It is everyday news. Disasters are reported in different parts of the world more frequently than desired. Unpredictable catastrophic events occupy a great part of the daily world news with unprecedented frequency. Predictable or not, disasters affect and change human lives in unimaginable ways, regardless of cultural, ethnic or religious beliefs. The impact of a disaster is felt at all levels of a society, but the most affected are the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the children. How can a society prepare to reduce the negative impact of a catastrophic event on its members, especially the vulnerable ones? Now, more than ever, with nations and countries threatening each other with nuclear arms, biological warfare, weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, the care providers and caregivers must prepare for the challenges of care giving pre and post a disastrous event. Climate changes are creating an environment of increased climatological incidents that are not far from calamitous disasters. More than ever, whether nature induced or man induced, the probability of a catastrophe or disaster is more of a reality for every human being in the world. No land is spared; the whole planet is at risk.
From earthquakes to tsunamis, from hurricanes to radioactive spills, from tornadoes to massive flooding; how will care providers or caregivers continue to care for their sick and disabled before, during and after a disaster or catastrophe? In a disaster situation, the matter of survival is compounded by the need to continue to meet the needs of those who are ill, disabled and aging prior to the event.
The answer lies in preparedness.
1. The first step is to develop awareness. Creating awareness of the possibility of a disaster based on location, climate, local infrastructure and history of nature’s behavior and developing a plan that will ensure the continuation of care to those who are sick, aging and disabled is paramount. The responsibility for creating this plan falls on the caregiver or care provider and other support systems, if available. This plan should be created based on the possibilities and type of disaster that might occur, based on location, climate and the area’s history of disastrous occurrences. A person living in Colorado does not need to prepare for a tsunami or a hurricane, but an earthquake can affect any region on the planet. Coastal areas are commonly affected by hurricanes and tsunamis. People living in areas close to nuclear plants should prepare for the possibility of chemical or radiation spills, and of course, we all must be aware of the possibility of a human-induced biological or atomic catastrophe. Metropolitan areas are known targets for terrorism and other kinds of disasters. Having realized that the possibility of the occurrence of a disaster is very real, the preparation plan is well on its way.
2. Once the risks are recognized, the second step is to identify those under your care who will need continual, uninterrupted care, even under disaster or catastrophic circumstances and those at higher risks, including healthy children, and make provisions to meet their needs. Acquaint and clearly identify everyone with their individual needs. For example, a premature baby requiring tube feeding, an oxygen dependent individual requiring continued oxygen therapy, a disoriented or demented person who requires continued supervision. There should be an account for every person, including children with each person’s specific needs. This information should be in writing and readily accessible in case of an emergency. Take regular inventory of all supplies used or needed regularly and maintain inventory at the highest level possible. Never allow yourself to be out of supplies at any time. Medications and life-sustaining supplies take priority in the inventory list. Medications should be checked regularly, and refills obtained before medication runs out. Oxygen tanks, and other respiratory supplies must be assessed routinely. Extra oxygen tank should be available, including portable oxygen tanks. For those patients requiring continued oxygen therapy, be aware that one movable oxygen tank lasts only 24 hours if used continuously. Food, water and other life-sustaining supplies are also an important part of the inventory. A survival plan should provide food, water and other vital elements for at least one week per individual.
3. Educate and create awareness in all those who are able and are parts of the group, family nucleus and or support system about the reality of a possible disaster or catastrophe. Roles should be designated, and responsibilities assigned. Example, one person is accountable for keeping medication’s inventory; another person is responsible to maintain the rest of the family or group informed of news, the weather and emergency reports, and a person to manage food and water supplies. Another person will keep the disoriented family members safe and calm or take care of the younger children. Remember to assign responsibilities according to age, maturity, mental status and general health. Make participants accountable for their assignments. Conduct frequent meetings and discuss any issues or potential problems that could jeopardize the life or health of anyone, especially those at higher risk. Regular drills should also be performed routinely including testing the communication system to be used among members during an emergency situation. An escape and a survival plan after the disaster should be established and tested regularly as well. A leader should be designated with a survivor hierarchy in place in case of injury or death.
What should be included in a basic survival kit?
1. A list of group components, including names, age, any physical limitations and medical condition and a recent photo of each person
2. Medications and supplies used regularly by the sick or disabled person or persons.
3. Water, 1 gallon per day per individual for seven days
4. Non-perishable dry food, preferable items with high content of calories
5. Survival gear
• Battery operated lamps or lanterns
• Extra batteries
• Can opener
• Rope
• Whistle
• Hammer
• A pad and pencil or pen
• Cellular phone
• Paper towel
• Sanitary paper
• Blankets
• First-aid kit containing bandages, over the counter analgesics and wound cleaning supplies
All of these items should be inventoried regularly, including checking for expiration dates. Adjust the amount of inventory to reflect the needs of a growing group. Check for the functionality of equipment.
Escaping or surviving.
Once the disaster strike is either escaping or surviving until help arrives. This is a crucial part of the preparedness plan. It all depends on what kind of disaster is affecting the area or how it was induced. Was it a passenger train that was the target of a terrorist attack or an area affected by a tornado or a costal city hit by a tsunami? Is it, a natural disaster or a chemical or biological disaster? In any case, there are only two options; escape or surviving while help arrives. In any case, the outcome depends on the preparedness of the individual or individuals, the competency of governments, local authorities and agencies to deal with catastrophes and disasters. Unfortunately, it is confirmed, that no matter how developed or economical advanced a country might be, when disaster strikes we are not prepared enough to deal with disasters. New York 2001, Japan, Haiti, Joplin, Katrina and Indonesia are just some of the examples of when disaster strikes. The survival of those that are sick, aging or disabled and those that depend on our care is our individual responsibility. Getting ready before disaster strikes will make the difference.
By Ileana Perez RN, BSN, Health Educator
Ileana Perez is a Registered Nurse and Health Educator. She is the founder and CEO of thecaregiverconsole.com – an e-coaching website designed specifically for caregivers of the terminally ill and elderly. Ileana has amassed over 40 years of experience working as a Registered Nurse in the emergency department and operating room, as well as working as a home-care nurse. Having served as the caregiver of her late parents, Ileana knows firsthand the struggles that a caregiver faces while providing for the elderly.
