An Appraisal of Nurses’ Preparedness in Handling Mass Casualty Incidents in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs), including natural disasters, road traffic accidents, and large-scale terrorist attacks, present significant challenges to healthcare systems, requiring coordinated and effective responses to manage the sudden influx of patients with varying degrees of injury or illness. Nurses play a pivotal role in managing these incidents, providing initial assessments, triaging patients, administering treatments, and coordinating care. However, the preparedness of nurses in handling such situations can vary significantly based on training, resources, and hospital protocols.
In Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina State, where healthcare infrastructure faces challenges related to limited resources, the ability of nurses to effectively respond to MCIs is crucial for minimizing mortality and morbidity. Nurses' preparedness to handle MCIs is influenced by factors such as their knowledge of triage procedures, availability of emergency equipment, and hospital disaster response plans (Adeyemi et al., 2024). This study aims to assess the preparedness of nurses in handling mass casualty incidents at FMC Katsina and explore the gaps in their readiness to manage these high-stress, life-threatening situations.
Statement of the Problem
Mass casualty incidents demand rapid and well-coordinated responses, yet there is limited knowledge about the preparedness of nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, to handle such events. The preparedness of healthcare workers in managing MCIs can significantly influence patient outcomes and the ability to minimize casualties. Assessing the preparedness of nurses in handling mass casualty incidents is essential for improving disaster response strategies and ensuring better care during these critical situations.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the preparedness of nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, in handling mass casualty incidents.
- To identify gaps in knowledge, training, and resources that affect nurses' ability to respond effectively to MCIs.
- To provide recommendations for improving nurses' preparedness for handling mass casualty situations.
Research Questions
- How prepared are nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, to handle mass casualty incidents?
- What are the key gaps in knowledge, training, and resources that impact nurses' preparedness for MCIs?
- What strategies can be implemented to enhance nurses’ preparedness and response to mass casualty incidents?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, have limited preparedness in handling mass casualty incidents due to inadequate training and resource constraints.
- A lack of standardized protocols for managing MCIs in FMC Katsina hinders nurses’ ability to respond effectively.
- Targeted training and resource allocation will improve nurses’ preparedness and response capabilities for mass casualty incidents.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on evaluating the preparedness of nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, in handling mass casualty incidents. Limitations may include the variability in nurses’ experience, the difficulty in simulating mass casualty scenarios, and the limited availability of disaster training programs.
Definitions of Terms
- Mass Casualty Incident (MCI): An event resulting in a large number of casualties, often overwhelming the available medical resources.
- Nurses' Preparedness: The readiness of nurses to respond effectively to MCIs, which includes knowledge, skills, and the availability of resources.
- Triage: The process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition during mass casualty situations.
