Unfortunately, the issue of providing assistance to people affected by a natural disaster, in particular from a flood, remains quite relevant. Doctors say that first aid, provided directly at the scene of the accident, is especially important, while the organized rescue forces have not yet arrived in the disaster area.
Natural disasters, including floods, have their own characteristics that affect the tactics of rescue operations and the provision of medical assistance. The scale of the disaster, the flooded area and the damage caused by the elements are of great importance. People were exposed to cold water currents, wind and other meteorological factors. The state of the rescued is especially burdened by the consciousness that they were left without shelter, drinking water, and food.
Floods are characterized by injuries such as mechanical damage, hypothermia. If the impact of the elements was accompanied by a breakthrough wave, as is the case with the destruction of dams, wounds from the damaging effects of debris moving in streams of water and the dynamic effect on the human body of the breakthrough wave itself are characteristic.
Flood victims who are taken to a safe place may suffer from nervous chills, asphyxia and hypothermia, which can further cause pneumonia. The first thing to do is to remove wet clothes from the victim, examine his body for injuries and injuries, treat wounds and bruises, fix fractures, if any. After that, you need to warm the person: rub his body (where there are no wounds), change into warm dry clothes, give him a hot drink.
In addition, people who have experienced this kind of stress often experience psychological shock and a state of stupor. At these moments, the most important thing is for the flood victims to feel protected and realize that they are no longer in danger. Rescuers need to tightly control their emotions and the situation, act confidently and calmly, talk to the survivor gently, but only to the essence of what happened.
While examining the victim, the rescuer should comment on his actions and explain what he is going to do in order to preserve the health of the rescued person. Here you need to honestly answer his questions and, if you do not know the answer, just admit it. The victim needs constant encouragement, even if his examination is completed and the necessary assistance is provided.
