Resource Management and Improvisation & Special Populations in Disasters

In disasters, standard medical supplies run out quickly. Creativity saves lives.

Supply Prioritization:

Critical Supplies (Guard These):

- Tourniquets/pressure dressings - Airway adjuncts - Gloves (infection control) - Flashlights - Markers for triage - Clean water

Improvised Medical Supplies:

Bleeding Control:

- Clothing for pressure - Belts as tourniquets - Duct tape for pressure - Feminine products - Diapers as dressings

Splinting:

- Magazines - Cardboard - Branches - Duct tape - Pillows

Bandaging:

- Sheets torn into strips - Clothing - Duct tape - Plastic wrap - Safety pins

Water and Sanitation:

Safe Water Sources:

- Sealed bottles - Water heaters - Toilet tanks (not bowls) - Ice cubes - Canned goods liquid

Water Purification:

- Boiling (1 minute) - Bleach (8 drops/gallon) - Water purification tablets - UV light - Filtration

Sanitation Priorities:

- Separate latrine area - Hand hygiene stations - Waste disposal - Body fluid precautions - Vector control

Shelter Considerations:

Immediate Shelter:

- Safe from hazards - Weather protection - Organized by triage category - Family grouping - Special needs area

Climate Control:

- Hypothermia prevention - Heat injury prevention - Ventilation - Moisture control - Crowding limits

Certain groups require modified approaches and priority consideration during MCIs.

Children in Disasters:

Special Vulnerabilities:

- Separation from parents - Limited communication - Dehydration risk - Hypothermia risk - Psychological trauma

Management Strategies:

- Keep families together - Identification system - Comfort items - Safe area designation - Adult supervision ratios

Elderly and Disabled:

Unique Needs:

- Medication interruption - Mobility limitations - Cognitive impairment - Medical equipment needs - Social isolation

Priority Actions:

- Medication inventory - Assistive device tracking - Caregiver identification - Evacuation assistance - Comfort measures

Pregnant Women:

Disaster Risks:

- Premature labor - Placental abruption - Dehydration - Stress complications - Limited positioning

Care Modifications:

- Left lateral position - Hydration priority - Rapid evacuation - Fetal monitoring if possible - Psychological support

Mental Health in MCIs:

Acute Stress Reactions:

- Dissociation - Panic - Freezing - Aggression - Withdrawal

Management Approaches:

- Calm presence - Simple instructions - Assign tasks - Buddy system - Reunification priority