The Immediate Responder & the Disaster Gap

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• Christina Hernon

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About

This webpage features the story of an emergency physician who felt unprepared during a mass casualty incident despite years of training. She identifies a new group called "Immediate Responders," who are present at the scene before official help arrives. These people act quickly to help others but may also be traumatized themselves. The time between when an incident happens and when trained responders arrive is called the "Disaster Gap." Understanding this gap and supporting Immediate Responders can improve training, safety, and recovery for everyone involved in emergencies. This resource is related to a PPN podcast titled "Disaster Gap."

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Tags

Focus Areas: CBRNE; Everyday Emergency; Trauma; Violence

Audiences: EMS Clinicians; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Response

Keywords: Blast Injuries; Boston; Disaster Planning; Emergency Medicine; First Aid; Stress, Psychological; Terrorism; Resilience, Psychological; Emergency Responders; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Institutions: Intensive Care Network

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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