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