NLE Disaster Nursing & Crisis Response — Disaster Nursing & Emergency PreparednessCheat Sheet
Cheat sheet for NLE Disaster Nursing & Crisis Response — Disaster Nursing & Emergency Preparedness. Compact, printable, and organised around the concepts Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing tests most frequently in the NLE 2026. Perfect for the week before exam day.
Exam context
For the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing tests Disaster Nursing & Crisis Response under a "Core" label, with Disaster Nursing & Emergency Preparedness in the 1st slot across 1 chapters. NLE candidates must clear the 75% weighted average with no sub-test below 60% cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 50 Disaster Nursing & Crisis Response questions. Date to watch: Bi-annual.
Disaster Nursing & Emergency Preparedness - Cheat Sheet
Your last-minute rapid-fire reference for disaster nursing, mass-casualty triage (START), CBRN events, Philippine DRRM law, and psychological first aid. This sheet covers every exam-critical concept condensed for final review.
Sections
Section Title
Disaster Definitions & Classifications
Important Facts
- Disaster care goal: GREATEST GOOD FOR GREATEST NUMBER (population focus) — opposite of routine care (individual focus).
- Philippines is one of the world's most disaster-prone nations (Ring of Fire + typhoon belt).
- Routine triage: sickest first. Disaster triage: salvageable first (RED before BLACK).
Key Definitions
Term
Disaster
Example
Typhoon Haiyan (2013), Manila earthquake (2012), Cagayan de Oro flood (2011) — all exceeded regional response capacity.
Definition
An event overwhelming local resources and capacity, causing damage, destruction, and human suffering.
Term
Natural Disaster
Example
The Philippines experiences ~20 typhoons/year; sits on Pacific Ring of Fire.
Definition
Disasters caused by natural phenomena — typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, landslides, droughts.
Term
Man-made / Technological Disaster
Example
Warehouse fires in Metro Manila, jeepney/bus accidents, industrial explosions.
Definition
Disasters caused by human action or industrial/technological failure — fires, chemical spills, transport crashes, structural collapse, terrorism, armed conflict.
Term
Mass-Casualty Incident (MCI)
Example
Stampede, plane crash, building collapse — overwhelms single hospital's ED.
Definition
Sudden event producing large numbers of casualties exceeding local emergency services capacity.
Diagrams To Know
- Four phases of disaster management cycle
- START triage decision tree
- CBRN event classification
Section Title
Four Phases of Disaster Management
Important Facts
- Phases flow: Mitigation → Preparedness → Response → Recovery → (back to Mitigation for next threat).
- Mitigation + Preparedness = PROACTIVE (before). Response = REACTIVE (during). Recovery = LONG-TERM (after).
- Recovery is the LONGEST phase and feeds lessons back into mitigation.
- Nurse roles span all four phases: planning, education, direct care, and community rebuilding.
Key Definitions
Term
Mitigation
Example
Seismic-resistant building design, early-warning systems, hazard-vulnerability analysis of health facilities.
Definition
BEFORE disaster: actions to prevent or reduce impact (hazard mapping, building codes, land-use planning, public education, flood control, mangrove projects).
Term
Preparedness
Example
Hospital disaster drill, barangay evacuation plan, family emergency kit with water/food/meds/documents.
Definition
BEFORE disaster: planning and readiness (develop disaster plans, conduct drills, train responders, stockpile supplies, establish warning systems, prepare go-bags).
Term
Response
Example
First 72 hours post-disaster: rescue operations, emergency treatment, establishing evacuation centres.
Definition
DURING & IMMEDIATELY AFTER: save lives, prevent further harm (activate plan, search/rescue, triage, treatment, evacuation, shelter, meet survival needs).
Term
Recovery
Example
6 months to years: rebuilding schools/homes, mental health counselling, disease surveillance post-flood.
Definition
AFTER response (longest phase): restore community to normal/improved functioning (rebuild infrastructure, restore services, ongoing health care, surveillance, lessons learned).
