In many developing countries nurses are the front-line of care, yet do not receive appropriate theoretical or clinical skills related to disaster and emergency medicine. The ICN/WHO have outlined disaster nursing competencies for improving disaster nursing globally. These can serve as a basis for strengthening nursing through increased participation in training programs. In Mumbai, India during December 2010, MEMEX II occurred: a 7 day training in disaster preparedness and humanitarian response. This was the first time nurses were included in a separate disaster nursing track to improve skills and knowledge.

Through Cornell and Columbia Universities; faculty, Indian nurses clinical competencies and disaster theory were strengthened through training in clinical trauma management, CPR, disaster preparedness and drills, public health evaluation, and the disaster cycle. 700 participants from medical, education, government and private/public entities collaborated in the training program, culminating in a large scale disaster drill and needs assessment workshop for high-level stakeholders.

Nurses improved emergency clinical skills and gained theoretical disaster knowledge for the first time. Nurses located at the disaster event site gained important insight into the role of Emergency Medical Services, police, fire, and civilian defense during disaster response. Triage skills were improved and an evaluation component enabled vital information to be collected for hospital preparedness. A video was made for future training and for evaluation purposes. Nurses planned to establish coordination networks amongst the 9 hospitals present to regularly review disaster preparedness plans.

Strengthening nursing competencies in disaster planning and emergency response is vital to advancing nursing in developing countries and building capacity through global networking. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, professional networks can be formed, disaster plans reviewed and clinical skills improved. Nursing input is vital to hospital and community preparedness and nurses must be included in training programs and needs assessments.