Earthquake Safety and Evacuation Drills

Identifying Safe Zones and Evacuation

• Identifying safe zones is crucial for protecting oneself from falling debris during an earthquake
• Evacuation practice drills help people know where to go and how to get there quickly and safely
• Practicing earthquake drills reduces confusion and freezing during an actual earthquake

PATIENT POSITIONING

• Reposition a patient only when necessary to minimize discomfort and worsening of injuries
• Unresponsive and non-trauma patients should be placed in the recovery position to maintain a clear airway
• Avoid moving or repositioning trauma patients unless necessary to address life-threatening conditions
• Responsive patients should be allowed to assume a comfortable position to enhance cooperation

Recovery Position for Unresponsive Breathing Infant

• Cradle the infant in your arms
• Tilt their head back slightly
• Support their chin and cheek with your hand
• Position their top leg at a right angle and their bottom leg bent forward
• Open the airway and monitor their breathing

Recovery Position for an Adult

• Kneel beside the person
• Place their arm at a right angle away from their body
• Bring their other arm across their chest and grasp the back of their hand with yours
• Bend their far knee and roll them gently onto their side facing you
• Tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin to keep the airway open
• Place both the victim's arms over your shoulders

Two-Rescuer Assist Human Crutch/Two-Person Drag

• Used for conscious victims who can swing their leg using the rescuers as a pair of crutches
• Used for unconscious victims to quickly move them out of immediate danger
• Steps:
  • Start with the victim on the ground
  • Both rescuers stand on either side of the victim's chest
  • One hand grasps the victim's wrist, the other hand grasps the clothing on their shoulder
  • Pull and lift the victim's arms to bring them into a sitting position
  • Place the victim's arms over the rescuers' shoulders
  • Stand up with the victim

Human Crutch/Two-Person Drag

• Used for carrying conscious and alert victims moderate distances
• Victim must be able to stand unsupported and hold themselves upright during transport
• Steps:
  • Position the hands as indicated in the graphic
  • Lower the seat and allow the victim to sit
  • Lower the seat using your legs, not your back
  • Stand up with the victim

Four-Handed Seat Two-Handed Seat

• Used for carrying victims longer distances
• Supports unconscious victims
• Steps:
  • Pick up the victim by having both rescuers squat down on either side
  • Reach under the victim's shoulders and under their knees
  • Grasp the other rescuer's wrists
  • Stand up with good lifting technique
  • Walk in the direction the victim is facing

Chair Carry

• Used for carrying victims up and down stairs or through narrow or uneven areas
• Select a sturdy chair, avoiding aluminum beach chairs, resin patio chairs, swivel chairs, or lightweight folding chairs
• Steps:
  • Pick the victim up and place them in a chair
  • The rescuer at the head grasps the chair from the sides of the back, palms in
  • Tilt the chair back onto its rear legs

Learn about identifying safe zones and practicing evacuation procedures for earthquakes to ensure quick and safe response. Understand the importance of reducing confusion during actual earthquake situations. Repositioning patients only when necessary to minimize discomfort and injuries.