DISASTER NURSING

Learning Material 4

PERSONNEL ROLES AND FUNCTIONS FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

PLANS

In order to effectively respond in a disaster, each member of the disaster rescue team
must be knowledgeable in their functions and roles. The disaster rescue team composes of the
Incident Commander, Medical Command Physician, Triage Officer, Community Relations for
Public Information Officer, NDRRM National and Local Council, Philippine National Red
Cross, National and Local Health Personnel, Department of Social Welfare and Development,
Civil Society Organizations and Community Volunteers.

THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF AN INCIDENT COMMANDER FOR

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
1. PREPARE FOR INCIDENTS
Incident commanders must prepare for a range of events that can negatively
affect the company. While you can’t predict everything that will happen, you can set
up foolproof incident operations to handle a variety of scenarios as they occur in real
time. This type of operational preparation includes:
a) Setting up communication channels
b) Creating a general incident action plan
c) Training team members on the incident action plan
d) Regularly reviewing incident safety measures
2. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN
Once an incident occurs, an incident commander must put leadership qualities
into action by thinking quickly on their feet. Because every incident is unique,
preparation only goes so far. The incident commander must first analyze the incident
and determine how to address it. The following are the tasks of the incident commander
under this function
a) Deciding what to do during an incident includes:
b) Making a step-by-step action plan
c) Identifying which team members are needed
d) Prioritizing tasks based on safety and company needs
e) Communicating the plan to team members

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 3. DELEGATE TASKS
After the incident commander figure out how to handle a major incident, she/he
quickly needs to delegate authority and tasks. It’s essential for team members to know
their responsibilities so the incident action plan can function properly.
For larger incidents, the IC set up an incident management team to make the
response process easier. The team can help the IC with:
a) Debugging
b) Research
c) Information security
d) Process briefings
4. OVERSEE AND ALIGN TEAMS
After the incident commander delegate tasks, he/she must transition own self
into a facilitator role as teams trying to control the incident. The IC will then help team
members as needed and ensure everyone understands what they’re supposed to do.
Because everyone is working in a time-sensitive environment, the IC will also assist
with any communication issues. A communication plan can help the whole team
understand who should be getting which notifications and when to loop in other teams
or departments. As part of the communication plan, the incident commander should
clarify which channel team members should use and when, how frequently different
details should be communicated, and who is responsible for each of the different
channels.
5. KEEP TEAMS CALM AND FOCUSED
Some incidents can cause a lot of stress for team members within the company.
For example, if the company experiences a temporary loss of data, then the incident
commander should keep everyone calm and focused. Team morale can fluctuate
depending on the incident. If team members must work remotely, it’s also critical to
promote remote collaboration in addition to incident management.
6. ESCALATE ISSUES AND REVIEW
When an incident is too complex for the team to handle alone, it’s up to the
incident commander to escalate the issue to assisting agencies or departments. This may
include seeking help from stakeholders or senior management. If escalation isn’t
needed to handle the incident, then you can begin a detailed follow-up of the incident
instead. The final step of an incident response is the post mortem meeting. This is a
chance for the incident commander and the whole team to assess how well they have
handled the incident. Make sure to evaluate and review the following:
a) The speed of response
b) Overall task performance
c) The level of incident control

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 d) Personal performance as incident commander
e) The incident action plan’s efficiency
f) The risk for future related incidents

THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF A MEDICAL COMMAND PHYSICIAN FOR

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
A medical command physician works under the supervision of a medical command facility
medical director and under the guidance of a medical command facility. The following are the
duties of a medical command physician:
a) Providing medical command to EMS providers whenever they seek direction.
b) Issuing medical command consistent with nationwide protocols and protocols that are
in effect either in the region in which EMS originates or the region from which the EMS
providers who are providing EMS begin receiving medical command direction. For
good cause, a medical command physician may give medical command that is
inconsistent with these protocols.
c) Documenting patient information received from EMS providers and medical command
given to EMS providers, including when the medical command physician is providing
medical command at the scene.

THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF A TRIAGE OFFICER FOR DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
The Triage Officer role is undertaken by the most clinically experienced Intensive Care
Paramedic on scene. They assume responsibility for casualty triage, collection and clinical
management (patient care) at the incident site.

Primary Responsibilities
❖ Obtain briefing from Incident Commander
❖ Obtain triage supplies and triage officer portfolio
❖ Put on vest and review items on portfolio
❖ Determine equipment and personnel needs of triage sector; request same from Incident
Commander
❖ Coordinate personnel assigned to triage sector
❖ Distribute triage tags to support personnel as appropriate
❖ Ascertain from the Incident Commander if it is safe to being triage operations
❖ Develop a plan to find and triage all possible patients
❖ Advise and update Incident Command on approximate number of patients

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 ❖ Maintain communications with the Ambulance Commander, Transport Control Officer
and Paramedics.
❖ Coordinate support provided from allied emergency services and supporting agencies,
in moving casualties from the incident site, to the Casualty Collecting and Treatment
Area.
➢ At the Casualty Collecting Area, separate casualties into distinct priority
classification groups, to facilitate evacuation, treatment and transport.

Secondary Responsibilities
❖ Direct Triage Teams to use START/JumpStart Triage system
➢ Initiate Triage by quickly assessing, prioritizing and labelling casualties
(DRABC and move on). Direct and control supporting Paramedics to casualties
❖ Check all areas around MCI scene for potential patients, walk ways, ejected patients,
etc.
➢ Patients with life-threatening injuries / illness should not be left unattended, if
at all possible.
❖ Advise Incident Commander when initial triage and tagging is complete
❖ Undertake continuing Triage of all casualties, re-assessing the priority of treatment and
transport until scene is clear
❖ Begin relieving or reducing staff as necessary
❖ Report to Incident Commander for reassignment upon completion of tasks

THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF A COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND PUBLIC

INFORMATION OFFICER FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
PLAN
1. Weather Services Agencies
Meteorologists are responsible for providing technical advice to planners based
on climatological records on the frequency, speed of onset, length, and probability of
recurrence. They are usually in charge of issuing community risks warnings. Before
responding or taking actions, the weather service gives hourly weather updates and
additional information, such as the scene's safety, possible aftershocks, and what life-
or property-saving precautions to take.
2. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer
In the event of a disaster, the MDRRM office/officers must be able to (1) assess
the area's and constituents' vulnerabilities, (2) instill basic knowledge of natural
disasters and their potential impacts, (3) conduct an information and education
campaign (IEC) on disaster mitigation, (4) coordinate with officials in charge of

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 planning, construction, health, and welfare, (5) conduct first-aid trainings, and (6)
partner with educational institutions to broaden a community's understanding of
disaster mitigation. Furthermore, they are supposed to carry out rescue operations for
the victims and safeguard the safety of the civilian populace during the catastrophe
response.
3. Broadcast Media

News writers and anchors on radio and television play a significant role in
informing and educating the public about disasters. They are in charge of issuing risks
warnings, gathering and distributing updated information on disaster-affected areas,
such as closed roads, alternate routes, and the location of evacuation shelters through
broadcast media like radio. They're also in charge of notifying government authorities,
relief organizations, and the general public to specific requirements, as well as
supporting disaster preparedness and response.
4. Provincial Governor
During disaster preparedness, the province governor is responsible for ensuring
that resources are strengthened and that disaster reduction efforts, such as seminars and
consistent public education, are carried out in order to convey disaster prevention
information. They are also in charge of directing and deploying military, police, and
navy forces in areas where disasters are wreaking havoc, as it is critical to maintain
peace and order in order to minimize the problems that people suffer during disasters.
5. Barangay Officials

