basic emergency equipment for storm chasers

[Warren Faidley]

As far as "first aid" and what to do if you arrive on a disaster scene:

1: Above all, protect yourself. Don't just rush in. Take a few seconds to evaluate the scene. Downed power lines, nails, falling debris, etc. Always carry protective gloves.

Relaying ACCURATE information to emergency management is critical. Number of victims if known, types of injuries, any hazardous materials (natural gas, etc.). One reason for this is to allow emergency services to distribute EMS to the most critical areas first. I generally try to encourage locals to clear roads and stage tractors / other heavy equipment to free victims. This is when HAM radios are still useful, if cell towers are down.

As far as first aid for a mass trauma situation, there are really only a few things you can do w/o advanced life support equipment and training. Controlling bleeding is generally what you encounter most -- and preventing shock. (Most bleeding is controlled by direct pressure). Taking crushing pressure off limbs / torso is also important to prevent "crush syndrome" / rhabdomyolysis. Securing the neck and spine is also critical. This can be done with 2x4's or similar debris. Carrying a large roll of duct tape is good for this and other chase issues. (Broken windows)....

As far as CPR goes for severe trauma victims (excluding lightning strikes) this gets a little more complicated and takes some advanced training and decision making... especially if there are other "live" victims that need help. I carry a CPR mask with me all the time.

W.
EMT-B

 

[Rob H]

Getting some CPR/AED training done in a few days here in preparation for next year.

The tourniquet thing is always on my mind because movies and TV have taught me that people "bleed out" all the time. It makes for good drama, so I'm not sure how often it actually occurs. If something is uncontrollably spurting or nearly severed I think it would be a no-brainer, but I'd like to know how to get training on these situations. Any suggestions?

This thread has prompted me to think about preparing an extra duffel bag for next season and perhaps getting even more medical training, especially since I had a vivid dream about being on an EF5 next year. I'm not claiming to be a psychic or anything, but we *are* overdue...

 

[Andrea Griffa]

As far as "first aid" and what to do if you arrive on a disaster scene:

1: Above all, protect yourself. Don't just rush in. Take a few seconds to evaluate the scene. Downed power lines, nails, falling debris, etc. Always carry protective gloves.

Relaying ACCURATE information to emergency management is critical. Number of victims if known, types of injuries, any hazardous materials (natural gas, etc.). One reason for this is to allow emergency services to distribute EMS to the most critical areas first. I generally try to encourage locals to clear roads and stage tractors / other heavy equipment to free victims. This is when HAM radios are still useful, if cell towers are down.

As far as first aid for a mass trauma situation, there are really only a few things you can do w/o advanced life support equipment and training. Controlling bleeding is generally what you encounter most -- and preventing shock. (Most bleeding is controlled by direct pressure). Taking crushing pressure off limbs / torso is also important to prevent "crush syndrome" / rhabdomyolysis. Securing the neck and spine is also critical. This can be done with 2x4's or similar debris. Carrying a large roll of duct tape is good for this and other chase issues. (Broken windows)....

As far as CPR goes for severe trauma victims (excluding lightning strikes) this gets a little more complicated and takes some advanced training and decision making... especially if there are other "live" victims that need help. I carry a CPR mask with me all the time.

W.
EMT-B

I quote this message at all.

It's important for all the chasers to know this basical behaviour ahead of injuried people.

The only thing that I can add is that:
- if you're not sure if a patient is traumatized or not, don't move him and treat him as he was traumatized.
- if a patient is perforated by debris don't remove the object but leave it in loco and wait for rescuers.
- the first thing you gotta do is to call the patient and if he doesn't answer, to see if the patient is breathing or not (do you see the thorax moving? Do you feel his breathing on your cheeks? ) and check out if his airways are free from external debris.

All the other rules are well expressed by Warren.

 

[Warren Faidley]

Getting some CPR/AED training done in a few days here in preparation for next year.

The tourniquet thing is always on my mind because movies and TV have taught me that people "bleed out" all the time. It makes for good drama, so I'm not sure how often it actually occurs. If something is uncontrollably spurting or nearly severed I think it would be a no-brainer, but I'd like to know how to get training on these situations. Any suggestions?

This thread has prompted me to think about preparing an extra duffel bag for next season and perhaps getting even more medical training, especially since I had a vivid dream about being on an EF5 next year. I'm not claiming to be a psychic or anything, but we *are* overdue...

The American Red Cross offers an advanced first aid class that would be perfect for chasers.

The use of tourniquets requires a certain amount of knowledge. Too much to post here. If applied wrong, it can destroy a limb. If a limb is obviously severed, then it's generally a no brainer, but there are still things you need to know like were to place it.

W.

