The pace of an operation is accelerated to provide the most assistance to the largest number of people in the shortest possible time, so survivors can move toward recovery and well-being as soon as possible. Stress resulting from disaster can come from many sources (Ministry of Health, 2007):
Event-Related Stressors
- Distressing sights, sounds, or smells from attending a mass casualty incident
- Prolonged exposure to the event
- Experiencing unsafe or unhealthy working conditions
Occupational Stressors
- Working under time pressures
- Working in a physically demanding environment requiring long hours, strength, stamina, or endurance in adverse conditions
- Being exposed to trauma stories from evacuees and survivors
- Dealing with limited resources and high expectations
Organizational Stressors
- Working with unclear, inadequate, or inconsistent supervision or leadership
- Lacking effective communication and information dissemination
- Unaddressed or acknowledged conflict
Environmental Stressors
- Working in extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, cold, rain
- Working in environmental hazards such as poor air and water quality
