Disaster-Specific Injury Patterns and Response & Organizing Bystander Response

Different disasters create predictable injury patterns. Understanding these helps prioritize care and resources.

Earthquake Injuries:

Common Patterns:

- Crush injuries (most common) - Head trauma - Fractures - Lacerations - Dust inhalation - Crush syndrome

Immediate Priorities:

1. Scene safety (aftershocks) 2. Extricate trapped victims 3. Control major bleeding 4. Manage crush syndrome 5. Prevent hypothermia 6. Coordinate search areas

Crush Syndrome Prevention:

- Life-threatening complication - Occurs when crushing pressure released - Toxins flood system - Give fluids BEFORE extrication if possible - Tourniquet above crush site if trained - Immediate evacuation

Hurricane/Flood Injuries:

Injury Types:

- Drowning/near drowning - Contaminated wounds - Electrocution - Hypothermia - Waterborne illness - Carbon monoxide poisoning

Response Priorities:

- Water safety - Wound cleaning crucial - Assume all water contaminated - Generator safety - Disease prevention - Shelter management

Tornado Injuries:

Characteristic Patterns:

- Complex contaminated wounds - Impalements - Head injuries - Fractures - Missing persons - Psychological trauma

Special Considerations:

- Debris in wounds - Don't remove impaled objects - High infection risk - Scene extremely hazardous - Mark searched areas - Family reunification

Fire/Wildfire Injuries:

Primary Concerns:

- Smoke inhalation - Burns - Heat exhaustion - Dehydration - Panic injuries - Carbon monoxide

Response Modifications:

- Airway priority - Cool burns if water available - Evacuate smoke exposure - Hydration critical - Eye irrigation - Crowd control

Active Shooter/Bombing:

Injury Patterns:

- Penetrating trauma - Blast injuries - Stampede injuries - Psychological trauma - Burns (bombing)

Special Protocol:

- Scene safety paramount - Hemorrhage control priority - Rapid evacuation - Limited scene time - Coordinate with law enforcement - Expect multiple scenes

In MCIs, organizing untrained helpers multiplies your effectiveness exponentially.

Immediate Organization Steps:

1. Establish Command:

- Take charge calmly - Identify yourself - Designate sectors - Assign team leaders - Create communication system

2. Safety Assessment:

- Ongoing hazards - Safe treatment areas - Evacuation routes - Danger zones - Secondary threats

3. Resource Inventory:

- Medical supplies - Trained personnel - Transportation - Communication devices - Shelter options

Bystander Assignments:

Medical Teams:

- Pair trained with untrained - Simple tasks for untrained - Direct pressure for bleeding - Holding pressure dressings - Comfort and reassurance

Search Teams:

- Systematic sectors - Marking system - Call out method - Safety buddies - Report findings

Supply Teams:

- Gather first aid supplies - Improvise as needed - Create treatment area - Distribute resources - Track supplies

Transportation Teams:

- Identify vehicles - Create loading areas - Map hospitals - Driver assignments - Patient tracking

> Practice This Now: > - Practice 60-second triage decisions > - Create triage tags from paper > - Identify command voice > - List available resources in your area > - Plan family reunion site

Communication Organization:

Without Cell Service:

- Runners between areas - Visual signals - Sound signals (whistles) - Written messages - Central information point

Documentation Priorities:

- Patient identification - Injuries noted - Treatment given - Destination if transported - Time stamps

Treatment Area Setup:

Zone Organization:

- RED zone (immediate care) - YELLOW zone (delayed care) - GREEN zone (minor injuries) - BLACK zone (deceased) - Keep separated but visible

Supply Distribution:

- Critical supplies to RED zone - Basic supplies to all zones - Improvised materials - Rationing system - Resupply plan