Disaster Coverage
Assessment of Assignment

Assessment of Assignment

The staff assigned will need to be able to cope with stressful situation. They will need to work as a team. The effect of the experience following the best practice to reduce the risk of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Additionally, guidance produced by the DART centre for Journalism and Trauma contains useful information. Remember, there is a confidential advice number that staff can call both during and on return from an assignment.
Entrapment and injury from falling masonry and glass;
Illness through outbreak of disease and contamination of water and/or food supplies - diseases such as Cholera or Typhoid;
Water borne associated diseases i.e Malaria (generally increasing after floods in hot weather environments);
Fungal infection and parasitic infestation due to prolonged exposure to damp, unhealthy conditions;
Dusts and Asbestos - asbestos has been widely used as a building material and can be turned into breathable dust after earthquakes etc.;
Vomiting through experiencing pungent smells. This mainly occurs shortly after a disaster, as bodies and rotting food are trapped at different levels of buildings. The heat in most of the affected countries only serves to exacerbate the condition;
Stress - may occur as a result of having to report in arduous conditions day after day.