Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Management Plan - Case Study Example

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN Overview of the organization It is imperative to note that Cairns has the highest population in the larger Cairns District area, with an overall population estimation of 180, 524 in the residential areas. This does not account for the domestic and international visitors to the government areas in the local set-up. By 2031, the Cairns Regional Council is projected to have the 3rd largest growth outside the South East Queensland (SEQ) with a probable increase of 75,000 (Queensland Government, 2011). Cairns and hinterland health services is located in the wider Cairns Regional Council which embraces a comprehensive philosophy in the management of disasters. This entails efforts towards alleviation, prevention, readiness and recovery mechanisms in case of a disaster. Thus, it has a group for managing disasters at the local level which provides the community at Cairns region with equipment to enhance efficiency in response and eventual swift recovery in case a disaster occurs (Local Disaster management Plan-Cairns region, 2008). This is founded on the background that as of 1st February 2011, there was an evident emergence of cyclone Yasi in Cairns, which can be viewed as perhaps the most damaging category five tropical storm in a generation In this regard, a contingency measure was put in place at Queensland Health which was confronted with an exceptional decision to engage in an evacuation practice of all the patients from Cairns Base Hospital with an overall goal of shutting down the facility within the next 24 hours (Stone, Burns & Irvin, 2011). In this regard, hospital facilities are under the obligation to come up with a disaster management plan in case of an unavoidable evacuation. This is based on the rationale that these storm heaves are capable of heightened impacts in relation to trauma in humans among other general effects (Petrinec, 2012). In order to gain an insight into the disaster management plan in this locality, it is important to look into some of the anticipated disasters, both man-made and natural, and probably their anticipated impact, both on the health facility and the wider community. According to Queensland health (2011), both natural perils and man-made hazards, which include acts of terrorism, must be subjected to continued assessment in terms of vulnerability to risks, with stringent plans formulated and resources mobilized to reduce and manage the effects of the disaster. Anticipated Disasters-Natural According to the Queensland Government (2011), disasters which occur naturally are endowed with political, socio-economic and environmental risks on the community. Whereas these impacts can be reduced, it is worth noting that they cannot be completely eliminated, and thus the necessity for adequate preparedness in case of such an occurrence. Despite the nature of the disaster, they all pose substantial impacts on the community. The cost in terms of the natural disaster policy and its implementation by the different stakeholders need to be considered when efforts are being put in place to manage the disaster. Some communities are usually more vulnerable to disasters more than others, in regard to the geo-political distribution, and these aspects need to be put into profound consideration when formulating response to disaster. In addition, most of the people who have an elevated reliance on infrastructures such as water supply, communication networks and power portray more vulnerability to disasters (ibid). The most prevalent natural disasters that are bound to have adverse effects include eruption of volcanos, storm tide, tsunami, storm, floods, earthquakes, cyclones among other natural occurrences which are not subject to man-made controls (Queensland Health, 2010). But perhaps the most destructive natural disaster is a natural cyclone. The magnitude of its destruction is usually subjected into categorization, with a range of 1-5 in regard to the precinct of maximum winds. It is worth noting that prior advices are usually issued by the warning services which also entail the estimated severity of the tropical storm. However, this warning is not usually specific in the sense that is does not give the predetermined condition at a singular level, but rather generalizes the worst projected outcomes. This can be imperative in helping the community in taking the necessary and most appropriate actions (ibid). The following table summarizes the magnitude and effects of a cyclone in each category. Category Maximum wind bursts Impacts Category 1 Less than 125 Km/hr. Negligible damage Category 2 From 125-169 Km/hr. (Destructive winds) Minimal damage. Considerable damage on caravans, trees and signs. Probable power failure Category 3 From 170-224 Km/hr. (Very destructive winds) Damage of structures and roofs. High risk of power failure Category 4 From 225-279 Km/hr. (Very destructive winds) Considerable damage of structures and roofs. Hazardous airborne debris. Power failure Category 5 +280 Km/hr. (Extremely destructive winds) Extremely hazardous and results in widespread destruction. Source: CHHSD-Emergency Preparedness Continuity Disaster Plan, 2010. There are also widespread risks associated with industrial undertakings, most notably due to the mining operations that are prevalent in the area. Mining of Bauxite is established in this area which is evident in Weipa Township, not forgetting the mining of silica at Cape Flattery (Queensland Government, 2011). These mines are subject to periodical collapse, which can not only result in destruction of property but also loss of lives. On the other hand, various diseases are associated with the industrial process due to factors like air and water pollution, occupational exposure among other sources. Consequently, mining of minerals which are carcinogenic in nature can result in unexpected outbreak of diseases of various categories. Moreover, the spread of air borne diseases can be a major cause of health disaster if prudent