Disaster nursing preparation.

On April 8, 1970, at 5:00 P.M., a mock disaster occurred in Salt Lake City. This disaster drill was panned and carried out at considerable time, effort and expense to be sure the people of Salt Lake City and County would receive the best health service possible in the event of a disaster, either natural or military. The purpose of this study was to determine if the nursing profession participated in the planning phase of the community disaster plan or was actively engaged in the disaster drill of April 8, 1970. The purpose was also to determine if nurses are lacking in disaster nursing experience or disaster education and to determine if knowledge of first aid principles and disaster management were increased as a result of participation of the drill. To accomplish the purpose, a copy of the disaster drill plans and protocol was obtained. Also a questionnaire was developed from material presented in the pilot project report on disaster nurse preparation of the National League for Nursing. The questionnaire was designed to elicit information that could be subjected to statistical treatment, specifically: 1. The program from which subject graduated. 2. The paramedical courses subject attended. 3. If the participant had had disaster nursing experience. 4. The participant's activity in the disaster drill. 6. If the participant had received instruction related to seven functions that would confront nurses in disaster nursing. 7. The participant's knowledge of first aide and disaster management. The total sampled population consisted of 33 licensed practical nurses, 13 associated registered nurses, 24 diploma registered nurses, 6 baccalaureate registered nurses. These nurses were employed by two Salt Lake City hospitals. Findings of this study indicate that: 1. Nurses were not included in the preparation of the community disaster plan. 2. The disaster drill did not provide nurses with an opportunity to practice disaster nursing skills or to increase their knowledge of first aid or disaster management preparation. 3. In general nurses are lacking in knowledge of first aid and disaster management preparation. As a result of this study, the following recommendations are made: 1. That nursing services of hospitals provide instruction in disaster nursing for their nurses. 2. That disaster nursing instruction is included in all education programs in nursing. 3. That courses, conferences, or workshops related to disaster nursing are offered by the local or national nursing organization. 4. That the local nursing association delegate a committee to notify and work with the disaster preparation planning committee.