disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

TIPS ON MAKING YOUR “EMERGENCY ACTION” PLAN
1. BE AWARE… Make sure it’s safe to approach area and victim.
Use your senses…
Listen for cries for help; screams; moans; explosions; breaking
glass; crashing metal; gunshots; high winds; popping, humming or
buzzing noises; lots of coughing, etc.
Look for broken glass; open medicine cabinet, container or bottle
near victim; smoke; fire; vapors or mist; downed power lines, etc.
Watch for signs like trouble breathing; trouble talking; grabbing at
throat or chest; pale or blue color in face, lips or ears; lots of people
covering mouth or running away, etc.
Smell smoke or something burning; strong odors or vapors (leave if
odor is too strong), etc.
Feel something burning your eyes, lungs or skin, etc.
2. BE PREPARED… The best thing you can do is STAY CALM…
and THINK before you act!
Any time there’s an emergency or disaster, most people are scared or
confused and many don’t know what to do. Take a few seconds and
breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to help
slow your heartbeat and calm down. Always ask if you can help…
either ask the victim or people around who may be helping.
3. HAVE A PLAN! Check ABCs, call 9-1-1 and help victim, if possible.
… Check victims’ ABCs… Airway, Breathing, & Circulation
(Note: For heart emergencies, the steps are now CAB!)
… call 9-1-1, 0 for Operator or local emergency number for
an ambulance (see tips on next page)
… help the victim, if possible -- and STAY until help arrives.
Before giving first aid, you must have the victim’s permission. Tell
them who you are, how much training you’ve had, and how you plan
to help. Do not give care to someone who refuses it - unless they are
unable to respond.
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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