Diagrams To Know
- Disaster management cycle showing all four phases
- Timeline of activities in each phase
Common Values
Value
>30 breaths/min
Symbol
RR
Quantity
Respiratory rate threshold for RED
Value
>2 seconds
Symbol
Cap refill
Quantity
Capillary refill threshold for RED
Value
<60 seconds
Symbol
t
Quantity
Time limit per victim in START
Section Title
START Triage — Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment
Important Facts
- First step: AMBULATION — call everyone who can walk to move to safe area. All walkers → GREEN (initial), re-triage later.
- For non-walkers: assess in STRICT ORDER: Respirations → Perfusion → Mental status (RPM). Do not skip or reorder.
- Respirations: If NOT breathing, OPEN AIRWAY. If still nothing → BLACK. If breathing only after airway opening OR RR>30 → RED. If RR≤30 → proceed to Perfusion.
- Perfusion: Check RADIAL PULSE or CAPILLARY REFILL. If radial absent OR cap refill >2 seconds → RED (control major bleeding). Otherwise → proceed to Mental status.
- Mental status: Give simple command ('squeeze my hand'). If CANNOT follow → RED. If CAN follow → YELLOW.
- In mass-casualty: RED (salvageable) treated BEFORE BLACK (expectant) — reverses everyday instinct where sickest go first.
- Re-triage frequently — conditions change; a YELLOW can become RED; a BLACK may be misclassified.
- Goal of START: assess each victim in <60 seconds to assign category, not detailed treatment.
Key Definitions
Term
START Triage
Example
In a typhoon collapse: 300 people trapped; assess walking ability, then RPM for non-walkers; tag RED/YELLOW/GREEN/BLACK.
Definition
Rapid systematic assessment of each victim in <60 seconds using RPM (Respirations, Perfusion, Mental status) to assign colour-coded priority categories.
Term
RED (Priority 1 — Immediate)
Example
Patient gasping, radial pulse absent, cannot squeeze your hand → RED. Treat FIRST in mass-casualty setting.
Definition
Life-threatening but SALVAGEABLE injuries needing intervention NOW. RR>30, no radial pulse, cap refill>2s, cannot follow commands, airway compromise, uncontrolled major bleed, shock.
Term
YELLOW (Priority 2 — Delayed)
Example
Patient with fractured femur, conscious, breathing normally, perfusion intact → YELLOW. Treat after all REDs.
Definition
Serious but STABLE injuries; can wait without threat to life/limb. Stable fractures, moderate burns without airway involvement.
Term
GREEN (Priority 3 — Minor)
Example
Patient walks to safe area, minor cuts/bruises, normal cognition → GREEN. Self-triage by ability to walk.
Definition
Walking wounded; minor injuries; can wait longest and often help others. All who ambulate at scene.
Term
BLACK (Priority 4 — Expectant/Deceased)
Example
No respiratory effort after airway opening, severe crushing injuries incompatible with life → BLACK. Comfort measures; pain relief if conscious.
Definition
Dead or injuries so severe survival unlikely even with maximal care; comfort care only. Resources NOT expended here to save salvageable (RED) victims.
Diagrams To Know
- START decision tree flowchart (Ambulation → RPM sequence)
- START colour-coding chart with vital sign thresholds
Common Values
Value
Nerve agent antidotes
Symbol
Chem antidote
Quantity
Atropine + Pralidoxime
Value
Blocks thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine
Symbol
Rad protection
Quantity
Potassium iodide
Section Title
CBRN Events — Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
Important Facts
- CBRN priorities: PROTECT THE RESPONDER FIRST (PPE) — an incapacitated nurse helps no one.
- DECONTAMINATE BEFORE entry to hospital/treatment area (except immediate life threats).
- Chemical: rapid onset, decontamination + atropine + pralidoxime (nerve agent antidotes).
- Biological: delayed onset, recognized by illness clusters, treat with isolation + antibiotics/antivirals + vaccination.
