The American population’s vulnerability to the disaster has been heightened in the recent past as a result of the occurrence of events such as the devastating 9/11 attacks as well as Hurricane Katrina. Despite numerous efforts and programs being implemented by the Department of Human Services with respect to emergency response, a crucial aspect of health care remains unresolved. The vulnerable populations comprised of newborn children as well as aging individuals remain at risk especially when their respective conditions involve their dependence on electricity (Jorgensen, Mendoza, and Henderson, 2010). The purpose of this paper is to analyze the issue of emergency preparedness and response by nurses in the context of electricity dependence by vulnerable populations.
The Role of the Nurse
Emphasis has been particularly placed on issues surrounding pregnant women and infants upon the occurrence of disasters as witnessed in the wealth of literature available on the topic. This trend follows the largely reported statistics on morbidity, mortality, and the resulting long-term impacts of disasters on this population. However, the population comprised of neonates and pregnant women has received minimum attention. This aspect poses an awaiting disaster as research indicates that the obstetric and neonatal populations are at considerable risk and as such relevant national programs should be undertaken in this regard. In this case, DeSalvo, Lurie, Finne, Worral, Bogdanov, Dinider, Babcock, and Kefman (2014) indicates that as per the 2007 statistics that revealed that approximately 4.3 million infants born in which 12.5% of these were born prematurely.
In addition, another category in the vulnerable population is that comprised of individuals dependent on life-sustaining Durable Medical Equipment (DME). As a result of technological advancements, such equipment can be used by individuals in the comfort of their homes, either independently or with assistance. This approach has relieved the healthcare system as acute care settings are made available to other individuals and that individuals can recover in their own space. Since such equipment is reliant on electricity, power outages can cause detrimental to both the individual and the healthcare system. This situation was illustrated during the historic 2003 blackout that affected New York City in which case the largest percentage of healthcare care utilization was identified as that comprised of individuals who reported respiratory device failure. During the post-blackout period, hospitals reported a total of 37 hospitalizations and 65 emergency department visits (DeSalvo et al., 2014).
The above instances reveal the need to undertake the required steps in emergency responses to alleviate potential disasters. In this case, a clinical nurse should apply the required decision-making skills as well as clinical judgment to deal effectively with the disaster. In the event of the occurrence of a disaster, professional nurses should act fast in an attempt to avert further damage. As such, communication is of paramount importance as it is vital to relay information about the impact of the disaster and the preparation of required tools and resources required to administer assistance to those involved. As a result, quick decision-making ability can be adopted to mitigate worse effects of the potential disastrous event. In this case, collaboration with those involved in the emergency response efforts is important to effectively manage the situation. In this instance, professional nurses should work with technicians and Emergency Management Services (EMS) to ensure priority areas are first attended to, in respect to the needs of those who could be potentially affected by the outage (Catlett, Jenkins, and Millin, 2010). This requires professional nurses to work with data analysts to identify priority areas within the healthcare institutions to ensure such places receive the required attention.
Nursing Strategies
In order to improve the community’s response to potential power outages with respect to the vulnerable population as explained above, it is imperative to develop and implement a communication strategy. In this case, undertaking sensitization programs meant to share vital disaster preparedness strategies to the community can work effectively as a response approach. As such, individuals using DME equipment can implement various measures as an attempt to manage any power outage situations. In this case, such individuals, particularly the elderly, should create and implement a plan for application of alternative sources of power in the event of power outages. In addition, individuals should also make use of alternative power equipment in order to create a backup. In the same way, they should teach as many individuals such as caregivers on how such alternatives operate in case of any arising situation.
Another strategy that can be implemented to improve emergency response in the community is the provision of adequate training to both medical practitioners as well as interested individuals at the community for basic disaster management courses. In the first instance, in order to attend to the needs of individuals during potential emergency situations, health practitioners should receive requisite training to properly manage such events.
These approaches improve the current response plan in that it provides additional guidance to potential participants in emergency situations. In this case, additional staff and well-qualified individuals could improve the situation as they have requisite skills for dealing with the situation. Therefore, this improves the plan through enhanced collaboration.
Summary
Some categories of the Special Needs population may be left out in national emergency programs. As such, it is important to identify their needs and undertake the required action in an attempt to alleviate potentially disastrous outcomes. In this case, training should be accorded to both medical practitioners and local individuals in the community to improve the efforts aimed at properly managing emergency events.
References
Catlett, C., Jenkins, L., & Millin, M. (2010). Role of emergency medical services in disaster response. Maryland: John Hopkins University School of Medicine.
DeSalvo, K., Lurie, N., Finne, N., Worral, F., Bogdanov, A.,Dinider, A., Babcock, S., & Kefman, J. (2014). Commentary. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 104, No. 7.
Jorgensen, A., Mendoza, G., & Henderson, J. (2010). Emergency preparedness and disaster response core competency set for perinatal and neonatal nurses. Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
