Lesson 1 Introduction

Study Guide

This lesson provides an overview of the health problems associated with sudden natural disasters and other disasters resulting in mass casualties, the critical importance of advance planning and organization, and the general objectives of a health services disaster management plan.

Learning Objectives

List four results of sudden natural disasters that may cause health problems for people.

Understand the importance of having a health disaster plan as an integral part of an overall national disaster preparedness plan.

List the three chronological stages of disaster management activities.

Identify the five general objectives of an emergency plan.

Learning Activities

Read pages 7-10 in the manual.

Read pages 3-5 in the manual.

Evaluation

Complete the Self-Assessment Test.

Notes

Lesson 1
Self-Assessment Test

Multiple Choice

Circle the correct answer(s):

1. The three stages of disaster management are:

a. early warning, initial response, treatment, and maintenance
b. predisaster preparedness, action during the disaster, postdisaster rehabilitation
c. drills and simulations, action during the disaster, evaluation of the disaster management plan
d. search and rescue, care for victims, rehabilitation and reconstruction
e. initial disaster response, action during the disaster, evaluation of response

2. Whether the health sector launches a well-coordinated response during the emergency phase of a natural disaster will mainly depend on:

a. functional communication systems
b. availability of personnel
c. local cooperation and assistance
d. the organization of medical care
e. availability of water and sanitation services

3. General health services disaster planning objectives include all of the following except:

a. increasing stocks of supplies and equipment
b. maintaining an inventory of resources
c. carrying out training activities
d. orienting community action
e. coordinating the use of resources

True/False

Indicate T or F:

__ 4. The immediate care of disaster victims is usually the only problem facing health personnel.

Answer Key

1. b
2. d
3. a
4. F