Ecological Model of Disaster Management

Lay Health Workers can play a pivotal role in improving disaster response and recovery because of their potential effectiveness in enhancing the overall health of their communities, increasing disaster preparedness, supplementing the efforts of disaster responders, and building relationships of trust among all interested parties. Such activities build social capital and significantly enhance community resiliency in anticipation of future disasters. Although there are a number of different types of lay health workers, the version with the greatest potential in this area is the Community Health Worker (CHW). Recent research findings confirm that CHWs serving in the communities where they live have been beneficial in emergency management planning and disaster recovery, following both natural and technological disasters. When properly trained, they constitute a proven strategy for timely interventions aimed at reducing long-term collective trauma and building social capital. In this paper, we elaborate the characteristics and roles of CHWs as a specific type of lay health worker; review research on the utility of CHWs in health care generally, as well as in the area of emergency management; describe their potential for building social capital and enhancing community resilience; and provide an overview of essential training needed to prepare them to participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We conclude with some suggestions for future research.

In August 2006, a year after Hurricane Katrina, the first acute inpatient public psychiatric unit for adults was opened in New Orleans to serve patients referred from local emergency departments. This article describes the clinical and administrative experiences of providing inpatient care in post-Katrina New Orleans, including the increased demand for programs to treat patients with co-occurring disorders, the expanded scope of practice for psychiatrists to include primary care, and ongoing staff shortages in a traumatized and displaced workforce. Lessons learned in regard to disaster planning and recovery are also discussed.

This research paper explores RescueNet, a web-based application designed to enhance disaster management through real-time geospatial technology. RescueNet leverages geofencing to streamline emergency response, optimize resource allocation, and facilitate efficient coordination in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios. This study examines its key features, including its robust architecture, user-friendly interface, and ability to improve disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. By systematically reviewing related works and iterative development processes, this research highlights current challenges and opportunities in geofencing-based disaster management systems. RescueNet enables real-time alerts, situational awareness, and automated emergency task assignments, minimizing response time and maximizing efficiency in crisis situations. The system ensures accurate and timely notifications without requiring manual input, allowing responders and affected individuals to take prompt action. Additionally, this paper discusses system scalability, data privacy considerations, and future advancements for enhancing RescueNet’s impact in disaster resilience. Overall, RescueNet represents a significant step toward smarter, technology-driven disaster management, ensuring faster and more effective responses in an increasingly unpredictable world. Keywords: disaster response, emergency management, geofencing, real-time alerts, crisis coordination, GPS optimization, situational awareness, resource allocation, location-based notifications, disaster resilience.

Purpose Despite the increasing number of literature that identifies the roles of various rehabilitation professionals in disaster-related work, there is still limited evidence that examines how these professionals prepare for and function in the various phases of disasters. This study describes the roles and responsibilities practiced by Filipino occupational therapists in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The study also describes the preparations undertaken for the therapists to assume these roles. Materials and methods A survey was conducted among licensed occupational therapists with prior experiences in disaster response. The survey consisted of 23 items - seven were related to preparedness, ten to disaster response, and six to the recovery phase. The participants were asked to indicate their degree of involvement in specific roles and responsibilities using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire also explored their personal preparation for disaster-related work. Results The participants were mostly engaged in roles related to the recovery phase, followed by the response phase, and were least engaged in the preparedness phase. The roles most frequently performed include: encourage connectedness and social interactions among survivors (recovery); provide supportive mental health services to survivors and their families (response); and attend trainings in disaster response to be part of a response team (preparedness). The majority of the participants received training in mental health responses and orientation prior to deployment. They identified the need to gain additional knowledge on emergency response and the effects of human displacement in disaster situations. Conclusions Given additional training and orientation, occupational therapists are able to perform various roles and responsibilities in the different phases of disasters. They can serve as additional resources for government and non-government organizations to address the needs of vulnerable populations in disasters. The study results could inform professional organizations on how rehabilitation professionals could be further trained to address disaster-related concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION With additional orientation and training, occupational therapists could serve as an important health human resource especially in providing mental health services to people with special needs in disasters. There is a need to intentionally integrate disaster preparedness in the scope of practice of rehabilitation professionals to prepare people with special needs for disasters. Additional knowledge and skills in humanitarian action need to be integrated with clinical expertise to benefit government and non-government disaster management activities.