 

[Scotty Mitchell]

I would like to add a few ideas to this thread. Other than the Red Cross, another good source of information for first aid are organizations that offer wilderness medical training. Their training covers treating injured people when there is not a lot of equipment handy and ems is delayed. The Boy Scouts are another good source. I am a former emt with several years experience in a advanced life support ambulance and I would be real careful about things like tourniquets and offering asprin to people with chest pains. Always treat to the level your trained to. Don't forget, making a phone call for help is considered rendering aid. I always carry duct tape with me in my kit. I also keep a couple of candy bars with me. You never know when you may need a boost. The biggest thing I can add is always make sure the scene is safe and secure. Don't rush into a scene and become another injury.

 

[John Vandehei]

After watching the Storm Chasers episode yesterday (had to wait for the rerun - lost power on the initial air date), I'd though I'd chime in. I think the last several posters have made an important point. Equipment is important, but it's of limited use without the proper training. Just as an untrained person is unlikely to successfully chase a tornado even if given the best equipment and access to data, good first aid equipment without proper training is of diminished value. During the winter, I work as a ski patroller at a local hill. My training is similar to that of an EMT. My first aid skills can easily be applied away from the ski hill. In fact, I have helped out at several serious vehicular accidents. While watching the storm chasers episode, I kept thinking to myself they should be doing this or don't do that. Now, this is not be be critical of Reed or Joel. That situation was way overwhelming and traumatic for ANY untrained person, especially considering the delayed availability of trained rescuers. When you're not trained and faced with such situations, there is that horrible "Oh my God, what do I do?" feeling. With proper training, when faced with such situations, you know what to do. That's not to say that a situation with a seriously injured person and/or multiple victims wont be daunting, but when your training takes over, you just know to do what needs to be done. Actually, some basic first aid training is a good idea for anyone. You never know when you may need it. You could happen upon a car accident, or I could be a loved one falling off a ladder or suffering a stroke. I can tell you from experience, having the experience and training instead of that helpless feeling is well worth it.

 

[Marcus Hicks]

Proper training is the key here. My fear after that episode is a bunch of us will add a medic bag or a grocery store first aid kit and end up in the way or incorrectly treating someones injuries and cause more harm than good. Also citizens have a hard time getting out of the way when the proper help arrives. I have certs out the wazoo but know my limitations. The good samatain law will protect you only if your treatment is proper but if you mess up you can be sued!

First aid and CPR training are good for everyone to have but does not make you a rescue hero so know your role. And honestly would you really want to or could you cut your teeth on a situation like Yazoo?

 

[Danny Neal]

Being a firefighter/emt I am fully prepared for this situation. I've dealt with death before (my first call was a full arrest) and perhaps the most gruesome thing I have experienced is performing CPR on my best friends dead sister after she was ejected out her auto and subsequently had the vehicle roll on top of her. Bad situation but after a while it numbs you (as much as one can be numbed in a situation like that I guess). I think my problem would be prioritizing. I believe I perform my duties as defined by my scope of practice, but there would be some injuries I would just be able to do nothing for and that would be unpleasing. The key here is not to think you will be the hero.

If you come across a situation like Yazoo or Greensburg (etc) and start ripping people out of homes you totally lose sight of the number one priority on the disaster scene... YOURSELF! To some that may sound selfish, but even in the most basic training you are taught to place yourself on a golden pedestal. As a firefighter I was taught when entering a structure or vehicle to remember that A) you didn't cause this, B) it is not your property C) weigh in risk vs reward. #1 is you, #2 is the person you are rescuing, #3 is everything else. It shocked me to see Reed running in flip flops in a tornado devastated area, I think even more alarming was the whole crew dancing over powerlines and high tension lines. Granted it was probably safe to assume they were dead, but in a disaster situation anything goes. Why take that risk?

It is certainly commendable what DSC, TVN, other members of CA, and the other chasers did. In no way am I trying to preach or claim stupidity for them. This was just a friendly reminder, you don't need to be a hero, remember situational awareness and to size up the scene.

Much like I wouldn't run into a burning building without understanding what is happening, we shouldn't run into debris filled area without calculating risks and having the proper PPE. I forgot who said it above me, but the best advice I can give is to find the person or persons in charge and report to them.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[Karen St John]

Proper training is the key here. My fear after that episode is a bunch of us will add a medic bag or a grocery store first aid kit and end up in the way or incorrectly treating someones injuries and cause more harm than good. Also citizens have a hard time getting out of the way when the proper help arrives. I have certs out the wazoo but know my limitations. The good samatain law will protect you only if your treatment is proper but if you mess up you can be sued!

First aid and CPR training are good for everyone to have but does not make you a rescue hero so know your role. And honestly would you really want to or could you cut your teeth on a situation like Yazoo?

