Development needs, estimating health impacts

By brainstorming about potential disaster scenarios and the scope of resources anticipated to be needed under each scenario, the intensity and duration of the mental health response can also be anticipated. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2004) has developed a population exposure model that planners can use to estimate the psychological impact of mass violence and terrorism and, therefore, the resources that might he needed. The model s underlying principle is that individuals who are most personally, physically, and psychologically exposed to trauma and the disaster scene are likely to he affected the most (Figure 5.1). 

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