Chapter 5 : Communication : The role of the media

In today's mass society, mass-mediated emergency response must be an integral part of an effective disaster managenment-especially in the face of bioterrorism or other public health crises. While each emergency situation has its own has its own unique features and requires different approaches for dealing with public information and media relations, this chapter provides a list of general media guidelines for nurses as crisis managers or emergency responders in the public and private sector. Instead of concentrating solely on utilizing the traditional and new media during emergencies, prudent preparedness measures include public education and information before disaster strikes (AU)