First aid in disasters and Community Emergencies

First aid in disasters

Disasters are sudden, catastrophic events that disturb patterns of life in which there is possible loss of life and property in addition to multiple injuries.

The disasters means an adverse or unfortunate event or great and sudden misfortune. The common elements of any disaster are casualties, homeless person disturbance of sanitary facility, some degree of panic and need for emergency medical services.

Types of disaster

1.Natural disaster - Flood or drought, windstorm, (cyclone or hurricane) earthquake or volcanic eruption, epidemic

2.Man-made unintentional disasters: Fire, explosions, and

accidents of trains, aircraft or ships

3.Intentional disasters: Ordinary bombing, atomic bombing, biological warfare and chemical warfare

Responsibilities of Nurses in disaster

            During disaster the sick person need ingenuity, and the nurse should have imagination to utilize things that are available at hand.

            She should give constant observation and treatment to seriously wounded person to arrest the bleeding and should save the life.

            She should check the infection.

            She should maintain the sanitation and cleanliness

            She should arrange the initial examination and health checkup.

            Arrange for food facilities to the injured.

            Arrange them for clean drinking water.

Arrange for transportation.

            She should make arrangement to intimate the relative as early as possible.

Community Emergencies

            Fire explosion: It is the commonest disaster seen in the community.

            Flood : This disaster is commonly seen during the rainy season and the people loving near seas side or low lying areas

            Earthquakes : It occurs without prior significance

            Famine : Famine is the disaster caused by the nature.