical aid.

​ •​ Establish child-friendly spaces and maternal healthcare services.

​ •​ Ensure evacuation plans are accessible to all.

​ •​ Engage the community to assess and address specific needs.

4. Health Hazard Report

Identifies risks to public health following a disaster.

Components:

​ •​ Environmental Hazards

​ •​ Contaminated water sources → risk of cholera and dysentery.

​ •​ Exposure to hazardous chemicals.

​ •​ Disease Outbreaks

​ •​ Increased risk of communicable diseases in evacuation centers.

​ •​ Vector-borne diseases (malaria, leptospirosis) due to stagnant water.

​ •​ Injury and Trauma

​ •​ Physical injuries from collapsing structures.

​ •​ Psychological impacts (stress, anxiety, PTSD).

Response Actions:

​ •​ Conduct rapid health assessments.

​ •​ Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

​ •​ Deploy medical teams for emergency care.

​ •​ Distribute essential medicines and vaccines.

​ •​ Implement mental health and psychosocial support.

5. Casualty Report

Documents the number and condition of individuals affected by a disaster.

Components:

​ •​ Fatalities – Number of deaths recorded.

​ •​ Injuries – Types and severity of injuries.

​ •​ Missing Persons – Individuals unaccounted for.

​ •​ Displaced Individuals – People forced to evacuate their homes.

Response Actions:

​ •​ Conduct search and rescue operations.

​ •​ Establish medical triage centers.

​ •​ Document and verify casualty data.

​ •​ Communicate casualty updates to the public and authorities.

6. Disaster Recovery Activity Summary

Focuses on rebuilding and restoring normalcy after a disaster.

Special Populations Needing Attention

​ •​ Displaced Populations – Require long-term shelter and livelihood programs.

​ •​ Migrants and Transients – Need tailored recovery plans.

​ •​ Indigenous Peoples – Require culturally sensitive recovery efforts.

​ •​ Cross-Border Communities – Require interregional aid coordination.

Strategies for Recovery

​ •​ Interregional Coordination – Ensures seamless disaster aid.

​ •​ Specialized Support – Addresses unique social and economic needs.

​ •​ Resource Allocation – Distributes aid fairly.

7. Outbreak Surveillance Report

Monitors diseases after a disaster to prevent epidemics.

Components:

​ •​ Disease Monitoring – Tracks cases of communicable diseases.

​ •​ Affected Areas – Identifies high-risk zones.

​ •​ Demographics – Identifies at-risk populations.

Response Strategies:

​ •​ Health Surveillance Systems – Collect real-time disease data.

​ •​ Early Warning Systems – Alert authorities about outbreaks.

​ •​ Preventive Measures – Vaccinations, sanitation kits, clean water access.

8. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Team Report

Evaluates response effectiveness and identifies areas for improvement.

Components:

​ •​ Recovery Activities – Rebuilding, livelihood support, mental health aid.

​ •​ Performance Evaluation – Assesses disaster response strategies.

​ •​ Community Feedback – Involves affected populations in evaluations.

​ •​ Resource Utilization – Tracks aid distribution.

Effective Reporting Strategies:

​ •​ Transparency – Honest reporting of successes and failures.

​ •​ Stakeholder Collaboration – Engages government and NGOs.

​ •​ Recommendations – Proposes future disaster preparedness measures.

9. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

​ •​ Serves as the government body responsible for coordinating disaster response

and preparedness in the Philippines.

​ •​ Acts as the President’s adviser on disaster preparedness programs, disaster

operations, and rehabilitation efforts by both the government and the private sector.

Preparedness

Definition:

​ •​ Preparedness is based on sound analysis of disaster risks, early warning

systems, contingency planning, stockpiling of equipment and supplies, coordinated evacuation
plans, and associated training and field exercises.

Readiness:

​ •​ Refers to the ability to quickly and appropriately respond when required.

Role of NDRRMC:

​ •​ Advises on disaster preparedness programs and coordinates with member

agencies who carry out tasks in prevention, mitigation, response, and rehabilitation.

Situational Reporting in NDRRMC

Dashboard Information:

​ •​ Provides current weather conditions, forecast rainfall, and identifies watercourses

likely affected by floods.

​ •​ Utilizes data from DOST-PAGASA, which is responsible for weather forecasting

in the Philippines.

Preparedness Measures:
​ •​ In partnership with local government units (LGUs), the NDRRMC conducts
disaster preparedness programs aimed at reducing loss of life and property during typhoons,
floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

​ •​ Measures include risk assessments, community evacuation plans, and early

warning systems.

Examples of Situational Reports:

​ 1.​ Typhoon and Flood Reports:

​ •​ Detail the massive damage to infrastructure, homes, and crops.

​ •​ Report casualties, displacement, and disruptions in vital services like electricity

and water supply.

​ 2.​ Volcanic Eruptions:

​ •​ Preparedness Measures: Monitoring by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology

and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); regular updates of evacuation plans for communities in volcanic
danger zones; public awareness programs about volcanic hazards (ashfall, lava flow, pyroclastic
flows).

​ •​ Effects: Ashfall affecting air quality and transportation; lava flows and pyroclastic
surges causing property and infrastructure damage; recovery and rehabilitation assistance by
the NDRRMC.

​ 3.​ Earthquakes:

​ •​ Preparedness Measures: Seismic monitoring by PHIVOLCS; earthquake drills;

building reinforcements; public education campaigns.

​ •​ Effects: Structural damage, landslides, tsunamis; loss of life and property;

detailed NDRRMC reports on earthquake magnitude, location, and impact.

Additional Weather Forecasting (PAGASA)

PAGASA-DOST Functions:

​ •​ Maintains a nationwide network for observation and forecasting of weather

conditions affecting safety, welfare, and the economy.

​ •​ Conducts surface and upper-air observations using instruments (barometers,

wind vanes, etc.), satellites, and RADAR data.
​ •​ Processes and analyzes data to formulate reliable weather forecasts based on
the movement and development of weather systems.

​ •​ Disseminates forecasts and warning bulletins through multiple communication

channels.

References for Further Study:

​ •​ Final Reports and SitReps from NDRRMC for Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake in
Tayum, Abra (2022).

​ •​ Situational Report for Taal Volcano Phreatomagmatic Eruption (2022).

​ •​ Combined Effects of TCs (Kristine and Leon, 2024).

​ •​ Official websites for PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

10. Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED)

​ •​ Overview:

​ •​ A research center that studies the impact of disasters on populations to improve

disaster response and risk reduction.

​ •​ Functions:

​ •​ Provides data on public health during mass emergencies.

​ •​ Manages the EM-DAT database, quantifying the human and economic impacts of
disasters.

​ •​ Promotes research, training, and technical expertise in humanitarian

emergencies.

11. Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)

Overview:

​ •​ One of the oldest government agencies, a line bureau of the Department of

Health (DOH).

​ •​ Mandated to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases and

emerging health threats.
Key Functions:

​ •​ Conducts medical examinations for foreign travelers and overseas Filipinos.

​ •​ Issues the Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination) recognized by the

World Health Organization (WHO).