The barangay officials, led by the barangay captain, are in charge of

disseminating information on disaster preparedness to their individual communities,
including warning signs, evacuation centers, and items to bring during an evacuation.
According to R.A. 10121, since barangay officials are the authorities closest to the
tragedy, they are considered to be the first responders. They are expected to carry out
their responsibilities during disaster response by offering the best possible care, help,
and services to persons and families affected by the disaster. This is accomplished by
making it easier for them to reach safe areas and by providing information such as water
level, and flooding during typhoons, closed highways, and alternate routes to
evacuation centers.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF NDRRM NATIONAL AND LOCAL COUNCIL FOR

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
The National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC),
formerly known as the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), is a working group
of various government, non-government, civil sector and private sector organizations of the

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 Government of the Republic of the Philippines established by Republic Act 10121 of 2009. It
is administered by the Office of Civil Defense under the Department of National Defense. The
Council is responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters or
emergencies.

❖ Prevention and Mitigation:

➢ DRRM and CCA mainstreamed and integrated in national, sectoral, regional and local
development policies, plans and budget
➢ Reduce vulnerability and exposure of communities of all hazards
➢ Enhance capacities of communities to reduce their own risks and cope with the impacts
of all hazards
➢ Increased resiliency of infrastructure systems
➢ Communities access to effective and applicable disaster risk financing and insurance
❖ Disaster Preparedness:
➢ To increases level of awareness of the community to the threats an impacts of all
hazards, risks and vulnerabilities
➢ To equip the community with the necessary skills to cope with the negative impacts of
a disaster
➢ To increase the capacity of institutions
➢ To develop and implement comprehensive national and local disaster preparedness
policies, plans and system
➢ Strengthened partnership and coordination among all key players and stakeholders
❖ Disaster Response:
➢ Adequate and prompt assessment of needs and damages at all levels
➢ Integrated and coordinated Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) capacity
➢ Temporary shelter needs adequately addressed
➢ Basic social services provided to affected population (whether inside or outside
evacuation centers)
➢ To decrease the number of preventable deaths and injuries
➢ To provide basic subsistence needs of affected population
➢ To immediately restore basic social services
❖ Rehabilitation and Recovery:
➢ To restore the people mean of livelihood and continuity of economic activities and
business
➢ To restore shelter and other buildings/installation
➢ To reconstruct infrastructure and other public utilities
➢ To assist in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of persons who suffered from
the effects of disaster.

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 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMC) are at the forefront
of DRRM as they have the primary responsibility as first disaster responders under RA 10121.
The existing Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils shall henceforth
be known as the Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Councils. The Barangay Disaster Coordinating Councils shall cease to exist and its powers and
functions shall henceforth be assumed by the existing Barangay Development Councils
(BDCs) which shall serve as the LDRRMCs in every barangay.

Roles and Functions of LDRRMC:

➢ Set the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk
management programs within their territorial jurisdiction. (2) Design, program, and
coordinate disaster risk reduction and management activities consistent with the National
Council's standards and guidelines;
➢ To organize and conduct training, orientation, and knowledge management activities on
disaster risk reduction and management at the local level
➢ Operate a multi-hazard early warning system, linked to disaster risk reduction to provide
accurate and timely advice to national or local emergency response organizations and to
the general public, through diverse mass media, particularly radio, landline
communications and technologies for communication within rural communities
➢ Disseminate information and raise public awareness about those hazards, vulnerabilities
and risks their nature, effects, early warning signs and counter-measures
➢ Coordinate other disaster risk reduction and management activities
➢ Establish linkage/network with other LGUs for disaster risk reduction and emergency
response purposes
➢ Implement policies, approved plans and programs of the LDRRMC.
➢ Identify, assess and manage the hazards vulnerabilities and risks that may occur in their
locality.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS FOR

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
The Philippine National Red Cross empowers communities, schools and workplaces to be
prepared ahead, as well as reminds the public to be equipped with necessary lifeline kits to
cope with the increasing number of natural and man-made disasters.
Disaster Management Services (DMS) is a major service of the Philippine Red Cross,
tasked with delivering humanitarian relief in emergency and disaster situations. Through its
nationwide network of well-trained, talented, and devoted experts and volunteers, the DMS
fulfills its goal of saving lives, limiting human suffering, and reducing losses and damages.

