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.
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
Disaster
Example
Typhoon Haiyan (2013), Manila earthquake (2012), Cagayan de Oro flood (2011) — all exceeded regional response capacity.
An event overwhelming local resources and capacity, causing damage, destruction, and human suffering.
Natural Disaster
Example
The Philippines experiences ~20 typhoons/year; sits on Pacific Ring of Fire.
Disasters caused by natural phenomena — typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, landslides, droughts.
Man-made / Technological Disaster
Example
Warehouse fires in Metro Manila, jeepney/bus accidents, industrial explosions.
Disasters caused by human action or industrial/technological failure — fires, chemical spills, transport crashes, structural collapse, terrorism, armed conflict.
Mass-Casualty Incident (MCI)
Example
Stampede, plane crash, building collapse — overwhelms single hospital's ED.
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
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
Mitigation
Example
Seismic-resistant building design, early-warning systems, hazard-vulnerability analysis of health facilities.
BEFORE disaster: actions to prevent or reduce impact (hazard mapping, building codes, land-use planning, public education, flood control, mangrove projects).
Preparedness
Example
Hospital disaster drill, barangay evacuation plan, family emergency kit with water/food/meds/documents.
BEFORE disaster: planning and readiness (develop disaster plans, conduct drills, train responders, stockpile supplies, establish warning systems, prepare go-bags).
Response
Example
First 72 hours post-disaster: rescue operations, emergency treatment, establishing evacuation centres.
DURING & IMMEDIATELY AFTER: save lives, prevent further harm (activate plan, search/rescue, triage, treatment, evacuation, shelter, meet survival needs).
Recovery
Example
6 months to years: rebuilding schools/homes, mental health counselling, disease surveillance post-flood.
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
START Triage — Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment
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
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
START Triage
Example
In a typhoon collapse: 300 people trapped; assess walking ability, then RPM for non-walkers; tag RED/YELLOW/GREEN/BLACK.
Rapid systematic assessment of each victim in <60 seconds using RPM (Respirations, Perfusion, Mental status) to assign colour-coded priority categories.
RED (Priority 1 — Immediate)
Example
Patient gasping, radial pulse absent, cannot squeeze your hand → RED. Treat FIRST in mass-casualty setting.
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.
YELLOW (Priority 2 — Delayed)
Example
Patient with fractured femur, conscious, breathing normally, perfusion intact → YELLOW. Treat after all REDs.
Serious but STABLE injuries; can wait without threat to life/limb. Stable fractures, moderate burns without airway involvement.
GREEN (Priority 3 — Minor)
Example
Patient walks to safe area, minor cuts/bruises, normal cognition → GREEN. Self-triage by ability to walk.
Walking wounded; minor injuries; can wait longest and often help others. All who ambulate at scene.
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.
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
CBRN Events — Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
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
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
Chemical Event
Example
Nerve agent (sarin) exposure → immediate muscle paralysis, respiratory distress. Antidote: atropine + pralidoxime (2-PAM). Decontaminate BEFORE hospital entry.
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.
Biological Event
Example
Anthrax spore release → detected days later by fever/respiratory symptoms in clustered cases. Isolate, start antibiotics, report to DOH.
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.
Radiological Event
Example
Dirty bomb at port → radioactive dust spread. Remove from area, strip contaminated clothing, shower with water, administer potassium iodide.
Dispersal of radioactive material (dirty bomb). Contamination of people, environment. Treat: decontamination, removal from source, potassium iodide (protects thyroid from radioactive iodine).
Nuclear Event
Example
Nuclear explosion → immediate blast injuries, thermal burns, radiation exposure. Prioritize airway/bleeding; move to shelter; provide iodine.
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
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
RA 9173 — Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
Example
Nurses must possess disaster nursing competence per RA 9173; licensure exam (NLE) tests this.
Law regulating nursing practice in the Philippines; defines scope, standards, licensing; mandates competence in health emergencies including disasters (relevant for NLE).
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.
Landmark law shifting policy from reactive disaster RESPONSE to proactive disaster RISK REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT (DRRM). Created NDRRMC; mandates DRRM councils at all levels.
NDRRMC — National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
Example
NDRRMC activates national response plan, coordinates DOH, DSWD, DND, local government during major disaster.
Highest coordinating body for DRRM in the Philippines; heads disaster response at national level; chaired by executive official.
Incident Command System (ICS)
Example
In Typhoon response: ICS defines roles (Incident Commander, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance); nurses report to Health branch.
Standardized command-and-control structure organizing responding agencies (health, fire, police, military, civilian) under unified command during disaster.
DOH — Department of Health
Example
DOH Health Emergency Management Office coordinates medical response; releases guidelines for hospital surge capacity.
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
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
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.
Immediate psychosocial support after disaster; NOT formal therapy. Core actions: LOOK, LISTEN, LINK. Promotes safety, calm, self/community-efficacy, connectedness, hope.
Acute Stress Reaction
Example
Survivor of collapse experiences panic, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating in first 48 hours post-rescue — acute stress.
