Which of the following is an example of an internal disaster?

An internal disaster refers to incidents that occur within a facility and have the potential to disrupt normal operations and pose immediate threats to the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. A fire or explosion is a quintessential example of an internal disaster because it typically originates from within the facility itself, potentially causing injuries, evacuations, and significant structural damage. This type of disaster requires prompt response procedures to ensure safety, mitigate harm, and maintain control over the situation.

In contrast, the other choices involve external events: tornados and hurricanes are natural disasters that occur outside of the facility, impacting it indirectly. Although they can lead to significant implications for a healthcare setting and require emergency preparedness, they do not fall under the category of internal disasters. Terrorism attacks may also impact a facility but usually represent an external threat rather than an internal issue. Therefore, recognizing a fire or explosion as an internal disaster is fundamental to understanding the specific responses and preparedness strategies required to address such incidents effectively.