Which concept involves reducing vulnerability and exposure to hazards?

• A. Emergency
• B. Triage
• C. Mitigation
• D. Response

Answer: (C)

Mitigation involves reducing vulnerability and exposure to hazards by addressing risk before it becomes a disaster. In healthcare settings, this means actions like enforcing building codes and retrofitting facilities to withstand hazards, securing heavy equipment so it won’t topple, optimizing layout and storage to minimize accident risk, and implementing plans that lower overall risk to patients and staff. The goal is to lessen the potential impact of a hazard if it occurs. An emergency refers to the event itself, triage is the process of prioritizing care during a mass casualty situation, and response covers the actions taken during and immediately after the hazard to protect and treat people. Therefore, mitigation is the best fit for reducing vulnerability and exposure to hazards.