Background of the Study: Mass casualty incidents (MCIs), which include natural disasters, industrial accidents, or violent events such as bombings or shootings, are critical events that strain healthcare systems and challenge emergency services. In Benue State, as in many parts of Nigeria, healthcare facilities are not always fully equipped or prepared to manage such emergencies, resulting in adverse patient outcomes. Emergency nurses are at the forefront of managing MCIs, providing initial care, stabilizing patients, and coordinating with other healthcare providers. Their ability to manage these incidents efficiently is essential in reducing morbidity and mortality during such events (Ugwu et al., 2023).
However, several factors contribute to the challenges that emergency nurses face in managing MCIs, including inadequate training, insufficient resources, and high patient volumes, among others. In Benue State, healthcare facilities are often under-resourced, and nurses may lack the specialized training needed to manage large-scale emergencies effectively. The absence of standard protocols for MCIs, as well as inadequate coordination between healthcare facilities, further exacerbates these challenges. This study explores these issues and aims to assess the challenges faced by emergency nurses in Benue State in managing mass casualty incidents.
Statement of the Problem: While mass casualty incidents present significant challenges to healthcare systems, little research has been conducted on the specific difficulties faced by emergency nurses in Benue State. Emergency nurses are integral to the response to MCIs, yet many hospitals in the state lack the necessary resources and preparedness to manage such situations effectively. This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by emergency nurses in Benue State healthcare facilities in managing MCIs, and to provide recommendations for improving the preparedness and response capabilities of these nurses.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on emergency nurses in Benue State healthcare facilities, assessing the challenges they face in managing MCIs. Limitations may include variations in training and preparedness across hospitals, as well as the difficulty of assessing real-time MCI management due to infrequent events.
Definitions of Terms:
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