Abstract
Background: Australians are no strangers to sudden natural disasters, such as bushfires. The effects of a natural disaster can devastate local communities and health care services. Currently, limited research has explored the role of the pharmacist during a natural disaster. This study explores the role of the Australian pharmacist during the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires. Methods: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with ten community pharmacists who worked through the Black Summer Bushfires whose daily tasks and work environment were directly affected by the bushfires. Thematic analysis using NVivo®, a qualitative data analysis software was conducted. Results: Analysis of the transcripts generated six main themes: collaboration; trauma and mental health; power and communication; acute presentations; triaging and emergency prescribing. Pharmacists worked in close collaboration with doctors and members of the local community. They provided triaging services, timely health advice about chronic health problems, and managed acute issues, including wound and burn management and mental health support in traumatic conditions, sometimes without power and communication amenities. The challenges presented to pharmacists during the bushfires warranted creative and flexible approaches at times. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for mental health support and training for pharmacists, provisional prescribing privileges, and a clearer set of contingency regulations and legislation related to emergencies and natural disasters. Further research is warranted to gain greater insight into the roles undertaken by Australian pharmacists during natural disasters and their autonomy in decision making processes during such times.
Highlights
Natural disasters have long been and remain a regular part of life for Australians.From September 2019 to February 2020, Australia was on fire
Thirty-three people died, 3094 houses were destroyed, and an estimated 1 billion Australian animals were killed [1]. This bushfire season is known as the ‘Black Summer’, and its effects were felt by pharmacists across the country, along Australia’s east coast [2]
“A pharmacist’s traditional role in ensuring the continuous supply and safe use of medication for the community appeared to be their core role during the natural disaster
Summary
Natural disasters have long been and remain a regular part of life for Australians.From September 2019 to February 2020, Australia was on fire. Thirty-three people died (including nine firefighters), 3094 houses were destroyed, and an estimated 1 billion Australian animals were killed [1] This bushfire season is known as the ‘Black Summer’, and its effects were felt by pharmacists across the country, along Australia’s east coast [2]. Some pharmacists were loading vehicles with supplies, including nappies, masks, asthma relievers, and other medicines and distributing them to local, temporary evacuation centres [2] Staff employed in these pharmacies worked for weeks as fires roared towards their towns, without power and amidst thick smoke conditions [2]. Pharmacists worked in close collaboration with doctors and members of the local community They provided triaging services, timely health advice about chronic health problems, and managed acute issues, including wound and burn management and mental health support in traumatic conditions, sometimes without power and communication amenities. Further research is warranted to gain greater insight into the roles undertaken by Australian pharmacists during natural disasters and their autonomy in decision making processes during such times
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