The best reason to know CPR/First Aid is to help out when professionals are not available, and you are faced with a serious situation. I will not wade into a recently blown over building unless, repeat unless, there is no alternative.

This is not attitude on my part. I don't wish to create complications for EMS by becoming a second casualty, or worsening a situation by causing a building to collapse, furthering the injuries of the trapped individual(s). I am not a structural engineer, and I just cannot allow myself to endanger someone by my own ignorance.

I want to be useful in such a scene is by continuing as a Skywarn Volunteer, and learning more about Emergency Communications.

Or providing coffee, donuts, and gopher services if asked!

CPR and first aid are useful to help out when you are in a restaurant and someone chokes and their heart stops. So I say learn them

Both my dad and my mom learned CPR, after my dad had a quadruple bypass. It didn't save my mom, because she died in her sleep but it might have had she not passed in the early morning hours.

 

[Melissa Jablonski]

Someone mentioned giving aspirin to people with chest pain. A lot of people who would be having chest pains are taking blood thinners. Adding aspirin to that could be very dangerous. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jason Bolt]

Here are some of the things I would suggest people "carry" with them on a chase"

1. Multiple methods of communication.
2. The ability to stay calm.
3. An understanding of basic first aid.
4. Gloves, flashlights, a safety vest, and other things to keep YOU safe.
5. The ability to work as part of a TEAM and take orders.

One of the things that saves the MOST lives after a mass casualty incident is an effective system that gets the most people possible to definitive care in the shortest period of time. Rather than focus your efforts on things one patient at a time, look at the bigger picture. If you are not medically trained or are not comfortable with that aspect then think about how emergency responders will get to your location. Clear debris, call and tell them the best route to access your location. I would really recommend a CERT class over an EMT class. We can run in blindly and try to save one person, or we can all work together, walk in, and save them all. CPR is really not a wise use of resources in a mass casualty incident if we have other live patients. Work on the patients that are alive. CERT training will provide information on triage which is one critical function of mass casualty response. Organize patients based on severity of injuries. Even if you're not a rocket surgeon you can probably separate the "bad" from the "not so bad". As far as life threatening things you can fix with what you can carry in your car, controlling major bleeding and moving crushing debris off of patients is the most of it. Finally, when the trained responders who are responsible for providing services to that area arrive, tell them what you've found and tell them you will be standing over here if they want you to help. Let them run the show. Be ready to offer assistance but only when asked. They have a legal responsibility to handle that scene and don't know you so don't be offended when they "take over". A willing set of hands is a true asset. A "first responder" from somewhere else who can't or won't be a part of the system is a liability.

Obviously, there is a lot more to it. I see a lot of non-medical persons on this thread telling other non-medical personnel what to do. It makes me lol. Really I don't know if all storm chasers need to worry about being an EMT, brain surgeon, etc. For that one isolated incident. The best thing the first person on scene can possess is the ability to stay calm, try to organize the chaos a little, and call for appropriate resources. I'm not the expert on this area, but after 15 years being a EMT, Paramedic, firefighter, fire officer, and administrator over fire, ems, and emergency management heck I might have a few good ideas

 

[JDusek]

We should just have all storm chasers obtain there firefighter certifications and there paramedic license and drive around with AED. Mr. Harks kit was good, but taking a First responder class would be fantastic, and not just for the chase but life its self. Just always remember PROTECT YOURSELF, BSI and SCENE SAFETY.

 

[rdale]

We should just have all storm chasers obtain there firefighter certifications and there paramedic license and drive around with AED

Complete overkill, and of no value to 99.9% of all storm chases.

 

[JDusek]

I would also like to add now after reading all the post, I feel that all of us storm chasers should take Incident command system series as well as learn START Triage system. Ha, all the FF/EMT's will get that. Come one people, if your a business man, then stick to pushing paper, if your a conductor, drive the train. If anything read Jason Bolts post. Don't be treating people based on what you have heard, or what the Dr. told you to do for yourself on your last visit, or follow what you saw on man vs wild. The biggest thing is keeping calm. Call 911, then follow your basic first responder or first aid. Don't start giving aspirin for chest pain, or your nitro, do not apply tourniquets, maybe start with elevation and or pressure, do not start ripping through an unstable house because you might just be the next person to rescue. Leave it to the guys and girls who do it 24/7 and know it like the back of your hand. yes the Good Samaritan act will protect your as long as your not completely stupid in treating someone. I'm not saving don't help, I'm just saying ignore the non certified people trying to attempt life saving measures. 2011 chase woo hoo!

 

[JDusek]

RDALE It was a joke man! Although the good news is that most of us firefighter / medics like the chase, so your percentage is up there anyway!