Disaster Basic Life Support (DBS) is a term used to refer to a set of emergency medical actions taken in cases of natural disasters or major accidents, with the aim of providing basic first aid to affected people. This support aims to preserve the lives of injured individuals and protect them from potential complications before specialized medical teams arrive. In disaster situations, medical care can be delayed or initially unavailable, making basic life support critical.

What is Basic Life Support Disaster and why is it important?

Basic life support for disasters It is a set of medical procedures and skills that are applied immediately after natural disasters or major accidents with the aim of protecting and preserving lives. This support includes the first aid that injured people need during a crisis before the arrival of specialized medical teams.

Includes Basic life support for disasters A set of immediate interventions focused on providing emergency care to individuals who have sustained disaster-related injuries, such as respiratory arrest, severe bleeding, or fractures, to enable the injured to survive until specialized medical treatment can be provided.

Why is it important?

1. Protecting lives: In disasters, medical rescue teams may be far away or have difficulty reaching affected areas. With basic life support, people at the scene can provide first aid that may save the lives of the injured.
2. Minimize losses: Basic life support can minimize the health deterioration of the injured until specialists arrive at the scene.
3. Quick response: Disasters are often unexpected, so it becomes imperative to have personnel trained to deal with injuries quickly and effectively.
4. Paving the way for a full rescue: First aid stabilizes the injured, making them able to withstand more advanced medical treatment.

 

How to effectively manage injuries during natural disasters

In natural disasters, injuries are varied and severe, including open wounds, fractures, burn injuries, or injuries caused by collapses or falling heavy objects. It is essential that individuals have the basic skills to manage these injuries immediately to minimize complications and secure the lives of the injured until the medical team can reach them.

Basic steps for managing injuries during natural disasters:

1. Assess the situation: The paramedic should first assess the surrounding situation to determine the severity of the injuries. Treatment should be prioritized based on the severity of the injuries.
2. Bleeding control: In cases of heavy bleeding, bandages or other methods must be used to stop the bleeding. Direct pressure on wounds or bandaging wounds can be used to stop the flow of blood.
3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): In case of respiratory or cardiac arrest, first aid such as CPR or cardiac massage should be applied to resuscitate the victim.
4. Dealing with fractures: In the case of fractures, the injured part should be stabilized carefully to minimize movements that may aggravate the injury.
5. Burns and chemical injuries: In the case of burns or chemical injuries, the affected area should be cooled and thoroughly cleaned to minimize damage.

Basic instructions for managing injuries include:

• Stay calm: Staying calm while dealing with injuries is critical. Calmness helps to organize thinking and make decisions quickly.
• Contact the medical team: Emergency teams or local medical teams should be contacted immediately to inform them of the injured and their needs.

Effective injury management in disaster situations requires prior training and the ability to make quick decisions, which can greatly improve the chances of survival.

Dealing with psychological crises during disasters: A guide for survivors

Although natural disasters directly harm the body, they also leave long-lasting psychological effects on survivors. Many are traumatized and confused after disasters, and may suffer from psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological support during these times is just as important as physical support.

How to deal with psychological crises for survivors:

1. Provide emotional support: It is important for survivors to feel emotionally supported by being listened to and understanding their feelings.
2. Emphasize safety: Reminding individuals that they are in a safe environment now can help them feel comfortable and reassured.
3. Direct survivors to professional help: If psychological symptoms persist, individuals should be referred to mental health professionals for support.
4. Teach coping techniques: By practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, survivors can be helped to overcome feelings of stress and anxiety.

The role of psychological support in disaster management:

• Active listening: Allows survivors to safely express their feelings.
• Promote psychological resilience: It can help survivors better cope with the trauma they have experienced.
• Support community building: By providing psychological support, community bonds can be strengthened in times of crisis, enhancing everyone’s resilience.

The Disaster management It is not limited to responding quickly to physical damage, but also includes providing psychological and physical support to those affected. By learning basic life support for disasters, everyone can play a role in saving lives and minimizing the damage caused by disasters. Whether you are an emergency personnel or a private citizen, acquiring the skills to deal with injuries and manage psychological crises can greatly contribute to improving a community’s ability to recover from disasters. Basic Life Support Disaster Course with EMTC Center A perfect opportunity to gain the necessary skills. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the solution in times of emergency.