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 The DMS Emergency Response Unit is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week response
squad committed to assisting in search and rescue, firefighting, medical, and trauma
emergencies. Swift responses and rescue operations are made possible with the support of
volunteers and the utilization of critical emergency vehicles and rescue equipment.
Aside from emergency and disaster scenarios, DMS plays a key role in assisting
communities in strengthening their capacity to prevent risks and manage and recover rapidly
following disasters.
These are the core programs of DMS which justifies the roles and function of the
Philippine National Red Cross:
• Disaster Risk Reduction

Contributes to the development of safe and resilient communities, schools, and workplaces
through RC143 in order to capacitate them to prepare, respond, and recover from any
emergency situation.
• Disaster Preparedness

Strengthens the preparedness capacity of the PRC (both the National Head Quarters and
the different Chapters) for timely and effective response.

• Disaster Response

Provides necessary humanitarian services in the areas of rescue, relief, health, welfare, and
emergency shelter to the most vulnerable individuals among the total affected population.
It is the responsibility of the local PNRC to build tent cities.
• Disaster Recovery

It comprises the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of shelter, livelihood, and basic
community facilities, as well as long-term means of rebuilding better and safer
communities, to enhance living conditions and reduce disaster risk.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL HEALTH

PERSONNEL FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN

NATIONAL HEALTH PERSONNEL:

Department of Health:
The principal health agency of the Philippines that ensures accessibility of the Filipino
people to basic public health services through the provision of quality health care and
regulation of providers of health goods and services.

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 PERSONNEL:
1. Secretary of Health

Roles and Function:

➢ Responsible in organizing, training and supplying all the Health Service elements in
the Philippines.
➢ In relation to disaster preparedness, the secretary of health makes sure that the health
staff is well trained in dealing or responding in health emergencies or disasters by
sending the staffs in proper trainings to enhance their skills. Moreover, it oversees the
supply or resources that available and needed by the national and local ranches of the
said department.
2. DOH Regional Office Director

Roles and Function:

➢ Responsible in implementing and adopting the guidelines set by the national office
of the DOH.
➢ Provides feedback, suggestions and recommendations to the Secretary of health in
terms of policy development and disaster preparedness plan development.

Department of Health-Health Emergency Management Bureau

This acts as a coordinating unit and operation center of the Department of health in all
health emergencies and disasters. This bureau regularly monitors the occurrence of disasters
and health emergencies as well as monitors all potential emergency and disasters or events that
may lead to the aforementioned crisis and coordinate the mobilization and sharing of needed
resources during emergencies.
PERSONNEL:
1. Director
Roles and Functions:
➢ Responsible for disaster risk reduction and management for health (DRRM-H) policy
creation, program management, capacity building, and research to contribute to health
disaster safety and resilience in the health sector.
➢ Has the final authority for the implementation of programs and emergency and disaster
plan.
➢ Monitors the effectiveness of the response activities during disasters and emergencies
as well as take actions to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed.

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 2. Health Emergency Preparedness Division Chief

Roles and Functions:

➢ Supervises and leads in developing the plans, programs, standards and guidelines for
the prevention and mitigation of health emergencies.
➢ Leads in organizing and coordinating I other health sectors for health emergency
preparedness and in conducting or coordinating studies and researches related to health
emergencies.
3. Health Emergency Response Division Chief

Roles and Functions:

➢ Responsible in making sure that quality and effective emergency response is met by all
the response team.
➢ Leads and facilitates the mobilization and deployment of health teams in anticipation
or in response to health emergencies or disaster.