- Radiological/Nuclear: radiation protection = TIME (minimize exposure), DISTANCE (maximize from source), SHIELDING (barriers). Potassium iodide blocks thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine-131.
- Follow INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE for coordination.
- Decontamination generally precedes definitive treatment EXCEPT for immediately life-threatening injuries (airway, uncontrolled haemorrhage).
Key Definitions
Term
Chemical Event
Example
Nerve agent (sarin) exposure → immediate muscle paralysis, respiratory distress. Antidote: atropine + pralidoxime (2-PAM). Decontaminate BEFORE hospital entry.
Definition
Release of toxic agents (nerve agents: sarin; blister agents; choking agents; blood agents: cyanide). Rapid onset. Treat: decontamination, remove clothing, copious water irrigation, antidote administration.
Term
Biological Event
Example
Anthrax spore release → detected days later by fever/respiratory symptoms in clustered cases. Isolate, start antibiotics, report to DOH.
Definition
Release of pathogens/toxins (anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism). DELAYED onset (incubation period). Recognize by unusual illness clusters. Treat: isolation, infection control, prophylaxis/vaccination, public health reporting.
Term
Radiological Event
Example
Dirty bomb at port → radioactive dust spread. Remove from area, strip contaminated clothing, shower with water, administer potassium iodide.
Definition
Dispersal of radioactive material (dirty bomb). Contamination of people, environment. Treat: decontamination, removal from source, potassium iodide (protects thyroid from radioactive iodine).
Term
Nuclear Event
Example
Nuclear explosion → immediate blast injuries, thermal burns, radiation exposure. Prioritize airway/bleeding; move to shelter; provide iodine.
Definition
Nuclear detonation causing blast, thermal, and radiation injury. Treat: survive blast/thermal first; then radiation effects; decontamination; time-distance-shielding principles; potassium iodide.
Diagrams To Know
- CBRN classification and response algorithm
- Decontamination sequence (clothing removal → water shower → drying)
- Radiation protection triangle: time-distance-shielding
Section Title
Philippine Legal & System Framework
Important Facts
- RA 10121 (2010) = SHIFT from reactive to proactive DRRM.
- NDRRMC created by RA 10121; mandatory DRRM councils from national → regional → provincial → municipal → barangay level.
- ICS provides unified command structure; nurses operate within ICS framework.
- DOH leads health response; works with DSWD (social welfare), DND (military/security), local government.
- Nurse roles: pre-disaster planning/education, community preparedness, response (shelters, triage, treatment), recovery (health surveillance, mental health support).
- Family/community preparedness = foundational; nurses teach families to prepare disaster go-bags and evacuation plans.
Key Definitions
Term
RA 9173 — Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
Example
Nurses must possess disaster nursing competence per RA 9173; licensure exam (NLE) tests this.
Definition
Law regulating nursing practice in the Philippines; defines scope, standards, licensing; mandates competence in health emergencies including disasters (relevant for NLE).
Term
RA 10121 — Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010
Example
Post-2010, Philippines now emphasizes mitigation/preparedness (not just response). Every barangay must have disaster plan.
Definition
Landmark law shifting policy from reactive disaster RESPONSE to proactive disaster RISK REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT (DRRM). Created NDRRMC; mandates DRRM councils at all levels.
Term
NDRRMC — National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
Example
NDRRMC activates national response plan, coordinates DOH, DSWD, DND, local government during major disaster.
Definition
Highest coordinating body for DRRM in the Philippines; heads disaster response at national level; chaired by executive official.
Term
Incident Command System (ICS)
Example
In Typhoon response: ICS defines roles (Incident Commander, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance); nurses report to Health branch.
Definition
Standardized command-and-control structure organizing responding agencies (health, fire, police, military, civilian) under unified command during disaster.
Term
DOH — Department of Health
Example
DOH Health Emergency Management Office coordinates medical response; releases guidelines for hospital surge capacity.
Definition
Leads health-sector disaster response through Health Emergency Management systems and pre-positioned response teams.