measures are not formulated to curtail the effects of these industrial processes in the area (Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District, 2009). In addition, there is need for the preparedness in case of probable terrorist acts on these mines, based on their population capacity. This is parallel with the Queensland Government Counter-Terrorism Strategy 2008-2010 and the guide for GSP (General Security Planning) (Queensland health, 2010). Impediments to disaster preparedness Despite the fact that prudent measures can be put in place to mitigate the causes and effects of disasters, it is apparent that some challenges confront the efforts geared towards preparedness. According to the EMA (1993), there is a big challenge based on the lack of absoluteness in the cyclone surge warning, which can even extend over some days. In this regard, it becomes practically impossible to judge the final course and severity until about 12 hours before the actual occurrence. Goudie & King (1999) cite that due to the uncertainties surrounding the warning about the tropical storms, the evacuation during the last minutes is bound to be affected by flooding in roads, high turnover in population in many centers and breakdown of the infrastructure. This phenomenon was predominant during the efforts towards the evacuation of people with end-kidney diseases during the catastrophe of February, 2011. In this case, an evacuation of 71 hemodialysis patients from Cairns was to be undertaken in anticipation of one of the most massive tropical storms in history which was closing the coast to Cairns Base Hospital (Rossi, Young, Martin, Douglas & Campbel, 2011). Probable interventions and stakeholders There is a wide array of interventions which can be executed to enhance the preparedness in case of an anticipated disaster, reduce the impacts in case of an occurrence, and also ensure effective and efficient response. In addition, diverse stakeholders can be called into action in the efforts to achieve the aforementioned objectives. At the most basic level, the involvement of the community is vital if at all positive outcomes are to be achieved in regard to preparedness for the disaster and evacuation efforts when the disaster occurs. This applies to both the natural disaster like floods, earthquakes and tropical storms as well as industrial disasters. For instance, regarding to floods, Goudie & King (1999) determine that the combination of support which is political in nature and preparation of the community can be integral in the evacuation undertakings. This was after a major flooding in the Townsville area (King, 1998). Prior, comprehensive knowledge of the flood areas in the road network of the entire locality will ensure a good knowledge of the evacuation zones. In this regard, the community will be deeply involved in the evacuation of the vulnerable to alternative, safe accommodation which was pre-arranged. Research has showed there is an overwhelming tendency of disbelief during and after the event (Goudie & King,1998; Cronan, 1998). The response to complex incidents is also likely to incorporate the support and input from the Queensland Health Hospital and other facilities whose location is within the jurisdiction of the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District. All the hospitals in this region are bound to initiate appropriate response to contingency situations within the respective facilities or work areas (Queensland health, 2010). The mandate of the Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) is also imperative in regard to the management of disasters. This is based against the background that this institution is fundamental in provision of advisory services and assistance to all the committees and agencies based in the jurisdiction of Queensland Disaster management system and also the executive and administrative support to the State Disaster Management Group (SDMG) (Local Disaster management Plan-Cairns region, 2008). Other activities that may require coordination in the efforts to cultivate disaster preparedness include establishment of evacuation centers, contingency infrastructure like communication and transportation. Local jurisdiction and Legal obligation From the preceding discourse, it is apparent that undertaking preventive measures before the occurrence of a phenomenon can be important in the reduction of the severity of that event. Thus, engaging in the preparation efforts ensures that in the event that that phenomenon occurs, the staff, available resources, and the services have the capability to survive the effects of that event (Human Resource Services Division Emergency Preparedness Continuity Management Plan, 2012). However, these undertaking are subject to some legal foundation which ensures coordinated, transparent and ethical efforts in disaster management. In regard to the management of records, Queensland Government (2011) cites that this activity is aimed at preserving the evidence related to diverse actions and important communications. This is done through maintenance of the records of these actions, arrived at decisions and relevant communications which is often under the jurisdiction of the Public Record Act 2002. This act permits public scrutiny under the Right to Information Act, 2009. Therefore, the DDMG is obliged to conform to the financial, legal and evidentiary prerequisites (which incorporates disposal of records which is lawful and accountable) when handling the DDMG records. The other important legal framework governing disaster management include Disaster Management Act, 2003 (ibid). According to the Local Disaster management Plan-Cairns region (2008), there are other relevant Acts in Cairns Region Disaster management. This includes but not limited to Environmental Protection Act 1994, Explosive Act 1999, Agriculture Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966, Terrorism (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2002 among others. The jurisdiction of the Cairns and hinterland health service district disaster plan cover a wide area. According