\ Earthquakes are the vibrations caused by rocks breaking under stress.

The underground surface along which the rock breaks and moves is called a fault plane..
Earthquake occurs when two crustal plates on earth slide past each other causing a fault or fracture in the rocks the result which is sudden trembling of the earth surface

 tectonic) earthquakes occur along tectonic plate lines(fault lines) caused by breaking rocks. Intraplate Earthquakes Earthquakes that do not occur on plate margins are called intraplate earthquakes caused by thrust faulting due to the rocks being squeezed or compressed. It seems that the movement of the tectonic plates causes the rocks away from their margins to be compressed.

TYPES OF EARTHQUAKE

 Volcanic Earthquakes Molten rock, called magma, is stored in reservoirs under volcanoes. As this magma moves upwards, it can fracture the rock it squeezes through, causing earthquakes, usually with magnitudes not much greater than 5.0. Foreshocks are smaller earthquakes that may occur in the same area as a larger earthquake that follows. They are caused by minor fracturing of rocks under stress prior to the main break that happens during the largest earthquake of the series, called the mainshock.

 Foreshocks can start up to a year before the mainshock, as was the case before the three large (magnitudes between 6.3 and 6.7) earthquakes near Tennant Creek in January 1988.

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that may occur after the mainshock, in the same area. They are caused by the mainshock area readjusting to the fault movement, and some may be the result of continuing movement along the same fault.
Small earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 3.5 have aftershocks

 collapse earthquake are small earthquakes in the underground and in mines that are caused by seismic waves produced from the explosion of rock on the surface. explosion earthquake that is caused by a chemical or nuclear explosion.

 CAUSE OF EARTHQUAKE -Earthquakes are caused by faulting, a sudden lateral or vertical movement of rock along a rupture (break) surface. -The surface of the Earth is in continuous slow motion. This is plate tectonics--the motion of immense rigid plates at the surface of the Earth in response to flow of rock within the Earth. -earthquake occurs when the rocks break and move as a result of stresses caused by plate movements.

Earthquake Precautionary Measures

What to do before the earthquake

Be cautious and ready to face dangers that comes your way. Try to be calm when danger comes so that you can deal with problems that the earthquake brings. Attend earthquake drills. To help you get to know about earthquakes more, try to read books or magazines that discuss about earthquakes.

 Be prepared for first aid kits. It is also important to be prepared with flashlights, some batteries or other important tools. Put these things in a box and put it in a convenient place where you can grab it if earthquake occurs. These things will be very useful in cases of emergency, Remove all heavy objects on top of cabinets and put them at the bottom of the cabinets.

 Fasten all appliances to the walls and floor so that they will be secured

What to do during the earthquake

Do not panic. If there are kids, gather them together and stay with them. Kids panic easily so it is important for you to be with them to tell them what and what not to do. Seek cover under strong tables, chairs and beds. If you are outdoors, stay away from tall buildings and walls.

 Avoid staying near electric posts. Lay down on the ground. Use flashlights instead of open flames because it might create a spark that could cause fire if there is gas leak. Ran outside the house if you have time.

What to do after the earthquake

Check every member of the family. If someone is hurt, apply first aid. Do not go inside your house immediately because there are often aftershocks. Check for damages inside the house. Shut off the main switch of the electricity.

 Stay away from damaged buildings. Report damages immediately. Seek help if there are problems.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER: WATCH OUT FOR

The phases of disaster Mitigation:

Lessen the impact of a disaster before it strikes Activities that reduce or eliminate a hazard Prevention Risk reduction Examples Immunization programs Public education

 Preparedness: Activities undertaken to handle a disaster when it strikes Activities that are taken to build capacity and identify resources that may be used Know evacuation shelters Emergency communication plan Preventive measures to prevent spread of disease Public Education

 Response: Search and rescue, clearing debris, and feeding and sheltering victims (and responders if necessary). Activities a hospital, healthcare system, or public health agency take immediately before, during, and after a disaster or emergency occurs

 Recovery: Getting a community back to its pre-disaster status Activities undertaken by a community and its components after an emergency or disaster to restore minimum services and move towards longterm restoration. Debris Removal Care and Shelter Damage Assessments Funding Assistance

What is Triage?
French verb trier means to sort Assigns priorities when resources limited Do the best for the greatest number of patients

 In triage causalities are categorized according to severity of injury. The color red requires immediate and quick attention because it means life threatening injury. On this level nurses focus on airway, breathing, and circulation and based on that decide the level of intervention needed.

Why is Disaster Triage needed

Inadequate resource to meet immediate needs Infrastructure limitations Inadequate hazard preparation Limited transport capabilities Multiple agencies responding Hospital Resources Overwhelmed

advantages of Triage
Helps to bring order and organization to a chaotic scene. It identifies and provides care to those who are in greatest need Helps make the difficult decisions easier Assure that resources are used in the most effective manner May take some of the emotional burden away from those doing triage

Who decides in triage

Nurses dont act for legal fears of being blamed for deaths, and lack of clarity on where they fit in the command structure Nurses function to the level of their training and experience. If nurses they are the most trained personnel the site, they are in charge.

Are nurses prepared??

Role of nursing in disasters

Disaster preparedness, including risk assessment and multi-disciplinary management strategies at all system levels, is critical to the delivery of effective responses to the short, medium, and long-term health needs of a disaster-stricken population. International Council of Nurses (2006)

Nurses roles in disasters

Determine magnitude of the event Define health needs of the affected groups Establish priorities and objectives Identify actual and potential public health problems Determine resources needed to respond to the needs identified Collaborate with other professional disciplines, governmental and non-governmental agencies Maintain a unified chain of command Communication

Topics that must be covered by disaster nursing training

Basic life support System and planning for settings where nurses work Communications (what to report and to whom) Working in the damaged facilities and with damaged equipment Safety of clients and practitioners Working within a team (understand each members role and responsibility) Infection control Mental and psychosocial support (WHO, 2006)