The Professionalization of International Disaster Response: It Is Time for Midwives to Get Ready

Abstract

Disasters and humanitarian emergencies due to natural or human origins result in severe and often prolonged suffering of the affected population. Midwives have a role to play in providing assistance because women and their infants experiencing such crises have unique vulnerabilities and needs. This article introduces midwives and other women's health care practitioners to international humanitarian emergency response efforts and describes preparation and training activities they can undertake to get ready to volunteer with an international health aid agency. Various clinical realities and challenges are discussed, including recommended priorities for providing reproductive health care in disaster zones. Common ethical dilemmas in crisis health care settings are also reviewed. By arriving in the field well prepared to participate and collaborate, midwives can make substantial contributions to the safety, health, and comfort of women and their families who have experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict, or disease epidemic.

More harm than good? The questionable ethics of medical volunteering and international student placements

“…They also highlight repeatedly the importance of organisation, cooperation, and logistics, and the difficulties faced by the enormous influx of well-meaning unsolicited help hampering relief efforts. As a consequence, there are frequent calls for a much better preparation and preparedness in terms of global health training [ 25 , 26 ] and within one’s profession [ 27 , 28 ], as well as ongoing support pre, during and post deployment [ 29 ]. In a similar way, medical aid in war zones, though often longer term, also deals with large numbers of civilians and combatants in an unsafe environment and under challenging work conditions – probably better organised by selected organisations but staff are faced with similar issues [ 30 ].…”

Culturally sensitive disaster nursing by Public health nurses in Japan

“…Comfort is an essential nursing outcome across all areas of nursing: in institutes, the home, in public health, and particularly in long‐term disasters worldwide (Kolcaba, 2003). Numerous studies of disaster nursing mention the necessity of providing comfort to vulnerable people (Brodar et al, 2020; Hays & Prepas, 2015 ). However, no study has investigated how Public Health Nurses (PHNs) provide comfort based on disaster nursing practice, which is an essential nursing competency (Campbell et al., 2020).…”

Essential Professional Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice in Disasters: A Qualitative Study

“…7 In addition, the lack of obstetrics and gynecology clinics, and the lack of skilled staff at the time of childbirth can lead to acute and chronic problems for women's health in disasters. 8 Approximately 15% of pregnant women in emergencies suffer from serious complications during pregnancy or childbirth and need emergency care. In the absence of appropriate care, the likelihood of maternal mortality is increased.…”