What is Disaster Down Under?

Disaster Down Under is an electronically supported roleplay-simulation set in the outback of Australia. Participants assume the role of a stakeholder concerned with the management of a disaster involving multiple burn casualties. Students are allocated a role and are given an outline of the objectives and responsibilities of their role.

This e-Sim seeks to inform participants of the issues faced in a diaster situation involving multiple burn casualties and attempts to involve students in the hypothetical management of these casualties.

Disaster Down Under provides an avenue for the implementation of a multi disciplinary, cross institutional educational activity designed to guide nurses to critically reflect on the skills required to assess, prioritise, provide support and function effectively in a disaster situation. The experience is intended to be as realistic as possible and to give participants an accurate representation of the decision-making process operating in the real world. The incorporation of student groups with diverse backgrounds, both culturally and disciplinary, will significantly enhance learning outcomes, allowing for the integration of student knowledge and perspectives.

The importance of the collaboration of multiple personnel and agencies was highlighted following the Bali bombings of 2002.

View a sample scenario 

Phase 1: Response Planning Stage

For the Clinical Nurse Consultant Burns Unit Trauma Hospital (Adult Unit)