| The 5 Stages of Rescue STAGE 1 RECON Information/Observation Information Numbers trapped Locations Type & extent of damage What rescue being done now (if any) Hazards - locations Observation: Think about time of day/day of week Where large numbers of people should have been prior to the disaster Looking over damage, finding available equipment and helpers Team can now deal with walking wounded and Stage 2. STAGE 2 All walking wounded sent to triage areas All casualties found in non-difficult situations are removed Casualties requiring extraction - located, mapped, advised crews will be with them ASAP Rough sketches and maps essential to organize equipment and personnel efficiently All available equipment and supplies to be mapped, if not gathered and brought back to base The KEY is improvisation! The search in Stage 2 is also to assess, and do it fast - so a rescue plan can be put together. It is important to identify all likely spots (survival points) as these voids will be searched in Stage 3 STAGE 3 Search areas of high survivability - blocked by light debris Complete search of the likely survival points Rescue of survivors found Reporting to base with numbers and briefing planners is important Incredible amounts of dust created - which suffocate victims STAGE 4 Selected debris removal and further searching where any chance exists for survivors Carried out if people still unaccounted for No heavy equipment used, but human debris chains are effective STAGE 5 Systematic debris removal Start in voids Use of heavy equipment supervised by safety officer Shoring and risk assessment should take place Pile it neat, avoid rehandling - do it right the first time Mark all areas searched to avoid wasting time re-searching These stages are as per: SARBC (http://www.sarbc.org/) |