Table 4 The final version of the disaster resilience tool for healthcare rescuers after a two-round Delphi survey

Optimism

1. I think that difficulties are everywhere during and after rescue work. (R)

2. I tend to think that problems confronted before, during, and after deployment will be solved.

3. I know that I will bounce back and get better no matter how the difficult the situation is, with help from others.

Altruism

4. I have a desire to help the victims / survivors after a disaster has occurred.

5. I am honored to work in the frontline to offer my help to those who are affected by disaster.

6. I feel that it is a personal responsibility to help others after disasters.

Preparations for disaster rescue

7. I am certain of my safety and that of my family while I am deployed.

8. I have sufficient knowledge to assess disaster risks, and have disaster rescue skills such as medical rescue skills, knowledge of Psychological First Aid (PFA), ethical rules, and field survival skills.

9. I am emotionally well-prepared for disaster rescue.

10. I feel physically unprepared for the disaster relief. (R)

Social support

11. My family will provide me with strong support during and after my disaster relief work.

12. Co-workers will help me to overcome challenges in the disaster site.

13. I have some close friends who will provide me with much encouragement.

14. My work unit will provide support to my family, and to me if necessary, when I work in disaster sites.

Perceived control

15. How things go during and after deployment will depend on my own actions.

16. I can handle various situations at a disaster site.

17. I can remain calm during a disaster rescue.

Self-efficacy

18. I feel confident that my clinical skills (will be) are of good use for disaster work.

19. I can cope well with unexpected problems during disaster rescues.

20. I am a competent rescue worker.

Coping strategies

21. I always try to find ways to address problems during disaster events.

22. When a victim’s / survivor’s life is threatened, I lose my temper and blame others. (R)

23. I am willing to express my emotions to others if I am upset.

Positive growth

24. I have gained insight about life from the rescue work.

25. I tend to see rescue work as a challenge after deployment.

26. I find meaning from my deployment.

27. After returning from deployment to a disaster site, I have a more harmonious family life.