STAFF:
1. Operations Center Supervisor:

Roles and Functions:

➢ Oversees the Operations of the Command Center.
➢ Review, correct and analyze the daily reports of EOD’s as well as reviews the
endorsement logbook, radio check monitoring checklist, incoming and outgoing
communications and text messages logbook.
➢ Attends endorsement of EOD’s
➢ Prepare the dusty schedule of the operation center staffs.
➢ Reports daily in the Division Chief for any problems encountered at the operating
center.
2. Emergency Officer on Duty 1 and 2:

Roles and Functions:

➢ Monitors the level of stocks and logistics supply of the office.
➢ Answers inquiries from public and refer accordingly when necessary.
➢ Receives endorsements from outgoing emergency officer on duty (EOD) and lead
the endorsement for the incoming.
➢ Review the completeness of the reports prepared by the other EOD.
➢ Monitors emergencies and disasters by personally calling regions, hospitals and
other agencies affected.
➢ Monitors the internet reports related to health from local as well as international
sources.
➢ Prepares the appropriate reports in coordination with the other EOD.

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 ➢ Ensures that proper documentation of all the reportable events.
3. DOH-HEMS Coordinator (Regional)

Roles and Functions:

➢ Reports directly to the DOH regional director and coordinates with the director of
HEMS in times of emergencies.
➢ Takes the lead in the preparation of the Emergency Preparedness Plan of the DOH
Regional Office, duly tested, evaluated and approved by the DOH Regional office.
➢ Prepares the annual work and financial plan and leads the implementation of health-
related emergency activities.
➢ In charge of organizing and dispatching personnel to respond to emergencies and
disasters as outlined in the plan.
➢ Responsible in training the DOH Regional Office members including the
communities in terms to health emergency skills and management.
➢ Ensures that resources are readily available and properly stocked for any disaster or
emergency.
➢ Follows the protocol in reporting and coordinating with the DOH Central
Operations Center for all emergencies and disasters.
➢ Leads in public information and awareness activities concerning disasters and
emergencies.

LOCAL HEALTH PERSONNEL:

Local Public Health Organization (Rural Health Unit)
PERSONNEL:
▪ Physician – Head of Health Centers
▪ Chief Nurse, Assistant Chief Nurse, Nursing Supervisors, Public Health Nurses and
Midwives

In the event of a disaster, the Local Health Personnel must become the focus for
obtaining and imparting information on emergency relief, reuniting families, and
evaluating needs and resources. They will be able to do this all the more effectively if they
have developed and established a system for circulating and managing information on the
community’s health problems. Among important professional qualities must be counted
the ability of the local health personnel to select useful information, out it into circulation
among the community in a constructive way, and dismiss false rumors. Information and
communication form the basis of an ability to develop community participation and
community activities. In the event of a disaster, it becomes essential to coordinate health
activities with:

• Rescue work and the restoration of link with the outside

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 • Local authorities’ means of information and communication
• Public utilities such as electricity and water
• Social services
• Transport services
• Nearest health services to which the injured and sick who cannot be cared for on the
spot will be evacuated
• Voluntary workers
• Outside assistance

Specifically, the roles and function of LHP or the community health nurses during disaster are
the following:
Preparedness
• They are responsible for educating the public on the dangers to come
associated with a certain type of disaster which is a way to help combat
the disaster with minimal casualties by having well-informed citizens.
• They must remain alert and ready to be in service.
• They must collaborate and work together with different agencies such
as Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
(MDRRMO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Response
➢ They must be able to assess the situation to help in the rescue effort of people
who might be stranded and require assistance.
➢ First responders must identify the most vulnerable location and evacuating
those in need, in terms of prioritization.

Recovery
➢ With the help of Local Government Unit and other organizations, they must be
able to rebuild homes that are destructed by providing materials to the
community.
➢ Food, water, clothing and other essentials amenities are provided to those
affected.
➢ It is also their job to offer care and counseling to individuals who suffer from
trauma and other mental stresses due to the sheer destructive nature of such a
disaster.

