Disaster Response Preparedness Community Nursing

Disasters strike at any time. They can be predicted, or unforeseen, large-scale or local, extreme or limited. In the following paper, I will be discussing the importance bioterrorism and the importance of incorporating bioterrorism knowledge among nurses and nursing students. Many of us think that this is not going to happen to us, or it is not going to happen yet. Therefore, many people are not properly prepared for a disaster. We, as nurses, play an important role, not only in educating and preparing people, but also in responding when a disaster strikes. A nurses experience and skills are useful and definitely very needed in times of emergencies “Since September 11, 2001, the United States has recognized that the threat of terrorism is real and that the possibility of bioterrorism is a real treat. Nurses are recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as key players in disaster response efforts”. (Carter, Gaskins)
In the article Incorporating Bioterrorism in nursing Curriculum: A creative Approach areas of appropriate areas of needed education for nurses are identified. These areas of education that address the nurses role and preparedness in the event of bioterrorism include stockpiles, which is a place where a very large amounts of antibiotics, antitoxins, life support medications, and other medical supplies are stock piled in an area and biological categories A, B, C. A agents are considered to be of the highest concern B second and C including pandemic influenza. A patient simulation is used to asses and develops critical technical skills as well as critical thinking skills that might be needed in the event that such a disaster took place. The simulation focused on first being able to identify the signs and symptoms, doing a baseline assessment patient history and implementing proper safety and isolation precautions. In the second stage of the simulation possible respiratory changes are addressed including assessment and treatment with