Nursing
Nursing
Globally, nurses arguably comprise the greatest numbers of health care providers during day-to-day and disaster operations or response. Their impact during a disaster response is significant as they care for and teach victims and their families. As nurses play such a vital role in disaster response, it is important to have a platform to share their research, knowledge, and experiences with other nurses and health care providers who might respond to a disaster or mass casualty incident. It is within this context that the Nursing Special Interest Group was formally established at the 14th edition of the Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland from in May 2005.
Watch the Latest Nursing SIG Presentations
Webinar Date: 5 November 2025
Why do Disaster Nursing Competencies Matter?
In this presentation, Prof. Alison Hutton discusses why disaster nursing competencies are increasingly vital in contemporary health care due to the growing frequency and complexity of disasters worldwide. Climate change, pandemics, technological incidents, and large-scale social disruptions have heightened the demand for nurses who can respond effectively to crises that threaten community health and well-being.
The ICN Nursing Competencies for disasters include assessment and triage, infection control, crisis communication, ethical decision-making, leadership, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Beyond clinical proficiency, disaster nursing requires adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and psychological resilience—qualities essential for sustaining both individual and community recovery. Disaster nursing competencies align with the broader goals of public health and sustainable development by promoting equity, safety, and continuity of care for vulnerable populations. As trusted health professionals embedded in all communities, nurses play a pivotal role not only in responding to emergencies but also in mitigating their long-term health and psychosocial impacts.
Nursing SIG Leadership
Nurul'Ain Ahayalimudin, PhD, RN, CEN, OHN
Committee Member (Research)
Department of Critical Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing
International Islamic University Malaysia
International Islamic University Malaysia
Gary Glauberman, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, NHDP-BC
Committee Member (Research)
Department of Nursing & Advanced Population Health Nursing Program
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Hawaii at Manoa
James Iacino, RN
Committee Member (Membership)
SDIS 83
Fire Brigade, Var, France
Fire Brigade, Var, France
Emmanuel Rohrbacher, RN, MBA
Committee Member (Membership)
Local Committee Chair, WADEM 2027 - Paris
Mission & Vision
Mission: The proposed mission of the Nursing SIG of WADEM is to foster collaboration among nurses involved in research, education, management, and practice in prehospital, emergency, public health, and/or disaster health care.
Vision: The Nursing SIG strives to be the organizational vehicle welcoming and representing nurses from all countries with an intent and desire to strengthen and improve the practice and knowledge of disaster nursing.
Objectives
The objectives of the Nursing SIG of WADEM are to:
- Define nursing issues for public health care and disaster health care;
- Exchange scientific and professional information relevant to the practice of disaster nursing;
- Encourage collaborative efforts enhancing and expanding the field of nursing disaster research;
- Encourage collaboration with other nursing organizations;
- Inform and advise WADEM of matters related to disaster nursing.
