Disasters, public response

An official product assessment and registration system for pharmaceuticals exists in each of the 10 countries. Their functions are determined by legal provisions. Systems for registration of pharmaceutical products came into operation at quite different times in the 10 countries — as early as 1942 in Tunisia and as late as 1993 in Uganda. Some of the systems have evolved in response to dmg-related crises such as the thalidomide disaster, public pressure to expand the scope of dmg assessment and the pressure from industry and consumers to expedite the registration process. 

The three cases here illustrate public health informatics concerns with data, information, and knowledge management in areas where local governments have responsibilities for service delivery—maternal and child health, disaster rapid response, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. 

Once the etncrgency has been cotnmunicated, an appropriate response by the public must be evoked. For tliis to occur, an accepted plan tliat people know and understand tnust be put itito effect. Sitice an etncrgency cati quickly become a disaster if panic ensues, the plan should include the appropriate countermeasures. 

DOD Marine Corps Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, DOD Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, DOD Naval Medical Research Institute, HHS National Medical Response Teams, HHS Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, HHS Metropolitan Medical Strike Teams, HHS Experts from Public Health Safety agencies, DOE Radiation Emergency Assistance Center and Training Site. 

Special guidance for exposures often in excess of dose limits is required for emergency response operations. In severe disasters, prompt but well considered actions can potentially save lives and avert significant harm to the public. NCRP Report 116 titled Limitations of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation2 provides broad guidance for emergency responders. 

Perceptions of their role in meeting societal and public policy needs are also significantly influenced by the firms recognition that widespread public health problems are beyond the firms individual and the industry s collective abilities to impact positively. Product and monetary donations in response to natural and environmental disasters are substantial, but tension often results between the donor company and the recipient organization or country over lack of evidence that funds or product donations were used for the intended purpose. 

The Southport County Health Department is holding a planning meeting with key public health officials and health care clinicians to address disaster preparedness. Southport is a town of 28,000 in northwest Montana and has experienced five blizzards and one flood in the past 3 years. Using the five focus areas of disaster planning, construct a disaster response plan for this community. 

Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness at http //www.hhs.gov/ophep/. What is the purpose of this agency Find the National Disaster Medical System (http //www.ndms.dhhs.gov/index. html). Why was this system developed, and what are the responsibilities of the teams How do you join a team How are teams notified of current national conditions ... 

Landesman, L. Y, Malilay, J., Bissell, R. A., Becker, S. M., Roberts, L., Ascher, M. S. (2001). Roles and responsibilities of public health in disaster preparedness and response. In L. F. Novick J. S. Marr (Eds.), Public health issues in disaster preparedness Focus on bioterrorism (pp. 1-56). Gaithersburg, MD Aspen. 

Changes in government structure in disaster response and in the public health system may create opportunities for nurses to act in new, yet-to-be defined roles. Nurses must actively seek out positions of leadership in health policy and disaster management. 

Action Provide federal medical response assets and individual public health and medical personnel to assist in providing care for ill or injured victims at the location of a disaster or emergency. DMATs and Federal Medical Shelters can provide triage, medical or surgical stabilization, and continued monitoring and care of patients until they can be evacuated to locations where they will... 

Go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration home page at www. mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, and click on Publications and select Online Publications. Scroll down the list of publications, select Disaster/Trauma, and click on Anniversary Reactions to a Tfaumatic Event The Recovery Process Continues (NMH02-0140). What are the common anniversary reactions experienced by survivors What types of responses appear to facilitate coping ... 

Myers, D. (1994). Disaster response and recovery A handbook for mental health professionals (SMA Publication No. 94-3010). Washington, DC U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Historically, nurses have responded quickly during public health emergencies. The events following 9/11 provide a case in point. Hospitals in and around New York City mobilized disaster teams, ready to receive casualties. In New York City, nurses saw the World Trade Center collapse and immediately reported to work (New York State Nurses Association, 2002). Around the state and in neighboring states nurses mobilized to receive casualties. This response was, in part, the routine disaster plan of every hospital in the New York City region, but above and beyond disaster plans, nurses went to work. Within hours the New York State Nurses Association was fielding calls from nurses across the country volunteering to help out in any way they could. 

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