Immediate psychological response to trauma (fear, confusion, hypervigilance, numbness, trembling); normal after disaster; usually resolves in days to weeks.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Example
Survivor still having nightmares, panic attacks, social withdrawal 3 months post-disaster → refer for PTSD assessment/treatment.
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
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
Scene Safety & Personal Protection
Example
Chemical leak scene: wait for decontamination teams, wear hazmat suit, respirator; do not enter until safe.
First priority: assess scene for hazards; use appropriate PPE (mask, gown, gloves, eye protection); do NOT enter unsafe scene; do NOT become a casualty.
Primary Survey (Disaster Context)
Example
RED victim: open airway if apneic → if breathing resumes → control major bleeding → transport to ED.
In mass-casualty, prioritize AIRWAY (open if needed), BREATHING (RR, O₂ sat), CIRCULATION (radial pulse, cap refill, major bleed control) for RED victims.
Triage & Re-triage
Example
YELLOW victim with stable fracture may deteriorate (shock) → re-classify to RED; prioritize for treatment.
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.
Decontamination (CBRN)
Example
Suspected chemical exposure: decontaminate at scene/field station BEFORE hospital entry; prevents secondary contamination of staff/facilities.
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)
Patient & Family Education / Preparedness
Common values
Value
~3-4 litres
Symbol
H₂O
Quantity
Minimum water per person for 3 days
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
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.
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.
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.
Pre-arranged method for family members to contact each other and meeting location if separated during disaster.
Evacuation Route & Centre Knowledge
Example
Family practices evacuating to municipal gymnasium; knows typhoon warning flag colors (yellow → orange → red alert).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Radiation Protection = TIME (minimize exposure), DISTANCE (maximize from source), SHIELDING (barriers). These three principles determine survival in radiological/nuclear events.
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.
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.
Last minute tips
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
START Triage Categories — Quick Reference
| Colour / Category | Priority Level | Key Signs & Symptoms | Treatment Timing | Example Injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RED (Immediate) | 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 |
| YELLOW (Delayed) | 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 |
| GREEN (Minor) | 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 |
| BLACK (Expectant/Deceased) | 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 |
Four Phases of Disaster Management — Timing & Activities
| Phase | Timing | Goal | Key Activities | Nurse Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitigation | 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 |
| Preparedness | 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 |
| Response | 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 |
| Recovery | 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 |
CBRN Events — Characteristics & Nurse Response
| Type | Agent Examples | Onset | Recognition | Decontamination / Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | 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. |
| Biological | 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. |
| Radiological | 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. |
| Nuclear | 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. |
Routine Care vs. Disaster/Mass-Casualty Triage — Key Differences
| Aspect | Routine Emergency Care | Disaster / Mass-Casualty Care |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Maximize benefit to INDIVIDUAL patient | Greatest good for GREATEST NUMBER (population focus) |
| Triage Order | CRITICAL / RED treated first (sickest gets resources) | RED (salvageable, life-threatening) treated first; BLACK (expectant) comfort-care only |
| Resource Allocation | All available resources to individual patients | Resources rationed; allocated to maximize lives saved |
| Treatment Goal for Critically Ill | Full resuscitation and all interventions | Life-saving interventions only; comfort care if non-salvageable |
| Ethical Framework | Autonomy, beneficence (individual good), non-maleficence | Justice (fair allocation), utilitarianism (greatest good), triage ethics |
Diagrams
START Triage Decision Tree — Rapid Assessment
Visual decision tree showing the START triage algorithm. Begins with ambulation (walk to green), then for non-walkers assesses Respirations → Perfusion → Mental status (RPM) in strict sequence. Each decision branches to colour-coded category. Critical: RED (salvageable) is treated first, BLACK (expectant) receives comfort care only.
Disaster Management Cycle — Four Phases & Nurse Roles
Mind map showing the four-phase disaster management cycle (Mitigation → Preparedness → Response → Recovery) with timing, goals, key activities, and specific nurse responsibilities in each phase. Emphasizes that the cycle is continuous and that recovery is the longest phase.
CBRN Event Response Flowchart — Decontamination & Treatment Priorities
Flowchart showing CBRN event response sequence: protect responder with PPE, establish contamination zones, determine if immediate life threat exists (if yes, treat before decontamination), perform decontamination (remove clothing, water rinse, dry), then provide event-specific treatment (antidotes for chemical, antibiotics for biological, potassium iodide for radiological/nuclear).
Disaster Timeline — Four Phases Over Time
Timeline visualizing the four phases of disaster management spread over time. Shows that mitigation and preparedness occur before a disaster, response during/immediately after, and recovery is the longest phase lasting weeks to years. Emphasizes that lessons learned feed back into improved mitigation for the next disaster cycle.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) — Look, Listen, Link
Flowchart illustrating Psychological First Aid framework: LOOK (observe safety & needs), LISTEN (approach, ask, listen, calm without pressure), LINK (meet basic needs, provide info, reunite family, refer severe cases). Emphasizes that PFA is NOT therapy and that basic needs (water, food, shelter) must be met first before psychological support.