Disaster Nursing Considerations

What is this article about?

There are important considerations when it comes to emergency nursing and disasters. Regardless of the cause of a disaster, whether natural or man-made, it is a catastrophic event that leads to great loss and destruction. Logue (1996) defines a disaster as ‘an event that causes excessive morbidity and mortality’, so it goes without saying that giving medical attention to the people involved is a priority. These events are often so devastating that the first response quickly becomes overwhelmed and a disaster is declared. This is the point at which nurses and other health professionals may be asked to volunteer and provide medical assistance.