Community resilience is often assessed in disaster risk management (DRM) research and it has been argued that it should be strengthened for more robust DRM. However, the term community is seldom precisely defined and it can be understood in many ways. We argue that it is crucial to explore the concept of community within the context of DRM in more detail. We identify three dominating views of conceptualizing community (place-based community, interaction-based community, community of practice and interest), and discuss the relevance of these conceptualizations. We base this discussion on quantitative and qualitative empirical and policy document data regarding flood and storm risk management in Finland, wildfire risk management in Norway and volcanic risk management Iceland. According to our results, all three conceptualizations of community are visible but in differing situations. Our results emphasize the strong role of public sector in DRM in the studied countries. In disaster preparedness and response, a professionalized community of practice and interest appear to be the most prominent within all three countries. The interaction-based community of informal social networks is of less relevance, although its role is more visible in disaster response and recovery. The place-based (local) community is visible in some of the policy documents, but otherwise its role is rather limited. Finally, we argue that the measured resilience of a community depends on how the community is conceptualized and operationalized, and that the measures to strengthen resilience of a particular community should be different depending on what the focal community is.

Disaster risk management is a critical area of study, as effective preparedness and response strategies can significantly reduce the impact of hazardous events. This research evaluates key disaster response parameters, including Risk Score, Preparedness Level, Response Time, Economic Impact, and Casualty Risk, using statistical analysis. By identifying correlations and patterns among promoting improvements disaster resilience and mitigation efforts. Research Significance: This study is significant as it provides an evidence-based method to disaster preparedness and response evaluation. By analyzing key risk factors and preparedness indicators, the findings help policymakers, emergency responders, and infrastructure planners develop more effective risk reduction strategies. The research also highlights how different environmental and infrastructural conditions influence response efficiency. Methodology: The research employs SPSS statistical analysis, utilizing methods such as, regression analysis, and ANOVA—these methods help determine the relationships between evaluation parameters and assess their collective impact on disaster response effectiveness. Alternative Influencing Factors: In addition to the primary evaluation parameters, the study considers several alternative influencing factors that may impact disaster preparedness and response, including: Disaster Type (e.g., natural vs. man-made disasters) Location Type (urban vs. rural areas) Weather Conditions (floods, storms, droughts, etc.) Ground Stability (earthquake-prone areas, landslide risks) Warning System Availability (early warning mechanisms, public alert systems) Infrastructure Readiness (emergency shelters, transportation networks, healthcare facilities) Evaluation Parameters: The key parameters assessed in this study include: Risk Score: Measures the overall level of risk associated with a disaster event. Preparedness Level: Evaluates the extent of readiness before a disaster occurs. Response Time: Assesses the efficiency of emergency response efforts. Economic Impact: Estimates the financial and infrastructural losses caused by disasters. Casualty Risk: Analyzes the potential for injuries or fatalities due to a disaster. Results: The analysis reveals a strong correlation among preparedness indicators, with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showing that over 91% of the total variance is explained by a single component. This suggests that disaster response factors are highly interdependent. Regression and ANOVA results further confirm the statistical significance of these parameters in predicting disaster outcomes. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced early warning systems, robust infrastructure, and efficient response mechanisms to mitigate disaster risks.

Disasters are major events that have significant effects on individuals, communities, and health care systems. Nurses are valuable resources that have a role in disaster response. However, barriers in disaster education in nursing programs negatively affect nurses' knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness and response. A literature review was conducted to better understand the disaster response educational needs of nurses and to explore gaps in nurses' preparedness for disaster response and nursing education and training. Findings indicated disaster response education is a vital component of nursing education. When provided with effective disaster education, nurses are better equipped for disaster management and disaster response. Challenges in educational needs continue, and nurses lack specific disaster knowledge and preparedness. Further research is needed to identify effective teaching strategies for disaster response and preparedness. Emphasis should be placed on integrating disaster education into nursing education programs at all levels. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(4):235-238.].

