The Professional Expert

Emergency Preparedness - First Aid

We will go into first aid during another week, but since we are covering emergency preparedness, it makes sense to cover a few basics that one may encounter during/after a natural disaster. We will cover bleeding, burns, bruises, sprains and, broken bones, and shock.

When you see that someone needs attention, first check the area to make sure that there is still not imminent danger. If the victim was electrocuted, does the power need to be turned off first? If something fell, are there other objects that need to be secured?

If someone needs professional medical help, send someone to get help. We will discuss more life-threatening situations in a later week. But here are some ways to help those in need.

In case of serious injury, The Red Cross suggests the following action steps:  “Check, Call, Care.” First, check that it is safe to help the victim, and then check the victim. For injuries requiring immediate medical care, call for help. Then care for the victim.

There are some steps that you can take to care for someone who is hurt, but whose injuries are not life threatening.

Bleeding

In order to control bleeding, cover the wound with a dressing, such as a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press firmly. Elevate the wound. Cover with a roller bandage, such as an Ace Bandage.

If the bleeding continues, add additional dressings and press against the artery at a pressure point.  Have the victim lay down with feet and wound elevated.

Burns

For burns, cool with cool water and cover with clean dry bandage.

Bruises, Sprains and Broken Bones

For bruises and sprains, try not to move the affected part.  Apply a cold pack or ice to the injury. 

If you think a bone is broken, support both sides of the break with sticks, pieces of wood, or anything stiff in order to immobilize the injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Shock

In case of shock, the victim will look very pale and will feel lightheaded.  Keep them from getting too hot or cold; elevate their legs above the head.  Do not give food or drink, as they may vomit.  If available, you may give ice chips for the victim to suck on.

Emergency Preparedness - Natural Disaster Strikes

What to do in case of…

Thunderstorms

Find shelter in a building or a car (except a convertible).

Avoid using electrical appliances. Leaving the lights on is okay.

Avoid running the water such as taking a bath or shower.

Turn off the air conditioner to avoid damage from a power surge.

Close the blinds or shades over windows to help contain any glass in case a window breaks.

If you are caught outside:

Take shelter under shorter trees or, preferably, go to a low-lying, open place away from tall trees or metal objects.

Stay out of standing water!

Make yourself as small as possible by squatting as low as you can. Lying flat on the ground actually makes you a bigger target.

If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Tornadoes

If a WATCH has been issued listen to local stations for updates. Be alert to the weather. Tornadoes are said to sound like freight trains.

If a WARNING has been issued, go to your predetermined safe place, either a basement or interior room or hallway with no windows.

If you are outside, find shelter, if possible, or lie flat in ditch or low-lying area.

If you are in a car or mobile home, get out and find shelter or a low-lying area.

If a tornado has damaged your area, watch out for fallen power lines and smell for gas leaks..  If you smell gas, do not turn on the flashlight, as it can cause a spark.  Some firefighters recommend that you leave batteries with, but not in, any flashlight near a gas appliance so that you have to think before you turn it on.

Fires

Get out of the house! Call the fire department at the neighbor’s house.

Exit using your predetermined escape routes.

If you must exit through smoke, stay low to the ground.

If you want to go through a closed door, check the door first. If it is warm, exit through the second way out.

If your escape routes are blocked, stay in the room with the door closed. Stay by the window to let people know you are in the room. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department to let them know where you are.

Earthquakes

Go to a safe space in the room such as under a table or desk. If that is not an option, go to an inside wall where nothing will fall on you. Protect your eyes with your arm.

If you are in bed, hold on and stay there. Protect your head with a pillow.

If you are outside, find a spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines, and drop to the ground.

If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay in the car until it is over.

After the earthquake, inspect for damage. Look for small fires and smell for a gas leak.

Expect aftershocks. If one occurs, find a safe spot again.

Hurricanes

Make sure all outside furniture, potted plants, and decorations are brought inside. If you have a pool, you can put the pool furniture in there.

Put hurricane shutters or plywood on windows.

Make sure gas tank on car is full.

Get these items ready in case you need to evacuate:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snack items
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for each
• Car keys
• Maps with contact phone numbers
• Provisions for pets
• Important Family Documents

Evacuate if advised to do so by local officials.

If you do evacuate, turn off the gas and water. The gas will need to be turned back on by a professional.

If you do not evacuate, stay indoors, in the center of your home away from windows. During the “eye” of the storm it will suddenly get very calm, however it is only half over, and the back side of the hurricane can cause even more damage. Be aware that tornadoes can also occur during hurricanes.

Floods

If a flood WATCH is issued, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Make sure gas tank on car is full.

Get these items ready in case you need to evacuate:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snack items
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for each
• Car keys
• Maps with contact phone numbers
• Provisions for pets
• Important Family Documents

If a flood WARNING is issued, immediately evacuate if told to do so.

Move to higher ground.

Do not drive around barricades.

If your car stalls in rising waters, abandon the car and climb to higher ground.

Tomorrow, we’ll discuss some basic first aid…