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Community Preparedness

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Submitted By fmpearson
Words 1767
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Community Preparedness
Felisha M. Pearson, RN
HCS/408 » Epidemiology: Global and Public Health
July 13, 2015
Kim Hall

Spreading Like Wildfire
A wildfire broke out in the fifth episode of the second season of the neighborhood. The wildfire incident generated many reports of the negative effects in diverse parts of the community. There were obvious concerns about the smoke and other possible pollutants from wildfires posing health threats to the community. Those concerns were certainly well founded. The official of the city made some statements telling citizens that they were not in danger, and would be alerted if there were cause for action on their behalf. The fire was not contained after five days of attempts. Five days of uncontrolled forest fire destroyed incalculable acres of land, and the amount of destruction increased with every second the fire remained out of control. It seemed as if the local fire department thought they were capable of getting the fire under control when it began. A turn for the worse came with escalated winds. The rate of speed and fierceness of the wildfire increased with each gust. The community’s population started to see and feel the adverse effects of the fire, and the pressure and strain begin to move from their individual homes to the community’s health care facilities.
"The smoky air conditions affect everyone, but especially those with pre-existing problems, such as chronic lung conditions," said Neighborhood Hospital Emergency Department (ED) physician James Gordon, MD. The unrestrained wildfire outbreak in the community brought a significant increase in the number of patients being seen and admitted to the hospital. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and asthma were experiencing significant complications and even exacerbation related to breathing in the smoke outside. Resources

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