Provincial Health Officer

Ilocos Sur Chapter
▪ DOH Provincial Director – Engr. John Foz

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 ▪ Provincial Health Officer – Dr. Trina Tabboga-Talaga
▪ PHO 1 – Dr. Rodolfo Tongson

Functions:
• Develops and implements an efficient, effective provincial health services program
that helps residents, small businesses, agricultural operations, non-profit
organizations and communities recover from natural disasters including flood,
tornadoes, plow winds and other disasters caused by severe weather.
• Formulates and implements policies, measures, rules, regulations, guidelines
including standard for management, administration, supervision, monitoring and
evaluation of health services programs and projects. An example would be the
implementations of orders, notices and guidance during COVID-19 Pandemic.
These include Vaccination Status of healthcare workers and residents, Preventative
Measures and many more.
• Executes and enforces all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to public health
• Exercises general provision overall health offices of component cities and
municipalities
• Develops, implements or causes the implementation of monitoring and inspection
standards for all concerned establishments consistent with the provisions of the
Sanitation Code
• Coordinates and links with other government agencies and non-government
organizations involved in the promotion and delivery of health services
• Makes available to the general public health information, and renders health
intelligence services

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND

DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
PLAN
Risk Reduction and Management Program Division
➢ The Risk Reduction and Management Program Division leads in the planning,
coordination and monitoring of all disaster response efforts in accordance with RA
10121, also known as National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of
2010.
➢ Specific Functions:
➢ Develop and enhance program operational guidelines on disaster management and
special concerns to ensure smooth implementation in the Field Offices/LGUs and
intermediaries.

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 ➢ Translate international/global standards as applied to local disaster management
situations.
➢ Monitor and provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to Field
Offices and other intermediaries for the implementation or management of disaster
and special concerns.
➢ Manage the implementation of disaster management programs/projects and fast
track nationwide implementation.
➢ Enhance existing procedures, structures and mechanisms on disaster data
management unit.
➢ Study and assess the need of the Field Offices and recommend allocation of
program funds and augmentation support for LGUs and other intermediaries.
➢ Act as the Secretariat or focal point for the inter-agency, inter-cluster, inter country
coordination efforts along disaster management and special concerns.
➢ Maintain database of all disaster management and special concerns-related projects
and activities and document best practices on these concerns.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FOR

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
Civil societies are defined as autonomous social units and organizations, such as
voluntary associations, private companies, family and professional associations, etc. These
social units are based on the principles of basic human and civil rights.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have played important roles over the years in the
disaster field. Starting from the traditional approach of response and relief, the emphasis has
gradually shifted to disaster risk reduction.
The roles and responsibilities are:
➢ Contribute to policy analysis, policy making and strategy formulation at
international, national and sub-national levels, including aggregating and
advocating the preferences and interests of affected populations to strengthen
linkages between national policies and local practices.
➢ Achieving a substantial reduction in disaster losses will require a whole-of
society approach that supports changes in societal and individual behavior,
norms and value systems, together with changes within government institutions,
public policies and associated legislation.
➢ Assist in the implementation and localisation of DRR policies in collaboration
with national and local governments, particularly in fragile states with limited
formal institutional capacities.