Diagrams To Know
- ICS organizational structure (Incident Commander hierarchy)
- DRRM council levels (national to barangay)
- Roles of DOH, DSWD, DND in disaster response
Section Title
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Important Facts
- PFA = Look, Listen, Link (NOT therapy, NOT debriefing, NOT forcing trauma narrative).
- Look: Observe for safety, urgent needs, those in severe distress.
- Listen: Approach, ask about needs, listen without judgment, help person feel calm.
- Link: Connect to basic needs (water, food, shelter), accurate information, loved ones, social supports, professional help if needed.
- PFA principles: SAFETY first, then CALMING, build SELF- & COMMUNITY-EFFICACY, foster CONNECTEDNESS & HOPE.
- Routine psychological debriefing (forcing recall/emotion processing early) is NO LONGER RECOMMENDED.
- Meet basic needs BEFORE psychological work; a hungry, homeless survivor cannot focus on emotions.
- Responder mental health matters: fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma → manage with peer support, rest, debriefing (for responders, not victims).
- Identify severe reactions (suicidal ideation, psychosis, severe dissociation) → immediate professional mental health referral.
Key Definitions
Term
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Example
After earthquake, nurse approaches distressed survivor, listens without forcing trauma talk, helps find water/reunites with family, provides mental health referral — PFA.
Definition
Immediate psychosocial support after disaster; NOT formal therapy. Core actions: LOOK, LISTEN, LINK. Promotes safety, calm, self/community-efficacy, connectedness, hope.
Term
Acute Stress Reaction
Example
Survivor of collapse experiences panic, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating in first 48 hours post-rescue — acute stress.
Definition
Immediate psychological response to trauma (fear, confusion, hypervigilance, numbness, trembling); normal after disaster; usually resolves in days to weeks.
Term
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Example
Survivor still having nightmares, panic attacks, social withdrawal 3 months post-disaster → refer for PTSD assessment/treatment.
Definition
Prolonged (>1 month) maladaptive response to trauma with re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood changes, hyperarousal; requires professional mental health care.
Diagrams To Know
- PFA sequence: Look → Listen → Link with component actions
- Hierarchy of needs in disaster: safety → basic needs → psychosocial support
Section Title
Nursing Management & Priority Interventions
Important Facts
- Scene safety & PPE = FIRST — do not rush in.
- Triage rapidly using START; assign colour tags; do detailed assessment AFTER initial sorting.
- RED (salvageable, life-threatening) = FIRST priority for treatment in mass-casualty (opposite of routine care).
- Black (expectant, non-salvageable) = comfort care; resources reserved for salvageable patients.
- Address airway obstruction, severe respiratory distress, uncontrolled major haemorrhage, shock in RED victims FIRST.
- Re-triage frequently; conditions change; document tag changes.
- CBRN: decontaminate BEFORE hospital entry (except immediate life threats).
- Establish shelters with SAFE WATER, sanitation, infection control, communicable-disease surveillance (dengue, leptospirosis post-flood).
- Vulnerable groups in shelters: children, pregnant women, elderly, chronically ill — require extra monitoring.
- Document & communicate within ICS command structure.
- Support recovery phase: ongoing medical care, mental health services, disease surveillance, community rebuilding.
Key Definitions
Term
Scene Safety & Personal Protection
Example
Chemical leak scene: wait for decontamination teams, wear hazmat suit, respirator; do not enter until safe.
Definition
First priority: assess scene for hazards; use appropriate PPE (mask, gown, gloves, eye protection); do NOT enter unsafe scene; do NOT become a casualty.
Term
Primary Survey (Disaster Context)
Example
RED victim: open airway if apneic → if breathing resumes → control major bleeding → transport to ED.
Definition
In mass-casualty, prioritize AIRWAY (open if needed), BREATHING (RR, O₂ sat), CIRCULATION (radial pulse, cap refill, major bleed control) for RED victims.
Term
Triage & Re-triage
Example
YELLOW victim with stable fracture may deteriorate (shock) → re-classify to RED; prioritize for treatment.
