The interventions developed by the pmh aprn in

The interventions developed by the PMH-APRN in
collaboration with the victim should address individual
outcomes specific to that victim. Victims experiencing head
injuries or psychic trauma after a disaster may have to be
hospitalized. During a disaster, a victim with a mental illness

may experience regression to his or her pretreatment
condition and may require short-term inpatient
hospitalization.
Biologic Domain/Assessment – The PMH-APRN should
assess physical reactions that may involve many changes in
body functions, such as tachycardia, tachypnea, profuse
perspiration, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, and extreme
shakiness. Virtually any organ may be involved. Some
victims may exhibit panic reactions and loss of control and
have a total disregard for their personal safety. The victims
may be suicidal or homicidal and are at high risk for injuries
that may include infection, trauma, and head injuries (France,
2002).
Any physiological problems or injuries should be treated
quickly. During the emergency response, individuals will be
triaged to the appropriate level of care (see Table – Triage
Categories During a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) below).
Victims who are primarily distressed and may have somatic
symptoms will be treated after those suffering from exposure
with critical injuries. All patients need to be reassured of the
caring and commitment of the PMH-APRN to their safety,
comfort, and well-being throughout the triage process. The
PMH-APRN is an integral member of the triage team. Many
of the same interventions used for persons experiencing
stress or crisis will be used for these victims.Triage
Categories During a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)
Triage Category
Priority

Color
Typical Conditions
Immediate: Injuries are life-threatening but survivable with
minimal intervention. Individuals in this group can progress
rapidly to expectant if treatment is delayed.
1
Red
Sucking chest wound, airway obstruction secondary to
mechanical cause, shock, hemothorax, tension pneumothorax,
asphyxia, unstable chest and abdominal wounds, incomplete
amputations, open fractures of long bones, and 2nd/3rd
degree burns of 15%–40% total body surface area.
Delayed: Injuries are significant and require medical care,
but can wait hours without threat to life or limb. Individuals
in this group receive treatment only after immediate
casualties are treated.
2
Yellow
Stable abdominal wounds without evidence of significant
hemorrhage; soft tissue injuries; maxillofacial wounds
without airway compromise; vascular injuries with adequate
collateral circulation; genitourinary tract disruption; fractures
requiring open reduction, débridement, and external fixation;
most eye and CNS injuries.
Minimal: Injuries are minor and treatment can be delayed
hours to days. Individuals in this group should be moved
away from the main triage area.