Managing common presentations

Module 2 – Response | Managing common presentations

Common presentations during disasters include:

• water-borne diseases (e.g., hep A, gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, melioidosis),
• vector-borne diseases (e.g., Barmah Forest virus, Ross River virus, Dengue fever),
• dehydration, hyper or hypothermia,
• smoke or flood water inhalation,
• burns, lacerations, wounds and other physical trauma,
• exacerbation of existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, angina),
• psychological distress,
• broken bones, sprains,
• skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, dermatitis),
• stings and bites from displaced animals seeking safety (i.e., rats and snakes), and
• food poisoning due to poor food handling and storage.

A range of recovery assistance may be available at your local evacuation and recovery centre. Contact your PHN to find out more.