Definition
Rapidly classify all victims using START; re-triage frequently (every 15–30 min) as conditions change; victim may shift from YELLOW to RED or BLACK.
Term
Decontamination (CBRN)
Example
Suspected chemical exposure: decontaminate at scene/field station BEFORE hospital entry; prevents secondary contamination of staff/facilities.
Definition
Remove/isolate contaminated people BEFORE hospital/clinic entry; strip clothing, irrigate with copious water, dry, don clean clothing.
Diagrams To Know
- Primary survey in disaster context (ABC priority)
- Shelter operations: water-sanitation-disease surveillance-vulnerable population care
- Documentation in mass-casualty (triage tag, patient tracking)
Common Values
Value
~3-4 litres
Symbol
H₂O
Quantity
Minimum water per person for 3 days
Section Title
Patient & Family Education / Preparedness
Important Facts
- Teach families to PREPARE — go-bag, communication plan, evacuation knowledge.
- Go-bag essentials: 3-day water (minimum), non-perishable food, prescription medications, first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, important documents, whistle.
- Family communication plan: designate out-of-area contact (often easier when local lines down); meeting place if separated.
- Know local warning signals: PAG-ASA typhoon warnings (yellow/orange/red), earthquake response (drop-cover-hold), flooding (evacuation order).
- Post-disaster health protection: BOIL or CHEMICALLY TREAT water; practice hand hygiene; prevent mosquito breeding (dengue, leptospirosis risk after floods); recognize when to seek care.
- Normalize stress reactions after disaster (fear, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, grief); teach basic coping (breathing, grounding, routines).
- Provide mental health referral info for severe/prolonged reactions.
- Community preparedness is foundational — families prepared = less burden on emergency services, faster recovery.
Key Definitions
Term
Disaster Go-Bag / Emergency Kit
Example
Family of 4: 12 L water, canned food, 1-month medications, insurance cards, passports, battery radio, matches in waterproof bag.
Definition
Prepared bag/kit with essentials for family survival during/after disaster: water (3 days), non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, copies of important documents, whistle.
Term
Family Communication & Meeting Plan
Example
If phone lines down: meet at school gate (landmark known to all); contact out-of-area relative as relay point.
Definition
Pre-arranged method for family members to contact each other and meeting location if separated during disaster.
Term
Evacuation Route & Centre Knowledge
Example
Family practices evacuating to municipal gymnasium; knows typhoon warning flag colors (yellow → orange → red alert).
Definition
Family knows local evacuation routes, warning signals, and nearest evacuation centre location; practiced route.
Diagrams To Know
- Go-bag contents checklist
- Family communication & evacuation plan template
- Post-disaster health protection measures
Must Remember
Fact
Disaster Nursing Goal = GREATEST GOOD FOR GREATEST NUMBER. This shifts triage completely: RED (salvageable) is treated BEFORE BLACK (expectant), reversing routine care where sickest (most unstable) go first.
Rank
1
Fact
START Triage Parameters in STRICT ORDER = RPM: Respirations (RR>30 or only after airway opening → RED; no breathing after airway → BLACK) → Perfusion (radial pulse absent OR cap refill >2 sec → RED) → Mental status (cannot follow command → RED; can follow → YELLOW). Do NOT skip or reorder.
Rank
2
Fact
START Sequence: (1) Call ambulation — everyone who can walk → GREEN, move to safe area. (2) For non-walkers, assess RPM in order. Each victim <60 sec. Tag with colour. Simple & fast, not detailed assessment.
Rank
3
Fact
Four Phases of Disaster Management in ORDER: Mitigation (prevent/reduce impact BEFORE) → Preparedness (plan/ready BEFORE) → Response (save lives DURING/immediately after) → Recovery (restore community AFTER; longest phase). Cycle repeats.
Rank
4
Fact
RA 10121 (Philippine DRRM Act 2010) = LANDMARK LAW shifting policy from reactive response to proactive RISK REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT. Created NDRRMC; mandates DRRM councils at all levels (national to barangay). This is HIGH-YIELD for NLE.
