Disasters are unpredictable and often devastating events that disrupt the natural order of life—shattering infrastructure, displacing communities, and overwhelming healthcare systems. In such moments, the primary goal of disaster response is to enable swift, effective recovery and minimize harm. A cornerstone of this response is a well-coordinated healthcare system, supported by multi-disciplinary teams—among which pharmacists play a vital yet often underrecognized role.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR, n.d.) defines a disaster as a major disturbance in the normal functioning of a community or society, caused by hazardous events combined with factors like exposure, vulnerability, and capacity. This disruption can result in various consequences, including human, material, economic, and environmental losses. Disasters present both challenges and unique opportunities to the medical community. From sudden earthquakes to large-scale accidents, such crises place immense pressure on healthcare professionals to respond rapidly and effectively.

An earthquake, one of the most severe natural catastrophes, is caused by the sudden movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. It often results in significant loss of life and property each year. While we cannot always prevent disasters, preparedness, awareness, and coordinated response efforts—especially involving pharmacy professionals—are essential in reducing their impact. Pharmacists have long contributed to disaster management, and they continue to offer valuable opportunities to support disaster response with their distinct expertise, position, and innovative approaches (Ahmer Raza et al., 2021).

Disaster and emergency pharmacy is an emerging field focused on ensuring the continuity and quality of pharmaceutical care during mass emergencies. Pharmacists are often among the first responders, providing life-saving medications, managing toxicological emergencies, and offering therapeutic advice under extreme pressure. From administering antidotes to supporting healthcare teams with clinical decision-making, pharmacists are crucial in maintaining the chain of care.

Pharmacists also contribute through policy coordination, medication distribution, patient history evaluation, and pharmaceutical care, which becomes particularly important in the aftermath of a disaster. In many regions, pharmacists are more accessible than hospitals, banks, or supermarkets—making them indispensable assets in emergency planning and response. Furthermore, during crises marked by healthcare workforce shortages, trained and empowered pharmacists can fill critical gaps. Their integration into disaster preparedness protocols, experiential training programs, and regulatory frameworks ensures a more resilient healthcare system.

According to the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP, 2017), pharmacists should take the following steps to be prepared for disasters and emergencies:

1. Create a personal response plan that fits the common risks in their local area. This might include storing essential supplies, making evacuation plans, and setting up ways to stay in touch during a crisis.

2. Understand their workplace’s emergency plan and their specific role in it. This includes making sure there are enough essential medicines, having communication procedures in place, and preparing for challenges like power or water outages.

3. Stay connected with local professional networks and be clear about how they will contribute during a disaster or emergency.

4. Assemble a first aid kit that suits their environment and skill level (American Red Cross, n.d.; FIP, 2017).

5. Prepare evacuation and survival kits with essentials like food, water, hygiene items, and communication tools, especially in high-risk areas.

6. Take part in training programs related to emergency and disaster response and continue learning to stay ready and effective in crisis situations.

7. Work together with other health professionals, emergency response teams, and community organizations to support a coordinated response during disasters.

The FIP publication Responding to disasters: Guidelines for pharmacy offers recommendations for pharmacists on evaluating how disasters may affect their service delivery (FIP, 2016). It also includes strategies to help manage these impacts. Similarly, the European List of Emergency Medicines (ELEM) by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) serves as a valuable resource to support pharmacists in delivering effective care during emergencies (EAHP, 2023).

The earthquake today left me with a mix of emotions—concern, disbelief, and helplessness. As a Palestinian pharmacist living in Istanbul, I feel a deep connection to both my roots and the world around me. The tremors not only remind me of the fragility of life but also stir the memories of past challenges. While I am far from home, my heart is heavy with worry for the people affected, and I wish for the strength and solidarity needed to face such unpredictable moments.

In conclusion, pharmacists have historically played a pivotal role in disaster management, from ensuring uninterrupted medication access to guiding public health initiatives. As disasters continue to challenge global systems, pharmacists’ unique expertise, accessibility, and adaptability position them as key leaders in both immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.

References:

Ahmer Raza, M., Aziz, S., Noreen, M., and Masood Raza, S. (2021). Role of Pharmacist in Disaster Management: A Quantitative Content Analysis Approach. Innov Pharm., 12(4): 10.24926/iip.v12i4.4359. doi: 10.24926/iip.v12i4.4359.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Make a first aid kit. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html

European Association of Hospital Pharmacists. (2023). European list of emergency medicines (ELEM). Accessed 23.04.2025. Available from https://www.eahp.eu/practice-and-policy/european-list-emergency-medicines

International Pharmaceutical Federation. (2016). Responding to disasters: Guidelines for pharmacy. Accessed 23.04.2025. Available from https://www.fip.org/file/150

International Pharmaceutical Federation. (2017). FIP statement of policy: The role of pharmacists in disaster and emergency management. The Hague: FIP. Retrieved from https://www.fip.org/file/5622

United Nations. (n.d.). United Nations office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Accessed 23.04.2025. Available from https://www.undrr.org/terminology/disaster