Hlt4 Task 1

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“Disaster in Franklin County" Western Governors University HAT/Task4 Abstract Whenever a crisis occurs either on a personal or community level, people will tend to seek one thing; guidance. Disasters will occur anywhere or anytime whether manmade as with a gas main break or natural, such as, tornado and may be random or planned such as terrorist attack. No matter the cause of the disaster the community will look to the elected and hired leaders to inform, educate, and advise what the next steps to remain safe will be. Most communities on a county level have an Incident Command System (ICS) or disaster plan that is implemented at the time of a disaster. The plan will have policies, procedures, and response to actual…show more content…
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines Chain of Command; “as an orderly line of authority within the ranks of the ICS” (FEMA ICS, 2012). Whenever there is an occurrence of crisis or disaster, confusion and fear can grow when there is a lack of clear, concise, effective communication and direction. This is the purpose of the Chain of Command, to provide effective, accurate, and quick communication among agencies, individuals, and throughout the community of the focus of the mission to manage the event safely and efficiently. Fortunately, the overall development of ICS is to be a self-contained agency in addition, while including other community agencies such as fire, police, and hospitals. The development of ICS with changes and clarifications by FEMA also includes accountability for each assigned role which is vital in success of managing the disaster and outcome as well as ensuring proper supervision and clear communication (FEMA ICS, 2012). In, “Disaster of Franklin County”, the CHN begins the Chain of Command by reporting immediately to the Medical Health Director, who provides leadership, guidance, as well as supervision of the involved medical personnel as determined by his role. Together the Medical Health Director and the Public Health Service Branch Director combine their efforts, assessments, and evaluations of the…show more content…
This action is yet one of many that help the community to develop or have faith in the leaders of the community during the disaster and achieving the state of normalcy so many desire. In going door to door the CHN is able to address concerns that require emergent actions, in the scenario presented the CHN addresses; major flooding in the home of a male member of the community, the care of a family with a child in diapers, following the use of a generator in a non-English speaking home, and assessing a citizen who has hypertension. First, the gentlemen with major flooding had a two-part problem, the flooding was not the only issue which with assistance from EHS, he also required haz-mat assistance in cleaning up chemicals from oils, paint thinners, etc. While his home is being cleaned and structurally addressed for future habitation, the resident is provided information for temporary shelter. Second, the family with a small child who is in diapers is provided with information on assistance with food, water, and other necessities. The CHN also noted a level of high stress in the home, though no domestic violence was occurring at the time of the visit there is a high propensity for this to occur due to lack of coping skills. Information on shelter, housing, and supplies is provided and SMHS receives a referral
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