Disaster management experts around the world agree that nurses play a vital role in disaster preparation, response, and recovery. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations requires biannual disaster drills for accredited facilities, and there are numerous training resources and educational materials on disaster management topics. Multiple federal and state laws govern health care provider activities during a disaster. However, there is a lack of guidance and evidence surrounding the specific roles and responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in a disaster setting. This project assesses APRNs knowledge of disaster management roles and responsibilities and the training for these roles. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a 68-item survey was distributed via e-mail and social media to members of Texas APRN professional organizations. A convenience sample of those responding and meeting inclusion criteria (Texas-licensed APRN) was analyzed using SPSS to perform descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Thirty-one percent of responding APRNs considered themselves prepared for the management of disasters. A majority of statements (29/47, 61.7%) evaluating APRN knowledge and skills were significantly different (p < .05) across three training and experience categories: post-APRN program education, workplace/community drills or exercises, and planning or disaster response. More clearly defined roles and readily available training and resources will improve APRNs preparation for disaster situations. Recurrent training and professional experience increase knowledge and confidence related to advanced practice disaster management competencies.

Community-led disaster risk management is a method that stresses community participation and involvement in disaster prevention, response and recovery. This approach acknowledges that communities possess unique knowledge, resources and capacities that can be used to improve disaster management. Community-led disaster risk management, which involves communities in decision-making processes and provides them with the appropriate tools and training, can improve local resilience and the overall efficacy of disaster response and recovery activities. This approach also recognizes the need to address social, economic and environmental issues that contribute to vulnerability and increase the risk of disaster. Community-led disaster risk management, sometimes known as the "bottom-up approach," brings together local community skills to effectively address and mitigate disaster risks. This method improves local resilience and increases overall disaster response and recovery efforts by actively engaging communities in decision-making processes and providing them with the appropriate tools and training. Furthermore, by addressing social, economic and environmental elements that contribute to vulnerability, community-led disaster risk management helps to reduce the risk of disasters. This bottom-up strategy enables communities to take proactive steps toward catastrophe preparedness, response and recovery, resulting in more sustainable and resilient communities. Previous studies have highlighted that involving communities in policy development and decision-making processes enhances sustainability, resilience and local engagement in policy implementation. As shown in many cases, local stakeholders including Government agencies at the national, state and local levels, local champions and leaders, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), often collaborate closely to develop comprehensive and effective disaster management plans.

Background: Nepal is highly susceptible to various types of natural disasters, with approximately 90% of its population at risk of experiencing multiple hazards. The country ranks 30th in terms of flood risk, with hilly regions prone to landslides and lowland plains frequently affected by floods. Each year, disasters such as floods, landslides, fires, heat waves, cold waves, and epidemics cause significant loss of lives and livelihood assets. Given the critical role of gender in disaster vulnerability, it is essential to analyze gender-specific perspectives on disaster risk and resilience. Objective: The study aims to explore gender roles and their associated vulnerabilities in disaster events. By examining the perceptions of males and females regarding different disaster-related variables, the research seeks to provide insights into gender-based differences in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted in Sarawal Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi West, Nepal. A total of 428 respondents were selected through random sampling, comprising 311 males and 117 females. The study employed six major disaster variables as defined by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) to analyze gender perspectives critically. Statistical methods were used to assess the association between gender and disaster perception. Findings: The study revealed a significant association between gender and disaster perceptions. Males and females demonstrated differing views on disaster risks, preparedness, and coping mechanisms. Understanding these gender-specific differences can help determine levels of vulnerability, identify associated risks, and enhance the coping capacities of different groups. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to incorporate gender perspectives into disaster-related research and resilience-building initiatives. Addressing gender-based vulnerabilities can lead to more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies, ultimately improving community resilience. Novelty: This study provides empirical evidence on the gendered dimensions of disaster perception in Nepal, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into disaster risk management. By focusing on a rural municipality, the research offers localized insights that can inform policy and program development for gender-inclusive disaster resilience planning.