Rank
5
Fact
CBRN Priorities: (1) PROTECT RESPONDER FIRST (PPE — incapacitated nurse helps no one). (2) DECONTAMINATE BEFORE hospital entry (except immediate life threats). (3) Nerve agent antidote = Atropine + Pralidoxime. Radioactive iodine protection = Potassium Iodide.
Rank
6
Fact
Psychological First Aid = LOOK, LISTEN, LINK. NOT therapy, NOT debriefing. Promotes safety, calm, self/community-efficacy, connectedness, hope. Meet basic needs FIRST (water, food, shelter) before psychosocial work.
Rank
7
Fact
Radiation Protection = TIME (minimize exposure), DISTANCE (maximize from source), SHIELDING (barriers). These three principles determine survival in radiological/nuclear events.
Rank
8
Fact
Incident Command System (ICS) = Standardized unified command structure organizing all responder agencies (health, fire, police, military, civilian) during disaster. Nurses operate within ICS framework; know your command chain.
Rank
9
Fact
Family Disaster Preparedness = Go-bag (3-day water, food, meds, documents), communication plan (out-of-area contact, meeting place), evacuation routes/centre knowledge. Nurse responsibility: teach families. Prepared families = less emergency burden.
Rank
10
Last Minute Tips
Tip
START Triage: Memorize the COLOUR ORDER by priority: RED (1st, salvageable) → YELLOW (2nd, stable) → GREEN (3rd, walking) → BLACK (4th, expectant). On exam, if you see 'most severely injured not treated first,' think DISASTER TRIAGE (not routine care). Know RPM order cold: check respirations FIRST; if ok, check perfusion; if ok, check mental status. No exceptions.
Tip
RA 10121 vs Routine Emergency Law: RA 9173 governs nursing practice; RA 10121 (2010) specifically governs disaster RISK REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT (DRRM). If asked 'What law mandates DRRM councils?', answer RA 10121, NOT RA 9173. This is a common NLE trap.
Tip
Disaster Care Goal vs Routine Care Goal: On exam, watch for phrases like 'allocate resources to save the MOST lives' or 'greatest good for greatest number' — these signal DISASTER context, not routine care. Routine = individual good; Disaster = population good. Switch your triage thinking accordingly.
Tip
CBRN Decontamination: Always ask 'Is this a CBRN event?' If yes, decontamination precedes hospital entry (clothing off, water rinse, dry) UNLESS there is an immediately life-threatening injury (airway/severe bleed). Exam may test whether you would decontaminate a chemical exposure victim before transport or after — answer is BEFORE (unless choking/bleeding out).
Tip
Psychological First Aid vs Counselling: PFA ≠ therapy. On exam, if the question says 'force survivor to discuss trauma,' 'debriefing,' or 'intensive emotion processing' right after disaster, these are WRONG. PFA is LOOK (observe), LISTEN (without pressure), LINK (to basic needs & support). Keep it simple and supportive, not therapeutic.
