Who should the emergency department charge nurse collaborate with during a disaster?

During a disaster, effective management and patient care in the emergency department are critical. The triage officer plays a crucial role in this environment as they are responsible for assessing the severity of patients' conditions and determining the order of treatment based on urgency. Collaboration with the triage officer allows the charge nurse to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that patients receive appropriate care as quickly as possible.

In the chaos of a disaster, where the number of patients may surpass normal capacity and the severity of cases can vary widely, having a well-organized triage process is vital. The charge nurse's collaboration with the triage officer helps facilitate communication about patient status, prioritization of care, and resource needs, thereby optimizing overall care delivery and improving outcomes during high-stress situations.