Natural disasters, such as flooding, wildfire, hurricane, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, pose challenges in preserving human life and minimizing the damages to a region. During catastrophic events, timely response of disaster relief personnel, an efficient deployment of resources in the recovery effort, and coordinated information sharing amongst different relief agencies can make a substantial difference in responding to those impacted by the disaster. Many relief activities currently utilize both ground personnel and manned airborne assets during different phases of the disaster response. Typically, multiple organizations support relief activities and this often creates logistics coordination challenges between agencies which can result in wasted time or resources. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been developing an Integrated aircraft operation system for disaster relief (D-NET), which assists collection and sharing of disaster information through the integrated operation of aircraft such as helicopters, aircraft, and satellites, for efficient and safe rescue operations by disaster relief aircraft. Due to the advancement in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technologies, public safety organizations have started incorporating small UAS (sUAS) as an asset in their disasters response activities. To address the airspace integration challenges of the influx of sUAS in the United States the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), under the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) project, has been engaged in research to enable large-scale commercial applications of sUAS operating in low altitude airspace. This paper presents the integration of D-NET, which incorporate sUAS in the planning, information sharing, and operation support of disasters response activities, and UTM, which provides airspace management to enable large scale high density operations. The integration of the DNET and UTM systems enables coordination, data sharing, and airspace management to improve the timeliness of the disaster response, enable relief organization to reduce cost and overhead by using UAS assets and still maintain airspace safety during the relief activities.

Considerable research demonstrates the broad range of ecosystem services (i.e., benefits) attributed to urban trees either individually or in groups as part of parks, natural areas, riparian buffers, in green stormwater infrastructure, along streets, and in other urban public landscapes. Environmental services contributed by urban trees include stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and impacts on human health that include air quality and lower urban temperatures (urban heat island mitigation). Communities that adopt arboricultural standards and practices and implement comprehensive urban forest management can provide the longterm outlook needed to manage and maintain these environmental services. One component of this management is disaster response and recovery and this chapter will look specifically at a disaster response/recovery protocol that helps communities maintain viable and valuable urban tree canopy following destructive storm events. The objective of this chapter is to introduce disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery utilizing professional arborists and urban foresters as a component of a comprehensively managed urban forest (i.e., community stewardship). It is intended to provide community groups, nongovernmental organizations, civic leaders, and state and federal land and program managers with background on the Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) disaster response and recovery program.

Disaster Guard AI is a novel and synergistic approach to intelligent disaster management, combining advanced artificial intelligence, advanced sensor networks, and real-time data analytics. This innovative solution aims to revolutionize the way we prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters continue to rise, there is an urgent need for advanced technologies to enhance disaster response and mitigation strategies. Disaster Guard AI combines machine learning algorithms, real-time data analytics, and advanced sensor networks to provide a comprehensive and adaptive approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The paper presents the conceptual framework, architecture, and potential applications of Disaster Guard AI, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the way we approach disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The escalating frequency and intensity of natural disasters have underscored the pressing need for advanced technologies to enhance disaster management strategies. By combining advanced machine learning algorithms, real-time data analytics, and state-of-the-art sensor networks, Disaster Guard AI aims to mitigate the impact of disasters and improve overall response efficiency. In conclusion, Disaster Guard AI is a pioneering solution that combines the power of AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies to revolutionize disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Its potential to enhance resilience and mitigate the devastating impacts of various types of disasters underscores the urgent need for advanced and intelligent disaster management solutions.

Assessment of U.S. helicopter emergency medical services' planning and preparedness for disaster response

This comprehensive review explores the role of oral surgery in disaster management, highlighting its various phases of disaster response. The study uses a qualitative literature review to analyze current practices, challenges, and future directions in integrating oral surgical expertise into disaster preparedness and response frameworks. Findings reveal that oral surgeons contribute significantly to patient care in disaster scenarios. Integrating oral surgery in disaster management remains inconsistent globally, including oral surgeons in response teams. It identifies inadequate specialized training, limited awareness among disaster planning authorities, and logistical difficulties in deploying oral surgical resources. Technological advancements offer promising solutions to enhance the reach and effectiveness of oral surgical care in disaster settings. It underscores the psychological impact of oral and maxillofacial injuries on disaster survivors, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions for mental health and social reintegration. Ethical considerations surrounding resource allocation in disaster scenarios are examined. The review concludes by proposing recommendations for policy development, training enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology adoption to improve oral surgery in disaster management. This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the essential role of oral surgery in comprehensive disaster response strategies and advocates for its fuller incorporation into global disaster management frameworks.