This book looks at various aspects of the current legal, policy and fiscal framework for disaster management and its current effects on local capacity building and recommends systemic reform. The authors argue that resources should be used more efficiently and with more flexibility in order to promote local self-reliance and increased resilience. The book presents evidence-based options for policy makers at all levels of government to envision and implement alternative approaches that meet the increasing challenges of the 21st century.

“What a wonderful resource!"--Doody's Medical Reviews “The 4th Edition is unique in recognizing the rapid changes in both the causes of crises and the latest attempts to provide timely multidisciplinary approaches to the practice of this growing specialty...Evident throughout this edition is the call to identify crisis leadership among the increasingly talented base of nurses who have responsibility to move the profession to recognize and accept that they can be advocates for better planning, coordination, education and training.” - Frederick M. Burkle, Jr., MD, MPH, DTM, PhD(Hon.), FAAP, FACEP Senior Fellow & Scientist, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University & T.C. Chan School of Public Health From the Foreword “This impressive edition builds upon the solid foundation of the first three award-winning editions with an expanded focus on climate change related disasters, globalization and its implications for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the accommodation of high-risk, high-vulnerability populations, and the potential for disaster arising from a world witnessing increasing community violence and civil unrest.” -Patricia M. Davidson, PhD, MED, RN, FAAN Professor & Dean, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing From the Foreword “The contributing authors read like a “Who’s Who” of disaster leaders. They lend their special expertise and insights, which are supported and elucidated by cogent learning strategies in the use of case studies, student questions, and packed content in all areas of disaster participation, preparedness, policies, and research. For over 16 years [this book] has been the hallmark text in its field and this edition proves to be the best ever.” -Loretta C. Ford, RN, PNP, EdD Dean Emeritus, University of Rochester School of Nursing Founder of the National Nurse Practitioner Program Member, National Women’s Hall of Fame Featuring the most current, valid, and reliable evidence-based content available, this three-time AJN winner once again presents an unparalleled resource for disaster and emergency preparedness. Disasters lay heavy burdens upon healthcare systems that stretch all levels of society. While natural and man-made disasters are not new, the global nature, rate, type, and totality of their impact has only increased. The fourth edition of this foundational text uniquely addresses the rapid changes in these crises and analyzes the latest attempts to provide timely, multidisciplinary healthcare. Nurses consistently comprise seventy or more percent of responders to local, national, regional, and global crises, and represent a potentially untapped resource to achieve surge capacity goals and optimize population health outcomes. Considering recent world events and increasing geopolitical tensions, Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness, Fourth Edition now features expanded content on the ubiquitous threat of terrorism, potential detonation of thermonuclear weapons, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, and increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters from climate change. This text promotes competency-based expert nursing care during disasters and positive health outcomes for small and large populations consistent with the Federal Disaster Response Framework. Whenever possible, content is mapped to published core competencies for preparing health professions’ students for response to terrorism, disaster events, and public health emergencies. The fourth edition retains the clearly organized format in each chapter that includes an overview, learning objectives, a summary, and case study with reflective questions. New to the Fourth Edition: Addresses the most recent landmark agreements Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Climate Agreement Covers public health emergencies involving community violence and civil unrest Expands coverage of planning for and accommodating high-risk, high-vulnerability populations Aligns with the U.S. National Health Security Strategy and the National Planning Frameworks Provides focused content on medical countermeasures Includes an improved instructor package with guide, PowerPoint slides, and case studies with questions for reflection in every chapter