Comparison Tables
Rows
Values
- Priority 1
- RR>30 OR none after airway, no radial pulse OR cap refill>2s, cannot follow commands, airway compromise, uncontrolled bleed, shock
- FIRST
- Gasping, no pulse, unresponsive command, chest wound with breathing distress
Property
RED (Immediate)
Values
- Priority 2
- RR≤30, radial pulse present, cap refill≤2s, can follow commands, stable but serious
- After all REDs
- Stable femur fracture, moderate burns without airway issue, conscious
Property
YELLOW (Delayed)
Values
- Priority 3
- Able to walk, alert, minor injuries, no vital compromise
- Last; can self-care or assist others
- Minor cuts, bruises, abrasions, alert and oriented
Property
GREEN (Minor)
Values
- Priority 4
- No breathing after airway opening, no pulse, severe injuries incompatible with life
- Comfort only; no resources expended for treatment
- Severe crush injuries, no signs of life post-rescue
Property
BLACK (Expectant/Deceased)
Columns
- Colour / Category
- Priority Level
- Key Signs & Symptoms
- Treatment Timing
- Example Injury
Table Title
START Triage Categories — Quick Reference
Rows
Values
- BEFORE disaster (ongoing)
- Prevent/reduce disaster impact
- Hazard mapping, building codes, land-use planning, early-warning systems, mangrove/flood-control projects, hazard-vulnerability analysis
- Community education, facility risk assessment, advocate for structural safety
Property
Mitigation
Values
- BEFORE disaster (ongoing)
- Plan and ready systems for effective response
- Develop disaster plans, conduct drills, train responders, stockpile supplies, prepare go-bags, establish warning systems, ICS training
- Participate in drills, teach family preparedness, maintain supply readiness, train community
Property
Preparedness
Values
- DURING & immediately AFTER (72 hours +)
- Save lives, prevent further harm, meet immediate survival needs
- Activate plan, search/rescue, triage, emergency treatment, evacuation, shelter operations, meet water/food/sanitation/safety needs
- Triage & treatment, shelter management, disease surveillance, PFA, coordinate with ICS
Property
Response
Values
- AFTER response (weeks to years; LONGEST phase)
- Restore community to normal/improved functioning
- Rebuild infrastructure, restore services, ongoing physical/mental health care, disease surveillance, lessons learned for mitigation
- Long-term health monitoring, mental health support, community rebuilding advocacy, evaluate disaster response
Property
Recovery
Columns
- Phase
- Timing
- Goal
- Key Activities
- Nurse Role
Table Title
Four Phases of Disaster Management — Timing & Activities
Rows
Values
- Nerve agents (sarin), blister agents, choking agents, blood agents (cyanide)
- RAPID (minutes)
- Victims symptomatic at scene (respiratory distress, muscle paralysis, convulsions)
- Remove clothing, copious water rinse, dry. Antidotes: Atropine + Pralidoxime (2-PAM) for nerve agents. Decontaminate BEFORE hospital.
Property
Chemical
Values
- Anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, toxins
- DELAYED (hours to days; incubation period)
- Unusual illness clusters, fever, respiratory/GI symptoms, rash — detected by surveillance
- Isolation (respiratory precautions), antibiotics/antivirals, vaccination. Report to DOH. Notify public health.
Property
Biological
Values
- Radioactive material dispersal (dirty bomb)
- Rapid contamination exposure
- Radiation monitors, contaminated site, exposed people
- Remove from source, strip clothing, shower with water, dry. Potassium iodide (blocks thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine-131). Decontaminate first.
Property
Radiological
Values
- Nuclear detonation
- IMMEDIATE blast, thermal, radiation
- Blast/thermal injuries, radiation exposure, widespread destruction
- Treat life-threatening injuries first (airway, bleed). Move to shelter (distance/shielding). Potassium iodide. Decontamination. Follow time-distance-shielding.
Property
Nuclear
Columns
- Type
- Agent Examples
- Onset
- Recognition
- Decontamination / Treatment
Table Title
CBRN Events — Characteristics & Nurse Response
Rows
Values
- Maximize benefit to INDIVIDUAL patient
- Greatest good for GREATEST NUMBER (population focus)
Property
Primary Goal
Values
- CRITICAL / RED treated first (sickest gets resources)
- RED (salvageable, life-threatening) treated first; BLACK (expectant) comfort-care only
Property
Triage Order
Values
- All available resources to individual patients
- Resources rationed; allocated to maximize lives saved
Property
Resource Allocation
Values
- Full resuscitation and all interventions
- Life-saving interventions only; comfort care if non-salvageable
Property
Treatment Goal for Critically Ill
Values
- Autonomy, beneficence (individual good), non-maleficence
- Justice (fair allocation), utilitarianism (greatest good), triage ethics
Property
Ethical Framework
Columns
- Aspect
- Routine Emergency Care
- Disaster / Mass-Casualty Care
Table Title
Routine Care vs. Disaster/Mass-Casualty Triage — Key Differences
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