4 Tips for First Responders During and After a Flood

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

CPR training medical procedure

4 Ways You Can Help As a First Responder

When extreme weather hits Mount Prospect, IL, what happens during the initial flood response is of the utmost importance. Whether it’s performing simple first aid or contacting a water damage restoration company, acting quickly and intelligently can help prevent further injury to both people and property. If you're one of the first on the scene after a flood, here are four ways to increase your power to help as a first responder.

1. Get CPR Certified

In a perfect world, everyone would be CPR certified. If you find someone unconscious during a flood, it's imperative to start chest compressions quickly. (Providing mouth-to-mouth is no longer necessary.) Springing into action immediately can buy the paramedics valuable time.

2. Remember RICE

If someone suffers a sprain or strain during the chaos that can accompany a flood, remember RICE:

Rest the affected area.
Ice it to lessen swelling.
Compress the area with a bandage or other wrap to minimize swelling.
Elevate the injury.

Even if you don’t have all of the necessary supplies on hand, following as many of these steps as possible, as promptly as possible, can kick-start the healing process while you wait for help to arrive.

3. Know How To Treat a Wound

As a first responder, you don't have the luxury of being squeamish about blood. If someone on-site is bleeding heavily, you should apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If he or she bleeds through it, apply another layer on top of the soaked one. If you can raise the wound above the injured person's heart, do so. If there's debris in the wound, exercise caution around it, but don't remove it.
4. Get Your Shots

For those who are first responders in a professional capacity, such as paramedics, the Centers for Disease Control requires immunizations for two diseases: hepatitis B and tetanus. As a layperson, keeping your immunization record up to date can help prevent the spread of disease as well.
A well-prepared first responder can mean the difference between life and loss. Remember these four tips to increase your odds of safely helping others during a flood.