Drug Topics - October 8, 2007 - (Page 44)

44 DRUG TOPICS OCTOBER 8, 2007 www.drugtopics.com CONTINUING EDUCATION encouraging victims to talk about their experiences, listening actively and with empathy, and making referrals to mental health professionals where appropriate. It is advisable that all pharmacists prepare for the possibility of a disaster affecting their local community. The foundation of such preparation is devising a personal disaster plan, which would outline what the pharmacist (and her or his significant others) would do in the event of a sudden disaster. It is also important for pharmacists to have personal emergency supplies on hand, so that they have the greatest likelihood to be self-sufficient in the days or weeks following a major disaster. It also may be necessary for a pharmacist to discuss first-responder activities with employers and colleagues, to avoid confusion and coordinate efforts in advance. Even the best plans are sometimes destined to fail, and this is particularly true for emergency and disaster situations that are, by definition, unforeseen and oftentimes unpredictable in nature. It is therefore important to note that all first responders must have a robust capacity for dealing with ambiguity in addition to some degree of resilience against stress. Because first responders are not immune from stress reactions themselves, and participating in disaster relief is inherently stressful, it is essential that pharmacists serving in a relief capacity adhere to the psychological precautions necessary to minimize the risk of enduring short- and long-term adverse psychological reactions. It is important for pharmacists-first responders to pace themselves: limiting themselves to 12-hour shifts with at least 12 hours off; resisting the temptation to stay on site until all work is done; taking frequent breaks; and rotating among low-, medium-, and high-stress tasks. Pharmacists should avoid working alone or in isolation during emergency relief activities, and using the “buddy system” is helpful. In the buddy system, the pharmacist pairs up with another first responder and they keep track of each other, ensuring that neither risks overexposure to stressful experiences. Throughout the time of service as a first responder, the pharmacist needs to make efforts to maintain a healthy diet, engage in physical exercise, and devote adequate time to sleep and rest. Psychological precautions continue after the pharmacist’s disaster service has completed. It typically takes several days to rest and recover before one is able to return to the full flow of the normal work routine. Upon reentry to everyday life, it is vital to talk about one’s experiences with others. It may take some time before one feels completely restored, and during this period of adjustment some relatively minor symptoms of stress may persist (e.g., difficulty sleeping, fatigue, problems with concentration, etc.). In most cases, these symptoms largely abate after several weeks, but in the event that they continue or worsen, it may be necessary for the first responder to seek help from a mental health professional. The experience of serving as a first responder in the aftermath of a disaster is challenging but ultimately fulfilling. Pharmacists are able to play several unique and critical roles, in addition to working alongside other first responders and volunteers in relief and recovery efforts. It is hoped that pharmacists will continue to discuss and explore the roles that they may play, as well as actively participate in future relief efforts when called upon to do so. References are available upon request. Suggestion for further reading: Dorfman, W.I. & Walker, L.E. (2007). First responder’s guide to abnormal psychology. New York: Springer Science. TEST QUESTIONS Write your answers on the answer form appearing on page 46 (photocopies of the answer form are acceptable) or on a separate sheet of paper. Mark the most appropriate answer. 1. It is prudent for all pharmacists to prepare for disb. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention c. American Pharmacists Association d. Food & Drug Administration 3. In the event of a public health emergency, the aster response activities in advance because: a. It is required for licensure b. Most pharmacies and hospitals do not have a disaster plan c. Disasters can happen anywhere d. Federal law requires pharmacists to serve as first responders 2.The federal agency that maintains the Strategic Na- SNS allows medicines to be delivered to U.S. states: a. No sooner than six months b. No sooner than one month c. No sooner than one week d. Within 12 hours tional Stockpile (SNS) is the: a. Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics - October 8, 2007 Latebreakers Latebreakers in Depth Letters Rx Care Community Practice JP at Large 150 Years of American Pharmacy Hospital Practice Are You Getting Pharmacy's Message Across? Self-Care Government and Law Legal Q&A The Pharmacist as First Responder in Disaster Relief Technology Update New Products Advertisers Index Statement of Ownership Classified Viewpoint

Drug Topics - October 8, 2007

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