Doctoral thesis

Australian civilian hospital nurses’ lived experience of an out-of-hospital environment following a disaster

Mass Gathering Health / Mass Gathering Medicine

Various publications and presentations relating to Mass Gathering and Major Event health

Disaster Health

Various publications and presentations relating to disaster health

22 October, 2020

The impact of disasters on emergency department resources: Review against the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030.




ABSTRACT

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) are often first to feel the intra-hospital effects of disasters. Compromised care standards during disasters eventuate from increased demands on health resources; the facilities, supplies, equipment and manpower imperative for a functioning healthcare facility. Emergency departments must understand the effect of disasters on their health resources. This paper examines the impact on resources within the ED as a result of a disaster and provides a review against the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 priorities. 

Method: An integrative literature review design was utilised. Articles were extracted from databases and search engines. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines for systematic literature reviews were used. 

Results: Seven papers met inclusion criteria. Disaster consumable stocking was used to mitigate disaster risk and improve resilience. Logistical challenges were exacerbated by poor building design. Ineffective human resource management, communications failure, insufficient ED space, diminished equipment and supplies and unreliable emergency power sources were described.

Conclusions: Disaster planning and preparedness strategies can address health resource deficits, increasing ED resilience. Further retrospective case studies are required to greater understand the effects of disasters on ED health resources.


REFERENCE: 

Carrington M, Hammad K, Ranse J. (2020). The impact of disasters on emergency department resources: Review against the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030. Australasian Emergency Care

20 October, 2020

Disaster evacuation shelters in the context of COVID-19




As a consultant to the World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, I led the development of technical guidance regarding disaster evacuation shelters in the context of COVID-19.




ABSTRACT 
The Western Pacific is the world’s most disaster-prone region. When a disaster occurs, people may need to seek accommodation in a disaster evacuation shelter. However, it may be difficult for people in a disaster evacuation shelter to avoid confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with many people nearby; and close-contact settings, such as close-range conversations. This document outlines key considerations and strategies that should be considered for the establishment of a disaster evacuation shelter in the context of COVID-19. In particular, considerations and strategies are outlined for the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disasters.

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