When a disaster strikes, whether natural or man-made, the first warriors on the field are the nurses, who manage to shield the community from the after-effects thereof. It is their training, skill, nursing course and dedication which make them great in times of crisis. In a country like India, where the frequency of floods, earthquakes, and cyclone disasters runs at a hectic pitch, knowing the role of nurses in disaster management becomes all the more imperative. Institutions such as Desun Nursing are on the leading front in preparing the nursing course and future lots of nurses to handle situations, keeping in mind the sensitivity of such situations.
Nurses: First Responders
The frontline of first responders comprises nurses. Their immediate response can save or doom an individual's life in a disaster. When the disaster occurs, the nurse will offer trauma care, critical care, and emotional support to the traumatised victims. Their ability to make quick judgments and to act based on the priority of a patient's medical needs can be life-saving. Still, as NDMA indicates, over 2000 Indian lives are saved every year because the first response team – and nurses, specifically – act quickly and efficiently – only in India (NDMA Report).
Education and Training
Preparedness is one of the most 'favorable' instruments of disaster management. The specific theory gives the impression that the education of nurses, through nursing course as they are provided in Desun Nursing – is indispensable for appropriate management of disasters. Such programs have modules specifically designed for emergency care, triage, and crisis management. This focused training equips nurses with the skills to handle high-pressure situations and make decisions quickly. In addition, they learn to operate in chaotic environments that are often under-resourced. Desun Nursing's nursing course puts a lot of focus on these, so graduates are well-equipped to deal with disaster conditions.
The nurses are an integral party in the organization among other organizations that are involved in disaster responses. Their medical capability assists in linking a gap that falls between disaster response organizations and medical workers. The nurses work together with doctors, paramedics, and volunteers in treating disaster victims. In most cases, they involve ensuring that medical treatments are coordinated, thus ensuring swift and effective medical delivery. According to Journal of Emergency Nursing, proper coordination between caregivers and the health facility staff may potentially increase patients' survival rates by almost 30% (Journal of Emergency Nursing ).
Community Health Nursing
During disaster management, the old adage of prevention is as good as cure is relevant. The services of nurses are also extensively used in the community health settings. Here, they educate the public and family members on how to prepare effectively for any impending disasters. The nurses brainwash the society against poor health habits, the need for proper first aid, and emergency procedures. Such proactive approach can reduce the impact of disasters on public health.
According to data obtained from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, disaster-related health problems have been reduced by 25% through community health education. This percentage was observed in the health and Family Welfare ministry data, which has been obtained from areas with functional educational programs.
Natural disasters do not inflict physical harm alone; they are financially and psychologically debilitating. In carrying out their duties, nurses are trained to deliver psychological first aid and emotional support. They enable the individual to overcome trauma and stress by delivering counseling and support services. Psychological first aid is a very important step for the overall well-being of affected individuals. In fact, research has indicated that timely psychological intervention can reduce PTSD symptoms by about 40% (American Psychological Association).
About Resource Management
Operative disaster management is also achieved with good medical supplies and resource management. The nurses, for one, usually have the responsibility to facilitate the dispensation of medicines, other medical equipment, and resources. The nurses assure effective utilization of supplies and that resources are diverted to where they are of must necessity. According to the World Health Organization, well-done resource management during disasters can increase general performance of the response efforts by up to 20% (World Health Organization).
Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation
After the acute response period, focus is held on the long-term care and recovery. Nurses provide services for the continuity of care for victims of disaster. This relates to the care of people in managing chronic conditions, rehabilitation- and rehabilitation-supportive care. Their continued care may be helpful in helping people to rebuild their life and health after a disaster. The National Institute for Disaster Management states that long-term care and rehabilitation are important parts of the recovery process of a community affected by a disaster.. .
Conclusion
The role of a nurse in disaster management cannot be underestimated. Their contributions, such as first-aid provision to psychological support, are very critical and indispensable in trying to manage the effects of the disaster on the population. Desun Nursing courses prepare the future nurses for these types of responsibilities with care and compassion. Their preparedness training will ensure that they will be better equipped to tackle the emerging challenges in disaster management and make a difference when it matters most. In a setting where natural and anthropogenic disasters are a felt recurrent that causes a high level of devastation, the most important ingredient to such a successful fire or flood response and recovery process is the professional knowledge and commitment of nurses.