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Citation |
Filmer LB, Ranse J. Australas. Emerg. Nurs. J. 2013; 16(4): 170-174. |
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Affiliation |
International Nepal Fellowship, Surkhet Programme, Birendranagar - 6, Mid-West Region, Nepal. Electronic address: leigh.filmer@world.inf.org. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2013, College of Emergency Nursing Australasia, Publisher Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
24199902 |
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Abstract |
INTRODUCTION: A paucity of literature exists pertaining to the role of leaders during the health response to disasters. The minimal published literature regarding disaster leadership suggests that health leadership in a disaster should adopt an approach similar to that of professions such as law enforcement, military and freighting. AIM: This paper aims to describe observations pertaining to disaster leadership during a mock disaster scenario. BACKGROUND: This case study is set in Surkhet, Nepal, a small city prone to disasters such as earthquakes and floods. This case presents a mock disaster scenario of an earthquake set at a nongovernment health facility. METHODS: Observations were made of the performance of responders in establishing triage, treatment and command centers. RESULTS: Institutional leaders among the responders struggled to apply the disaster plans in the face of spontaneous disaster leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Both the recognised leadership of an organisation, and those who in a disaster may step up as disaster leaders need to be confident in implementing the disaster contingency plans. Leadership in disasters must have a clear distinction between incident controller and 'clinical leader' roles. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This paper provides recommendations that may have applicability to leadership in real world disasters. Language: en |