Psychosocial response in emergency situations – the nurse’s role

BACKGROUND: It is critical to ensure that nurses have the skills and knowledge to respond effectively and to contribute to the psychosocial recovery of survivors of emergencies, particularly as an increasing proportion of the population is at risk of being exposed to a catastrophe. Over a decade ago it was reported that 16% of the world's population was at risk of experiencing some kind of catastrophic event. That has now risen with a total of 16% vulnerable to flood alone worldwide (Ministry of Health 2005). In the first semester of 2005, there were 174 natural disasters affecting 86 countries, resulting in the deaths of 5967 people, affecting a total of 60 million with an estimated damage of 6. 3 billion (US) (Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters 2005). AIM: To describe the nursing contribution to the psychosocial recovery of survivors of emergencies during the emergency preparedness and planning stage and in promoting recovery over the longer term. METHODS: Data for this article was sourced from relevant literature including World Health Organization policy and guidelines regarding mental health in emergencies. IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PRACTICE: It is vital that nurses realize they are too vulnerable to the effects of an emergency situation and that steps can be taken to protect nurses from enduring psychosocial effects.