Drug Education And The Law Module 2 PDF

Module 2: DRUG EDUCATION AND THE LAW Harmful Effects of Dangerous Drugs Source: PDEA Region 10 Intended Learning Outcomes: Drugs – any chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional Knowle...

Module 2: DRUG EDUCATION AND THE LAW Harmful Effects of Dangerous Drugs Source: PDEA Region 10 Intended Learning Outcomes: Drugs – any chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional Knowledge: or behavioral change in a person taking it. 1.Explore the nature and effects of drugs and substance abuse such as Example: alcohol, tobacco, and others on personal health and social Paracetamol – to treat fever relationships; Antibiotics – to treat infection. Synthesize accurate information on health, legal and social Drug Abuse – the use of any chemical consequence of drug and substance abuse and examine how which result to an these negatively impact the person who uses drugs, his/her individual’s physical, family, friends and community; mental, or social Skills: impairment. It refers to the. Make a personal commitment to remain drug free and develop following: plan to help address drug and substance abuse;. Use of drugs without prescription Attitude :. Use of a drug or any substance for a purpose different - Appreciate the value of a drug free self and community. from the one for which the drug was prescribed for. Use of illegal or illicit drugs What is PDEA? Origin of Drugs Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - is the lead Anti. Natural – anything that comes from nature. Drug law enforcement agency, responsible for preventing,. Synthetic – anything that is produced artificially or processed in investigating, and combating dangerous drugs, controlled precursors, the laboratory. and essential chemicals within the Philippines. Classification of Drugs Based on Effects What is R.A. 9165? 1. Stimulants It is an Act instituting the Comprehensive Act of 2002 also It is also known as “uppers”, any of the group of drugs known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing that excite the central nervous system. It increases alertness, R.A. 6425, otherwise known as The Dangerous Act of 1972, as alleviates fatigue, reduces hunger, and provides a feeling of amended, providing funds therefor, and for other purposes. President well-being. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed R.A. 9165 on June 7, 2002, was. Cocaine published June 19, 2002 and took effect on July 4, 2002.. Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu). Caffeine combination with other intoxicating substances) 2. Depressant Still based on the 2006 reported cases admitted for treatment and This drug is also known as “downers” or “bars”, any rehabilitation, the Top 10 drug or chemical that decreases the activity of any bodily Drugs/Substances of Abuse are: function. The term is most often used to refer to drugs that 4. Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu) reduce the activity of the central nervous system. 5. Cannabis (Marijuana) Sedatives 6. Contact Cement Sleeping Pills 7. Benzodiazepines Tranquillizers 8. Cough/Cold Preparations 3. Hallucinogens 9. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA (Ecstasy) It is also known as “psychedelics”, first developed as 10. Cocaine appetite suppressant. Any natural or synthetic psychoactive 11. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride drugs that produce marked distortion of the senses and 12. Psilocybin (Magic Mushroom) changes in perception. 13. Solvents (acetone, thinner) MJ LSD Drug Addiction Ecstasy 14. A chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by Ketamine compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite harmful 4. Inhalants consequences. Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable substances that 15. This is considered a brain disease because drugs can produce mind-altering results and effects. change the structure of the brain and how it works. The Nail Polish remover change can damage the brain and it can be long lasting Plastic cement and can lead to harmful behavior. Paint, o Show brain anatomy of drug abuse Gasoline Hair sprays Effects of Drug of Abuse The Limbic Reward System Nature of Drug Use Every substance of abuse like alcohol, cocaine, Poly drug use (or abuse drugs one after the other or in methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, nicotine has some  effects on limbic reward system. Substances of abuse affects the system by an increase in the release of the How to tell a person who is abusing drugs? neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps to regulate the A lot of changes in behavior, appearance and mood, it occur in a feelings of pleasure (euphoria and satisfaction) person who is abusing drugs. Sudden changes also occur in the person’s disposition from pleasant to unpleasant. Dopamine also plays a role in the control of movement, cognition, motivation, and reward. High levels of free Common Signs of Drug Abuse: dopamine in the brain generally enhance mood and increase body movement (i.e., motor activity, but too much dopamine 6. Often associated with known drugs users may produce nervousness, arability, aggressiveness, and 7. Irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive paranoia as well as hallucinations and bizarre thoughts. 8. Untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence 9. Unconcerned about his/her health and grooming Natural activities such as eating, drinking, and sex activate the nucleus 10. Has a low frustration tolerance acumens, inducing communication among these structures neurons to 11. Lacks interest in studies/works release dopamine. The released dopamine produces immediate but 12. Blames everybody but himself for his/her problems 13. ephemeral, feelings of pleasure and joy. As dopamine levels subside, Prefers to be with “barkada” where he/she feels accepted 14. so do the feelings of pleasure. But if the activity is repeated, then Frequently goes to odd places (to take drugs) dopamine again is released and more feelings of pleasure and euphoria 15. Often wears sunglasses at inappropriate times are produced (positive reinforcement). 16. Often borrows money and sometimes steals various items 17. Shows changes in attending school/work 18. Develops changes in normal capabilities in school/work Altered Perceptions What will happen to drug users who would not reform? 