Natural calamities, such as the recent Uttarakhand
Tsunami, are characterized by six Ds: destruction, death, devastation, disease,
depression and despair. Yet, despite all this, it comes as a one-in –a-lifetime
type opportunity for some to put their learning, ability and skills to real
test.
For the soldiers and officers who daringly rescued
thousands of jolted starving stranded pilgrims to safety, it was an opportunity
that transformed them from unknown regulars to national heroes.
Several heroes must have been born in such
conditions. States of sudden chaos and vacuum throw up new leaders who emerge
from within the group, motivating those around and telling them what to do, setting
common goals that fellow survivors feel compelled to join in for their
collective survival, and showing the way through their own actions.
The opportunity for medics and para-medics in such situations
is immense.
In the first phase, they run shoulder to shoulder
with the rescuers, providing first aid and splinting broken spines and bones of
the injured before moving them to safety. This is a vital oft-neglected step
for which even rescued people often pay a heavy price with lives and
disability.
Bones of the head (skull) and spine act as cages to
protect the soft and vulnerable brain and spinal cord. Fractures here often cause
compression with disastrous consequences.If they are dragged or lugged
unknowingly, pieces of brokenbone may press and tear the tender nerves or cord,
often causing permanent paralysis or death.
One of the essential steps in disaster management,
therefore, is splinting of injured body parts before attempting to move the
person. What it means is that wounded parts of the body should be immobilized
to prevent further damage. The spine is best immobilized by placing the victim
on a hard stretcher and strapping the body, broken limbs by tying to a piece of
wood or branch, and mobile parts, such as dangling fingers, by bandaging or
strapping to the stable ones. It is safer to keep the splint on till the victim
is seen by an expert in a hospital and evaluated with x-rays or scans.
After the 1st wave of death from injuries and
drowning, the 2nd wave follows at its heels with infections. People stranded
without potable water, shelter or electricity are prone to pneumonia and diarrhoea,
and their huddling together makes the germs spread quickly from one to the
other. Antibiotics and vaccines are as important at this phase as clean water,
food, blankets and shelter to prevent outbreaks and epidemics.
Another neglected aspect of disaster management is
tackling the emotional trauma of those who have been through it all and seen
wailing spouses been dragged away by swirling waters, parents being knocked
down to death by falling boulders, and infants crying incessantly in their arms
before falling finally silent.
How does one help them cope and persuade them to live
on rather than jump into the waters? Think about it till we meet next week.
As published in HT City ( Hindustan Times) dated 7 July, 2013.
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