to Queensland Government (2011), this plan is a detailed breakdown of the arrangements which are necessary in the efforts geared towards disaster management within the cairns disaster district. Several mechanisms are put to utility in this jurisdiction aimed at enhancing the level of awareness in regard to emergency preparedness or response. In the efforts to inform the community on the arrangements to elevate disaster preparedness, the local disaster management group has initiated various outlets and distribution methods for disaster information. This includes newspapers, articles, journals, brochures and other advertisements. This is to improve the awareness quotient in the community and inform them on the most ideal way to respond in case of a disaster (Queensland Government, 2011). Rehearsal in disaster preparedness According to Kent (1994), rehearsals on disaster preparedness don’t usually portray the dynamics, challenges among other logistics that confront a disaster relief operation. Nonetheless, this is not a justifiable reason for not engaging in disaster preparedness rehearsals aimed at familiarizing an individual or a collective with the disaster preparedness plan. Rehearsals are important in reemphasizing the items which were highlighted in a separate training program, and might be neglected during an emergency operation and also in the identification of gaps that may be inherent in a disaster response plan. In addition, rehearsals are important in informing ongoing fine tuning of that plan (ibid). Rehearsal situation A three day exercise held on 23rd March 2011 in Japan simulated an emergency at the Fukushimi Daiichi nuclear power plant. More than 40,000 people participated in this, including 7,000 officials in off-site and on-site response groups and organizations. In this activity, one of the villages in the vicinity of this plant was selected to demonstrate evacuation processes, and people in a wide zone were instructed to take shelter. Precautions were put in place to prevent the contamination of food, fire-fighting demonstrations were conducted under the full radiological contamination control, and controls for traffic were set up as well as establishment of decontamination facilities. In this rehearsal, the ‘real’ disaster situation was brought into motion. However, this activation event might be confronted by certain challenges which might mar, albeit insignificantly, it intended objectives. Firstly, there is a high probability of inattention to details and lack of seriousness among those taking part. This can mostly be a scenario after they realize that the disaster is stage-managed and thus fail to take the activation event seriously. In addition, Kent (1994) determines that half-heartedness and pessimism might affect the event. Secondly, the participants in this activity might be new to such a phenomenon because either a disaster of such nature has taken a long time since the last occurrence, or it has never occurred altogether. In such a scenario, most of those taking part will perceive is as a waste of time and thus, end up being aloof and withdrawn. Lastly, some of the occurrences, mostly the natural disasters like earthquakes, take time and a lot of resources to set-up a hypothetical phenomenon. In such a case, it might be impossible for the involved institution to execute a rehearsal due to financial and human capital constraints. Conclusion From the above discourse, it is apparent that disaster management plans are paramount in cultivating preparedness among the stakeholders, who involve the community and other organizations. These plans ought to stipulate how the efforts towards disaster management will be implemented and the necessary response actions. However, this requires extreme coordination and involvement of all the stakeholders in order to enable facilitate harmonized response in case of a disaster. This will also mitigate duplication of roles in the occurrence of a disaster since each stakeholder is conversant with his/her designated role. REFERENCES Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District (2009). Health Indicators. Tropical Population Health Service: Cairns. Cronan K. (1998). Foundations of emergency management, Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 13(1), 20–23. EMA (1993). Commonwealth Counter-disaster Concepts and Principles, Australian Counter- disaster Handbook, 1(2). Goudie, D. & King, D (1999). Cyclone Surge and Community Preparedness. James cook University: North Queensland, Australia. Human Resource Services Division Emergency Preparedness Continuity Management Plan, (2012). Human Resource Services. Queensland government: Australia. Kent, R (1994). Disaster Preparedness. Disaster Management Training Programme. Retrieved March 20, 2012 from http://iaemeuropa.terapad.com/resources/8959/ assets/documents/UN%20DMTP%20-%20Disaster%20Preparedness.pdf King D. and Goudie D. (1998). Breaking through the disbelief: the March 1997 floods at Cloncurry–Even the duck swam away, Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 12(4), 29–33. King D. (1998). Townsville–Thuringowa Floods, January 1998, Household post disaster survey, James Cook University. Local Disaster management Plan-Cairns region (2008). LDMP-CR Disaster Management Plan Version 2. Retrieved March 20, 2012 from http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__ data/assets/pdf_file /0008/7829/LocalDisManPlan.pdf Petrinec, M (March, 2012). Cairns Base Hospital Evacuation Plan Uproar, The Cairns Post, p.1. Queensland health (2010). Cairns & Hinterland Health Service District Disaster Plan. The Esplanade: Cairns Queensland government (2011). Queensland Government. EMQ: Australia. Rossi M, Young V, Martin J, Douglas B & Campbell KL (2011).Nutrition during a natural disaster for people with end-stage kidney disease. Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 7(3), 69-71. Stone, T.M, Burns, J & Irvin, S (2011).Cyclone Yasi and the Evacuation of Cairns Base Hospital - Lessons for the Future, Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, 14(1), 2-3. Read More