Emergency nurses and disaster response: An exploration of South Australian emergency nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of their role in disaster response

Australia has been lucky enough to avoid a catastrophic disaster event that has overwhelmed the health care system. Such an event would have a considerable impact on the emergency department (ED). It is expected that nurses working in the ED have the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage everyday emergencies and chaotic situations. However, little is understood about what skills or experience emergency nurses need in order to respond effectively when the everyday work of the ED is amplified by a disaster event. Such an event could significantly impact a system that is already struggling with the daily effects of staff shortages and overcrowding.