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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The mammalian diving reflex is the body’s reaction to a sudden cold temperature change.
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Several people who have been submerged in water as warm as 70*F have been revived after more than 60 minutes of submersion.
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Impact or blockage of the chest and or upper airway is one of the leading causes of early death of trauma victims, therefore, rapid assessment of a victim’s respiration is critical.
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Claustrophobia is a psychological condition that can affect both victims and rescuers, particularly in confined spaces.
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Hyperventilation is an associated symptom that may produce a sensation of oxygen deprivation.
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When flushing an area with water, identify where contaminated runoff will go.
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Responders involved in extrication operations must perform a risk benefit analysis for each evolution that takes into account the safety of both the victim and the rescuer.
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When practical, a victim’s condition and situation should be reevaluated after every significant maneuver, such as lifting a crushing object or changing the victim’s position.
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Communication among responders is essential to the safe conduct of extrication operations and all responders should be encouraged to voice any concerns.
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Rescuers should visualize the victim egress route before choosing an immobilization device to use.
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The stokes basket has been the standard tool for victim removal over rough terrain or vertical movement for many years.
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The KED immobilization device partially supports and immobilizes a victim, and is useful in an environment where access is limited or the route of egress is restricted.
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SKED litters are designed for extrication in environments where portability is important.
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Movement of packaged victims over broken ground debris can be accomplished using two parallel lines of rescuers who hand the litter along the line.
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Triage tags should include space for rescuers to record exposure and decontamination.
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