Chapter 7 Flashcards
One of the most challenging aspects of managing a technical search and rescue incident may be handling the victims of the incident.
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Victims who are injured but not trapped account for about 50% of all victims, these individuals may either self rescue or be removed by bystanders before rescuers arrive.
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If a victim is injured and trapped when found, the person’s condition and location should be reported immediately and appropriate resources assigned and requested as necessary.
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Typically, remains of deceased victims should be left in place until the appropriate authorities authorize movement.
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Victims in fear of injury or death may act irrationally or unpredictably and as a result may create a safety hazard through their behavior.
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Rescuers should make verbal contact with victims at the earliest opportunity.
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Rescuers who reassure victims are less likely to encounter victim interference with operations.
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The simple triage and rapid treatment process allows responders to quickly identify life threating conditions and to prioritize the allocation of medical resources and personnel.
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Many jurisdictions utilize triage tags and checklists to assist rescuers with performing and documenting triage activities.
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Safe removal from a hazard area requires proper use of safety equipment, good form, and cooperation from a victim.
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Triage tags use a color coding system to help rescuers establish which victims should take priority.
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Information collected on triage tags include visual indicators of a victim’s injuries.
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A significant loss of blood volume, known as hypovolemia, can occur as a result of impact and injury to the body.
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Shock, as a result of hypovolemia, is a life threatening complication.
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Muscle tissue is extremely vulnerable to pressure injuries.
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Compartment syndrome can occur when a victim’s limb has experienced a traumatic injury.
- result of traumatic injury where the patient’s muscle tissue becomes swollen and tightly encased. 4-6 hours the crushed tissue begins to die and release toxins.
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Crush syndrome occurs as a result of external pressure that crushes part of the body and restricts blood flow to the injured area for an extended period of time.
- potentially fatal condition that occurs as a result of crushing pressure on a part of the body for 4-6 hours.
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Suspension syndrome occurs as a result of a victim remaining immobile for an extended period in an upright position.
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Dehydration becomes a concern at many incidents and is made worse by the environment and the length of time the victim is trapped.
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If a victim is likely to need immediate surgery to control or repair injuries, it is recommended to avoid orally administering fluids.
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Victims with hypothermia are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormal rate of muscle contractions of the heart, and should be handled as gently as possible.
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Edema - condition which fluid escapes into the body tissues and causes local generalized swelling.
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Arrhythmia - any disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart.
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Without proper environmental protection, rapid immersion in cold water can kill a strong swimmer in 4-5 minutes.
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