16 Nov Assume the role of the senior nurse at a regional hospital who has been assigned to develop a disaster recovery plan for the community using MAP-IT and trace-mapping

In this assessment, you will assume the role of the senior nurse at a regional hospital who has been assigned to develop a disaster recovery plan for the community using MAP-IT and trace-mapping, which you will present to city officials and the disaster relief team. Introduction For a health care facility to be able to fill its role in the community, it must actively plan not only for normal operation, but also for worst-case scenarios which could occur. In such disasters, the hospital’s services will be particularly crucial, even if the specifics of the disaster make it more difficult for the facility to stay open. As the senior nurse at the Smallville Regional Hospital, you play a vital role in ensuring the hospital’s readiness for disasters and its ability to recover from them. The hospital administrator wants to discuss disaster preparedness and recovery with you. Before the conversation, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the background information on events that have occurred in Smallville in recent years, including the involvement of the hospital.

Background Investigate further for relevant background information. Newspaper Headline: “Smallville Devastated by Wildfire: Rebuilding and Recovery Underway” November 8, 2022 Smallville, CA – In a tragic turn of events, the northern California town of Smallville was ravaged by a devastating wildfire on July 6, 2021. The fire, which quickly spread through the town, destroyed nearly 19,000 structures and claimed the lives of 31 residents. The community is now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from this catastrophic event. The fire, known as the Blaze, raced into Smallville with unprecedented speed and intensity, leaving residents with little time to evacuate. Many were forced to flee on foot, seeking refuge in parking lots and commercial buildings that were never intended to serve as temporary shelters in a firestorm.

2 The impact of this disaster was felt particularly hard by residents of low socioeconomic status (SES). People in poverty, with low incomes, and of low SES often face greater challenges in recovering from disasters. The loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods has left many in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability. However, amidst the devastation, there is hope. The community has come together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding. Local organizations, government agencies, and volunteers have joined forces to provide assistance and resources to those affected by the fire. Experts studying the response to disasters like the Blaze emphasize the need for a radical overhaul in how we prepare for and respond to such events in the era of climate change. This includes rethinking disaster recovery strategies and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future disasters. The town of Smallville is determined to rise from the ashes and rebuild stronger than ever. City leaders are working on developing comprehensive emergency plans and evacuation standards to ensure the safety of residents in the face of future wildfires. The community is resilient and united in their efforts to restore their beloved town. As the rebuilding and recovery process continues, it is crucial for the nation to learn from this tragedy and implement measures to better prepare for and respond to disasters. The lessons learned from the Blaze will serve as a wake-up call for communities across the country, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and effective disaster response strategies. Fact Sheet: Smallville, CA Population: 5,200 Median Household Income: $60,000 Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line: 22% Racial/Ethnic Composition: White: 69% African American: 6% Native American: 2% Asian/Pacific Islander: 10% Other Races: 8% Two or More Races: 5%