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 ➢ Enhancing the inclusion and meaningful participation of vulnerable,
marginalized people who are disproportionately impacted by disasters to ensure
DRR interventions reflect the needs and priorities of all members of society
➢ Their strategic relationships with communities and policymakers, extended
local and global reach, and strong human resources make them effective
implementers, capacity builders, knowledge brokers, connectors, and
advocates.
They overall have developed their capacities through the emergency response and
recovery process of earthquake disasters. Some of the organizations that are sensitized to
mitigation have commenced studies and activities for preparedness. Some are community-
based self-reliant disaster management organizations, aiming to be prepared for the coming
earthquakes, floods and other disasters. Public authorities, whether they are at the provincial
or municipal level, that have directly experienced or responded to the real struggle of
earthquake-affected areas tend to involve these organizations in their disaster management
frameworks.
Civil Society monitors government policies and actions and hold government
accountable. They engage in advocacy and offer alternative policies for government, the
private sector, and other institutions. They deliver services, especially to the poor and
underserved. They defend citizen rights and work to change and uphold social norms and
behaviors.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS FOR DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
The term “first responder” typically refers to local law enforcement, firefighters, and
EMS workers who help save people during a disaster. But, in many instances, citizens can also
be first responders. Neighbors will dig out neighbors from collapsed buildings. Families will
share food and water with other families. And people of nearby communities will rush to help.
Volunteers augment the community’s response capability by performing roles that
require less technical training, allowing professionals to focus on the more highly specialized
roles. This means volunteers may respond in multiple venues and hold varied roles throughout
a single response.
AFFILIATED VOLUNTEERS
Highly Qualified Affiliated Volunteers (HQAVs) are volunteers who are attached to a
recognized voluntary or non-profit organization. HQAVs are trained for specific disaster
response activities and may fill many different roles. These roles can include search and rescue,
damage assessment, medical services, emergency operations center (EOC) work, volunteer
registration, and so much more. In fact, in communities across the country, local citizens are
learning basic disaster-response skills and organizing into recognized voluntary organizations

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 called Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) that can deploy to other areas when
needed.
SPONTANEOUS / UNAFFILIATED VOLUNTEERS
Working with Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers (SUVs)—or volunteers who are
not affiliated with a recognized disaster-response organization prior to a response—can be a
challenge. However, if you plan to work with SUVs, it may be beneficial to pre-identify some
roles they can fill during a disaster.
When planned for, SUVs can provide many benefits. For example, they provide additional
workforce, which can enable the HQAVs to fill more specialized roles.
Following a hurricane or major flood event, for instance, SUVs can help with debris clean-up,
mucking and gutting, mass feeding operations, and organizing, transporting, and delivering
disaster-relief supplies. Meanwhile, HQAVs can focus on search and rescue missions,
emergency operations center operations, or shelter management.
Types Of Volunteer Activities To Assist With Emergency Efforts
1. Administrative

Planning
• Assist with planning processes and delegation.

Operational Coordination
• Facilitate and initiate action, request additional support, identify resources.

Operational Communication
• Maintain communication between emergency response teams and affected populations.

Public Information and Warning

• The communications team keeps emergency personnel, media, and public informed.
2. Transportation

Critical Transportation
• Assess safety and status of transportation routes and infrastructure and identify alternate
solutions.

Supply Delivery
• Deliver supplies, equipment, and services to affected communities.
3. Safety

Search and Rescue Operations

• Arrive first on the scene and aid search and rescue efforts.

Fire Management and Suppression

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 • Trained volunteer firefighters who can coordinate fire suppression efforts.

Location Security
• Ensure on-site safety of individuals.

Environmental Response
• Assess and mitigate health and safety hazards in the affected area. Support responders
and citizens by providing safety guidance and resources.
4. Health and Recovery

Supply Distribution
• Assist with the distribution of food, water, and other emergency supplies immediately
after a disaster.

Shelter
• Set up emergency shelters and temporary housing.

Counseling
• Offer to counsel the bereaved.

Evacuees Support and Reunification

• Help to reunify families and account for missing persons.
5. Long-Term Recovery

A natural disaster may dominate the news for a few days or weeks, but the recovery often
takes years. Fortunately, many nonprofits continue to provide services to communities affected
by disaster long after initial relief efforts have concluded. Nonprofits focused on long-term
recovery efforts often:
➢ Connect people in need with government services.
➢ Help residents prepare insurance claims and forms for various disaster assistance
programs.
➢ Provide funds for rebuilding and/or provide rebuilding services.
➢ Provide mental healthcare.
➢ Help organize education for children who’ve lost their school(s).
➢ Help the community plan for future disasters.

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