Earthquakes can lead to panic. Panic induces chaos, and chaos results in increased injuries from falling debris or stampedes. In such a situation, if your school's staff is unprepared, panic can escalate quickly, leading to a worsening situation with no guidance for the students, and hence more difficulties to overcome.
Our solution is simple: Train your staff
Panic primarily arises from not knowing what to do during a crisis. So, training your staff in specific actions for an earthquake not only simplifies their role, but also streamlines the response operation, making it significantly smoother.
Practice Drop, Cover and Hold on
The Drop, Cover, and Hold on position can be a calm and safe harbor amidst the storm. This position not only shields you from falling debris but also allows you to think clearly about your next steps. Download our poster here for more details.
Know the LifeSavers
Now, let's talk about 'LifeSavers', the three vital skills all of your Emergency Response Team Members and staff must master:
- Handling Breathing Issues
- Managing Severe Bleeding
- Controlling Shock
LifeSavers are techniques designed to address these life-threatening conditions, potentially delaying the onset of shock. Irrespective of your role, it is crucial to implement these LifeSavers before leaving any individual behind or transferring them to a first aid area. We've prepared an informative infographic on how to execute the LifeSavers below. We also offer a free video training available here to help you grasp these skills.
Consider these real-world emergency examples to understand the practical application of LifeSavers:
Scenario 1: As a teacher of a class with 30 students, during the evacuation you find three students injured during the disaster. You need to evacuate the class but you don't want leave the injured behind. By stabilizing the injured using the LifeSavers before you leave, you drastically improve their chances of survival, and accomplish the evacuation also.
Scenario 2: As a Search & Rescue member, you discover a severely bleeding victim during your operation. It's vital to control the bleeding before transporting the victim to Triage/First Aid area. Using a pressure dressing can be done quickly and could be pivotal for the victim's survival.
Essential Supplies for LifeSavers? For breathing control, placing the victim in the recovery position doesn't require supplies. Bleeding control necessitates trauma dressings for wound coverage and triangular bandages for hands-free bleeding control, along with protective gloves. For shock control, placing the victim in the shock position and keeping them warm with a thermal blanket is beneficial. Learn more about the LifeSaver Pack here.
After setting up your emergency response team, it's time to empower them with the skills and confidence to fulfill their roles.
Light Urban Search & Rescue Training For School: The on-site Search & Rescue team members need proficiency in search techniques, forcible entry skills, proper methods for removal of trapped and non-trapped victims, and using various lifts and carries.
Watch our video demonstrating a Cribbing Rescue.
Triage Training: During a large-scale disaster, the overwhelming number of injured victims requires a system to prioritize treatment - this is where Triage comes in. Download the Triage Poster to better understand its operation.
Disaster First Aid Training differs from basic 9-1-1 first aid training. Expecting large numbers of victims, this training imparts techniques to manage many victims with limited staff and resources. There is a correct and a wrong way to set-up a first aid area.
Watch a video excerpt from our Disaster Survival Skills Workshop.
Fire/Utility Control is an important task. Your utility team needs to know the utility meters' location and how to shut them off, preventing further damage. Fire control is a hazardous task, requiring trained staff. Our training covers fire behavior basics, fire types, and extinguishment.
Watch a fire extinguisher training video excerpt from our Disaster Response Training
Remember, preparedness is the key to ensuring safety during emergencies. Stay safe, stay ready!