DUTIES OF DISTRICT HEALTH NURSES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 138, 7 March 1942, Page 8

DUTIES OF DISTRICT HEALTH NURSES

Before And After A Raid PREPARATION FOR EMERGENCY The duties of district health nurses are set out in a circular to nurses over the signature of Dr. Hubert Smith, medical officer of health, Wellington, and district controller, public health E.P.S. The duties, says Dr. Smith, are first, preparation for the emergency, and afterward, superi ision of the health of the people in conditions of disorganization of public utilities. No nurse will be required to act officially in any capacity during a blitz, but may, if she thinks it expec.ient, render assistance to any organization, unofficially and temporarily, in giving first-aid to the injured. She could, therefore, if she so desires, offer her services in an unofficial capacity to any first-aid post. Under the heading of "Duties to be Carried Out Now,” the circular says: Make yourself familiar with all instructions to tlie public concerning identification discs, first-aid equipment, storage of food and measures for dealing with hygiene and sanitation in the home. During your visits to the homes now. make sure that these things are being carried out. Teach as much as you possibly can now to groups of mothers and women’s organizations.

Pack your midwifery bag ready for urgent use. Inoculation equipment should be complete. Keep your firstaid kit ready, preferably in a haversack with shoulder strap. Arrange also to carry a meal with you. Pack a bag with your own personal effects in ease you have to be transferred at a moment’s notice to care for evacuees elsewhere. Be sure you know thoroughly the modern treatment for haemorrhage, shock, gas and general first-aid. Know what to instruct people in in case of invasion.

Publie health nurses, after the blitz, may be assigned to an E.P.S. station or iiospital, sent to another area where damage is more severe, required to look after obstetrical or other patients in their homes —actual casualties will be the responsibility of hospital nurses —or required to supervise, in conjunction with the health inspector, the hygiene and sanitation in rest centres, shelters, schools and other buildings used for evacuees. If there is damage in your own area, get an idea of the needs there and then report as early in the morning as possible. Record the houses damaged, the approximate number of people evacuated and in billets and rest centres; the names and addresses of maternity cases needing attention in their own homes, the need for sanitation or water. and any other special hygienic or nursing need in tlie area. Nurses, working in country areas distant from district offices should get in touch with local E.P.S. officials and act in any temporary capacity required pending instructions from tlie medical officer of health.