Disaster planning includes preparation for a range of potential events. Planning should include events such as a major multi-vehicle collision with multiple victims, flooding, fires and terrorism. The profession of nursing should be a key facilitator of all planning with the collaboration of community agencies in conducting disaster needs assessments, event management, resources and recovery and evaluation of the event. Nurse involvement would ensure that nurses are aware of and prepared to handle disasters from an all hazards approach. Some of the most important preparations nurses can facilitate would be to participate in the development of a community disaster plans conduct a community risk assessment and identify training needs for health care workers and key community members. Can anyone think of more nursing actions that are essential in the disaster planning process?
