Shawn Gossman
Supporter
How do you all feel about this? Would you or do you help out where you can? Or could storm chasers trying to help out only just get in the way of those trained to rescue?
Storm chasers ponder: Should you help when a storm hits?
- Thread starter Shawn Gossman
- Start date
How do you all feel about this? Would you or do you help out where you can? Or could storm chasers trying to help out only just get in the way of those trained to rescue?
Drew Terril
Staff member
I have some medical training from my time in the Army. Mostly deals with combat wounds, but a lot of the same principles apply. Because of that, I feel morally obligated to stop and render assistance if I come across an area that needs it. In some states, there's also a legal obligation to act if you have first responder training or any training more advanced than that.
Alex Heimberger
EF2
In my opinion if you have the training and you're the first one on the scene (or mass casualty event) you should stop. If it gets overwhelming or too much. You can always call 911 (which should already be done.) and wait until someone can assist or take over.
David Pauley
EF0
From what I remember when I took the class for being a first responder, it's state law for Texas that if you have any markings on your vehicle showing you have medical training and you do not stop to render aid, you may be charged with failure to stop and render aid. Granted this was 7 years ago, and things may have changed. I personally feel a personal obligation to help my fellow man in times of need if I have the proper tools and training. But only if I am not in the way of licensed first responders.
Drew Terril
Staff member
Ideally, someone would be calling for emergency services as soon as they realize homes are being hit. At least that's what I would do. In my case, my limitation is equipment. I've seen my share of nasty stuff over the years, so not much phases me any more. All I have at the moment though as far as equipment is a small medic bag in my truck that I used when I was on active duty. I keep planning to acquire a bigger one but I never can seem to swing it.
In Michigan, you are only required to render assistance to the level that you are trained to. There are exemptions for a scene that is unsafe, if there are downed wires in the immediate area for instance. As far as on the chase goes, I don't think "missing some good video" should ever be given a thought when you come across a destroyed house. I would hope that there isn't anybody on this site that would look the other way.
I carry a trauma bag that includes suction and airways. I personally recommend that if someone carries a store bought first aid kit, to remove the boxes of band-aids and little packets of "stuff". Use that new found space to add more gauze and antiseptic spray. The band aids and stuff are nice to have around the house, but at a tornado scene they have very little value.
I carry a trauma bag that includes suction and airways. I personally recommend that if someone carries a store bought first aid kit, to remove the boxes of band-aids and little packets of "stuff". Use that new found space to add more gauze and antiseptic spray. The band aids and stuff are nice to have around the house, but at a tornado scene they have very little value.
Dan Robinson
EF5
I see this issue as the same as what you would do if you came upon a car accident or house fire before anyone else. Make sure fire/EMS are notified, then do what you can within the limits of your knowledge and training. Then, when the professional responders arrive, let them take command and say whether they want you to stay and help or leave.
As for *responding* to a nearby damaged area when you are not right there to begin with, I don't have an answer. I'll defer to a professional EMS/fire person to give us advice (are there any here)? I have seen the Moore and Joplin stories where there were not enough ambulances to transport people to hospitals, and civilian vehicles were used. On the other hand, we know and have heard that unsolicited civilian help often gets in the way of the professionals. Again, I don't think most chasers are qualified to say one way or another - are there professionals here that could give us some guidance on best practices?
As for *responding* to a nearby damaged area when you are not right there to begin with, I don't have an answer. I'll defer to a professional EMS/fire person to give us advice (are there any here)? I have seen the Moore and Joplin stories where there were not enough ambulances to transport people to hospitals, and civilian vehicles were used. On the other hand, we know and have heard that unsolicited civilian help often gets in the way of the professionals. Again, I don't think most chasers are qualified to say one way or another - are there professionals here that could give us some guidance on best practices?
Alex Heimberger
EF2
Yeah, that's why I added it in parenthesis. Should be the first thing you do. I have a similar medic bag. Certified in first aid & pediatrics cpr. Glad I haven't been put in a situation where I needed to use yet. Good to be prepared. Especially with a hobby like storm chasing. 2014 was the first year where I was put in a situation of being the first responder. Stopped moments after a house was side swiped by a tornado. Structure was still intact and the lady there was in good health. Just a little shaken up. Unfortunitly goat shed was destroyed and a few goats injured.
