Mass Disaster Criteria

Mass Disaster Criteria

Introduction

Mass disasters happen under many tragic scenarios: natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanoes. They are also man made: politically driven mass murder, war, terrorist activity and unforeseen modern life events. When large numbers of people perish under these circumstances the task of identifying the human remains can be arduous because of the fragile nature of DNA. Survivors too, need closure for their loved ones.

Disasters commonly occur. They may be caused by nature, including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. In addition, disasters may be human-made, caused by people through mishap or neglect, such as a work accident or an apartment fire, or by deliberate intention, as with terrorism. Often large numbers of people are affected and they share their experience of trauma and traumatic loss. Many losses may occur after a disaster, including loss of loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, and pets, and loss of homes, workplaces, schools, houses of worship, possessions, and communities. Survivors may also lose their routine way of living and working, going to school, and being with others. Some may lose their confidence in the future.

What can one expect after experiencing a disaster?

Most child, adolescent, adult, and older adult survivors experience some of the following normal stress responses to varying degrees. They may last for many months after the disaster has ended, and even longer. Normal stress reactions include:

Emotional (feeling) reactions: feelings of shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, grief, anger, resentment, guilt, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, betrayal, depression, emotional numbness (difficulty having feelings, including those of love and intimacy, or taking interest and pleasure in day-to-day activities)

Cognitive (thinking) reactions: confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, worry, shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, unwanted memories, repeated imagery, self-blame

Physical (bodily) reactions: tension, fatigue, edginess, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, nausea, aches and pains, worsening health conditions, change in appetite, change in sex drive

Interpersonal reactions: neediness, dependency, distrust, irritability, conflict, withdrawal, isolation, feeling rejected or abandoned, being distant, judgmental, or over-controlling in friendships, marriages, family, or other relationships.

Spiritual (meaning) reactions: wondering why, why me where was God; feeling as if life is not worth living.

Massive Disaster Criterion

During or after massive disasters, many survivors may be directly exposed to or witness things that may make them particularly vulnerable to serious stress reactions. Disaster stress may revive memories or experiences of earlier trauma, as well as possibly intensifying pre-existing social, economic, spiritual, psychological, or medical problems. While trauma reactions can become lasting problems, the shared experience of disasters and people's resiliency can provide support. Being aware of risk factors is important. They include:

Loss of family, neighborhood, or community

Life-threatening danger or physical harm (especially to children)

Exposure to horrible death, bodily injury, or bodies

Extreme environmental or human violence or destruction

Loss of home or valued possessions

Loss of communication with or support from important people in one's life

Intense emotional demands

Extreme fatigue, weather exposure, hunger, or sleep deprivation

Extended exposure to danger, loss, emotional/physical strain

Exposure to toxic contamination (such as gas, fumes, chemicals, radioactivity, or biological agents)

A catastrophic disaster, either natural or man-made, ...