Care, health and safety

Emergency care

Following an emergency, care for the injured is primary:

·         Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously-injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

·         If the victim is not breathing, carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the airway, and commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If you are not familiar with CPR procedures, take a course now, before you need it!

·         Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.

·         Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

Health and safety

Consider possible safety issues and monitor your family's health and wellbeing:

·         Be aware of exhaustion. Don't try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough rest.

·         Drink plenty of clean water.

·         Eat well.

·         Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.

·         Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working with debris.

·         Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed-out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.

·         Inform local authorities of health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed-out roads, smouldering insulation, and dead animals.