Todd Rector
EF4
I have worked professionally as a career (not volunteer) firefighter/paramedic. It's my nature to stop and help any time someone needs emergency assistance. That being said, when I am chasing I am in my personal vehicle, not a FD rescue truck. I don't have a trained crew with me for support, I am not wearing turnout gear, I am out of my local jurisdiction, and I certainly don't have heavy rescue tools available. Regardless, I would assist at a scene rendering life-saving aid in whatever capacity I could, knowing my (non-negligent) actions were covered under the "Good Samaritan" law. I would never judge a fellow chaser for not stopping to help if they had no ability (medical/rescue training) or were not of sound emotional status to deal with the situation. Once authorized emergency personnel were on scene, I would report to the incident commander with my name and contact information (for the paperwork) and then excuse myself from the scene unless specifically requested to stay.
EMT's who self-dispatch to a scene are not operating under the explicit authorization of their medical director, and are on shaky ground to provide anything other than basic first-aid. Courts are full of people who had good intentions; don't get sued for overstepping your medical authority.
Q. What do you call a paramedic without equipment?
A. A bystander.
Always be safe, keep a clear head.
EMT's who self-dispatch to a scene are not operating under the explicit authorization of their medical director, and are on shaky ground to provide anything other than basic first-aid. Courts are full of people who had good intentions; don't get sued for overstepping your medical authority.
Q. What do you call a paramedic without equipment?
A. A bystander.
Always be safe, keep a clear head.
We are all first responders. There is little doubt that chasers are first on the scene after an impact. I do believe it is our responsibility to stop and render assistance until the point that emergency services have a handle on things. Would it be a good idea to at least know CPR? Yes. Do you need to be a full-fledged paramedic to stop your vehicle and help where you can? No.
Being there to help find people, pets, etc. or maybe helping to calm someone who is injured or in hysterics is important.
We CAN stop and we should.
Being there to help find people, pets, etc. or maybe helping to calm someone who is injured or in hysterics is important.
We CAN stop and we should.
Todd Rector
EF4
Along the lines of what Steve said above, it probably goes without saying you should carry some basic protective gear and tools. Work gloves, flashlight, reflective vest, etc.
Not just for post-tornado scenes, but also because they are invaluable when you need to move debris off the road or do impromptu traffic control in the dark.
Not just for post-tornado scenes, but also because they are invaluable when you need to move debris off the road or do impromptu traffic control in the dark.
Ric Burney
EF3
I agree with what both Todd and Steve said above. I would like to add that one of the most important things you can do if you happen across fresh damage and injury is getting the word out to get the professionals rolling to the scene. Lots of times regular means of communication will be down such as phones and cell towers. Getting your ham license is fairly quick and easy. Ham radio works when all other means fail. You will be able to report where you are, what kind of injuries and damage you have at that location and get help on the way.
Another consideration would be for those with no formal emergency medical training to take a Red Cross first aid/ CPR / AED course. It doesn't cost much (some employers will even pick up the cost to train their employees) and could make a huge difference in someones life.
Another consideration would be for those with no formal emergency medical training to take a Red Cross first aid/ CPR / AED course. It doesn't cost much (some employers will even pick up the cost to train their employees) and could make a huge difference in someones life.
Justin Wilcox
EF2
Im with Steve, Todd, and Ric. I dont see how anyone could just keep driving in a situation where they are the first to arrive. I dont think anyone who knows how to swim would ignore a drowning baby because they arent certified lifeguards... But like what has been said, dont do anything beyond you comfort level and make a situation worse. Even if I see that people are ok, I still ask if they need a phone, ride, or help locating anyone/anything.
And for people who are too cheap to pay for a cpr/first aid class, you can at the very LEAST do it online and skip paying for the physical card. That card means nothing anyway.
And for people who are too cheap to pay for a cpr/first aid class, you can at the very LEAST do it online and skip paying for the physical card. That card means nothing anyway.
James Gustina
Supporter
It depends on location for me. If a tornado impacts a major metro area then I feel it falls well beyond the scope of any assistance I could offer, considering I have shaky at best medical training (CPR). Out on the High Plains where trained personnel may be coming from a larger distance to render aid is when I feel it's necessary to do everything within my means until others can arrive.
John Olexa
EF5
We should try and help in anyway we can. With no training I may not try to offer medical assistance , but I might be able to help direct traffic or help move debris off the road. I once let someone use my cell phone to call a loved one, and when he heard her voice and that she was ok, that was the best "assistance" I think I ever gave someone.
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