Response and Coordination

COVID-19

Due to time constraints, the demand for swift and coordinated action, the necessity of search and rescue efforts to save lives, and the need for evacuation and security.

Actions taken immediately before, at the moment of, and immediately after the disaster to save lives, reduce adverse health impacts, ensure public safety, and meet the basic needs of people affected by disasters.

To ensure the continued health, safety, and food security of those impacted by disasters.

• Search and rescue operations

• Provision of first medical care and treatment

• Supply of food, beverages, clothing

• Temporary shelter arrangements

• Psychosocial support

• Ensuring safety measures

• Environmental health management

• Implementation of protective medicine

• Information gathering and transportation

• Damage assessment

• Evacuation procedures

• Removal of hazardous debris 

Identifying persons in need of urgent assistance, implementing first aid if necessary, and transferring them to a safe place where they can receive more comprehensive assistance.

First aid is the medication-free practices conducted at the scene of the accident, without the need for medical equipment, to save lives and prevent the situation from getting worse, until medical assistance is provided by health workers, in any accident or life-threatening situation.

• Elimination of life-threatening situations
• Ensuring the maintenance of vital functions
• Preventing the deterioration of the condition of the patient
• Facilitating recovery

Due to structural discrimination.

• the nature and severity of the event(s) they experience

• their experience with previous distressing events

• the support they have in their life from others

• their physical health

• their personal and family history of mental health problems

• their cultural background and traditions

• their age (for example, children of different age groups react differently).

• To assist a victim, introduce yourself and help them introduce themselves.

• Maintain a calm tone and use plain, uncomplicated language.

• Avoid interrupting the victim’s remarks and maintain a pleasant, genuine, and polite attitude.

• If the victim refuses to talk, wait silently.

• Ensure that their emotions are natural and assist them in developing relationships with loved ones.

• Avoid rapid reactions and physical contact, and make sure the victim’s emotions are normal.

A timely response,  professional personnel support, efficient resource allocation, effective disaster logistics, and robust communication and information systems.

• The magnitude of the disaster and the extent of its destructive impact. 

• The overall degree of disaster readiness within the public administration.

• The community’s ability to resist and recover from disasters. • The presence of feasible contingency plans. 

• The existence of competent personnel. 

• The quantity of equipment operational in the affected area. 

• The current state of logistical readiness.

• The closeness level of the logistical hubs to disaster sites.

• A sufficient supply of equipment.

• Effective coordination between field operations and headquarters.

• The condition of the transportation infrastructure in the affected region.

• The utilization of communication systems and services.

The involvement of inexperienced individuals in disaster interventions could worsen the complexity, difficulty, and tragic nature of the process.

• Legal regulations

• Institutional structures

• Plans and strategies

• Disaster agencies

• Financial means

• Technical tools and equipment

• Human resources

• Early warning systems

• Vehicles used for transportation

• Information and communication means

Governmental agencies and their personnel, with the involvement of the private sector and nongovernmental organizations.

• Assessment and initial response

• Coordination and communication

• Search operations

• Rescue and medical assistance

• Logistical support

• Post-operation analysis and reporting

• Training and preparation

Disaster and emergency response plans include what to do, how to do it, and when to do it in the event of a possible disaster. These plans identify the institutions, and persons responsible for disaster and emergency situations, as well as the principles of their work and responsibilities. 

• Saving lives • Restoring life and activities to normal as soon as possible • Doing response work fast and systematically • Ensuring the safety of the area and its surroundings • Preserving public health • Protecting property, the environment, and cultural heritage • Reducing economic and social losses • Preventing or mitigating secondary disasters • Notifying the public and maintaining public communication constantly • Ensuring the efficient use of resources

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) • United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) • International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) • UN Development Program (UNDP) • UN-Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) • On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) • International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) • EU-European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) • Turkish Red Crescent (KIZILAY) • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) • World Health Organization (WHO)