|

|

|
Human Response
by Marshall Jon Fisher
Burns. Hypothermia. Head trauma. Would you know what to do if
one of these afflications befell you or to someone you love
during an accident? The following emergency procedures, drawn
from leading medical guides, will give you the basics. (Note:
These descriptions do not pretend to be comprehensive, and
many of the effects, such as panic and shock, can occur in any
kind of emergency. For more information, see
Survival Strategies
and the
Source list below.)
Fire |
Car |
Plane |
Ship
Panic
The smoke alarm has woken you up. You stumble to the top of
the stairs and see the reflection of flames in the glass of a
picture frame. Your nightmare has come true: Your house is on
fire, and your spouse, your baby, and you are trapped on the
second floor. Perhaps your worst fear about such a situation
is that you'll panic, rendering you unable to take decisive
steps to save your family. The best way to prevent panic is to
be prepared. Test your smoke alarms regularly. If you don't
have a fire escape, make sure you have a rope ladder ready for
deployment. Go over in your mind just what you'll do when the
blaze begins. Being prepared for the situations below will
also keep your mind cool under fire.
On Fire
One of your greatest fears may be that you or someone close to
you will actually be on fire—or at least their clothes
may be on fire. This has probably been one of our most primal
fears since prehistoric times. Of course, removing yourself or
someone else from direct contact with fire is the first step
in minimizing the seriousness of burn. If someone or his
clothing is on fire, do not let him run—that will only
fan the flames with more oxygen. If water is available, douse
the flames. If not, roll the person in a blanket or coat on
the ground to smother the flames. Then begin treatment for
burns.
Burns
The most obvious threat from fire is burn. Burns are
classified into three categories. First-degree burns affect
only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The skin is
usually reddened and possibly swollen, but the outer layer is
not burned through. Second-degree burns affect the second
layer, the dermis, as well. Blisters, intense reddening of the
skin, and severe pain and swelling indicate this. In
third-degree burns, all layers of skin, and also possibly fat,
nerves, muscles, and bones, may be affected. Areas may be
charred black or appear a dry white, and pain is either severe
or, if nerves are damaged enough, nonexistent.
For first-degree burns or second-degree burns that are limited
to an area no more than two to three inches in diameter: Run
cool water over the area if the skin is unbroken; after
flushing for several minutes, cover with a sterile bandage or
clean cloth; and take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to
relieve the pain and swelling. For larger second-degree burns,
or for third-degree burns, seek emergency assistance
immediately. While waiting, make sure the victim is not still
in contact with smoldering clothing or other material. Make
sure the victim is breathing; if not, use CPR to revive them.
Cover the area of the burn with a cool, moist, sterile bandage
or a clean cloth. Do not apply ointments.
Smoke Inhalation
All combustion produces smoke that contains poisons, from
carbon monoxide to other poisonous fumes from burning
synthetic materials. These can irritate the eyes and result in
breathing problems and damaged lungs. Move the victim to a
smoke-free area, keeping as low as possible while moving,
since the hot smoke rises. Smoke-inhalation victims generally
have irritated eyes: Flush the eyes with lots of clean water.
If the person is breathing (if not, use CPR), loosen any tight
clothing and make him or her as comfortable as possible until
emergency aid arrives. If necessary, treat for shock.
Depression
You've gotten your family out safely, the Fire Department has
arrived, the fire is finally under control. You should be
euphoric. But your house is badly damaged, if not burned down
completely. Inside, valuable papers, photographs, heirlooms,
and other possessions have been destroyed. You find yourself
depressed, unable to get over the sense of loss. To employ a
cliché, count your blessings. No material possession
can approach the value of your life and the lives of your
family members. By being prepared for fire, you've saved them
and yourself. In comparison, what you've lost is trivial.
However, such depression is normal, and you should not
hesitate to seek counseling if you find yourself unable to get
over the loss.
—Marshall Jon Fisher is a freelance writer living in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. His most recent book is
Strangers in the Night: A Brief History of Life on Other
Worlds
(Counterpoint, 1998), which he wrote with his father David
E. Fisher.
Sources
The Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide, Third Revised Edition. Crown Publishers: New York, 1995.
Fire Protection Handbook, Sixteenth Edition. Cote,
Arthur E., Editor-in-Chief. National Fire Protection
Association: Quincy, MA, 1986.
Langewiesche, William. Sahara Unveiled. Pantheon
Books: New York, 1996.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. David E. Larson,
M.D., Editor-in-Chief. William and Morrow and Company: New
York, 1990.
The Medical Advisor. Time-Life Books: Alexandria, VA,
1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home
Edition. Robert Berkow, M.D., Editor-in-Chief. Merck
Research Laboratories: Whitehouse Station, NJ, 1997.
Suzuki, Shunryu.
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Weatherhill, Inc.: New
York, 1970.
Escape Through Time
| Skydive |
Human Response
Survivor Stories
|
Pioneers of Survival
|
Survival Strategies
Resources |
Teacher's Guide
|
Transcripts
| Site Map |
Escape! Home
Editor's Picks
|
Previous Sites
|
Join Us/E-mail
|
TV/Web Schedule
About NOVA |
Teachers |
Site Map |
Shop |
Jobs |
Search |
To print
PBS Online |
NOVA Online |
WGBH
©
| Updated November 2000
|
|
|