3. ILLUSION – misperception of a real external stimulus. 4. DELUSION – a fix false belief cannot be corrected by logic. Drug Prevention 5. HALLUCINATON – a false sensory perception without an external stimulus 19. Stay away from illegal drugs 20. Maintain physical and mental health and well-being 21. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used  under medical advice 40. Tobacco sponsorship restricted to activities for those “18 and 22. Understand yourself. Accept and respect your own above” beginning July 1, 2006 capabilities and limitations. 41. No tobacco ad on TV, Cable TV, and radio since January 1, 23. Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive 2007 and fulfilling activities. 42. No tobacco ads outdoors and in cinemas beginning July 1, 24. Choose your friends wisely. 2007 25. Learn to relate effectively to a trusted person whom you 43. No tobacco ads in all mass media beginning July 1, 2008 44. can communicate our problems freely. No tobacco sponsorship of all sports, concert, cultural and art 26. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your events beginning July 1, 2008 problems. 27. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations. What is Alcohol? Who are penalized by the anti-drug law? Alcohol is a powerful drug. It contains drug called “ethanol” (ethyl alcohol). It is a toxic and poisonous drug. It poisons the body if 28. User taken in large quantities simply or in combination with other drugs. 29. Pusher 30. Possessor Alcohol damages all the major organs of the body. 31. Cultivator 32. Importer It is a depressant drug and not a stimulant as erroneously 33. Manufacturer believed. 34. Financer Pure alcohol is colorless and tasteless. Alcoholic drinks vary in color and taste because of the ingredients used to flavor them. Republic Act No. 9211 This Act is also known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 signed Module 3: DISASTER AWARENESS, PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT into law in June 23, 2003. Intended Learning Outcomes: Knowledge: Prohibited Act: 1. Update knowledge on the operational concepts, principles, structures, and 35. Allowing minors to man stalls selling tobacco products(s) priority actions relative to the Philippine Disaster Management System; 2. 36. Selling tobacco products to a minor (under 18 years of age) Identify risk reduction and preparedness activities that will reduce 37. For a minor to smoke cigarettes or any tobacco products vulnerability, mitigate the impact of emergencies, and support efforts to 38. Selling of tobacco products within 100 meters from prevent conflict and civil unrest; playgrounds, schools and all youth facilities Skills: 39. Cigarette vending machine within the place mentioned Smoking in public places and public transportation 3. Create contingency plans based on the likely emergencies in their respective schools; 4. Acquire knowledge skills in various basic life support, particularly on General Effects of Disaster preparedness and response training; Loss of life Attitude: Injury 5. Value their involvement and participation in preventing disaster risk Damage to and destruction of property reduction in their respective schools as would be reservists. Damage to and destruction of subsistence and cash crops Disruption of production What is Hazard? Disruption of lifestyles Hazards are those elements of the physical environment, harmful to man and Loss of livelihood caused by forces extraneous. Disruption of essential services A Hazard is a threat. It is has the potential to cause harm to People, Human Damage to national infrastructure and disruption of government activity like economic, educational, etc, Property, and the Environment. systems National economic loss, and Some of the hazards are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, floods, Sociological and psychological after-effect landslides, and other similar events. Pandemic Emergencies What is a Disaster? A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that has spread across a large A disaster is a serious disruption occurring over a short or long period that region, which can occur to the human population or animal population and causes widespread human, material, economic, or environmental loss that may affect health and disrupt services leading to economic and social costs. exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its Ebola resources. Avian Flu Dengue Fever Malaria VULNERABILITY+ HAZARD) / CAPACITY = DISASTER Disaster Prevention: UNISDR views Disaster Prevention as the concept of Categories of Disaster engaging in activities that intend to prevent or avoid potential adverse impacts Natural Disasters through action taken in advance, activities designed to protect from the Man-Made Disaster occurrence of disasters. WCPT similarly highlight that while not all disasters Armed Conflict and Civil Strife can be prevented, good risk management, evacuation plans, environmental Technological Disasters planning, and design standards can reduce the risk of loss of life and injury mitigation. The HYOGO Framework was one such Global Plan for Natural Common Types of Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted in 2005 as a 10-year Global Plan, Typhoon/Cyclone signed by agreement with 168 Governments which offered guiding principles, Landslide priorities for action, and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for Floods vulnerable communities. Earthquake Tsunami Disaster Preparedness: Disaster preparedness is taking measures to prepare Storm surge for and reduce the effects of disasters, both natural and man-made, through Fire research and planning to predict and prevent risks to vulnerable populations. It can save lives and livelihoods and enable the affected population to return to normalcy quickly. Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy practice management. Foreshocks, Mainshocks and Aftershocks: Sometimes, there are smaller shocks that occur before (foreshock) and after Disaster Response / Relief: Disaster response/relief stage focuses on (aftershock) the main earthquake (mainshock). Sometimes foreshocks are so immediate needs, with some actions extending into the recovery stage. big and scientists are unsure if it is the main shock. Foreshocks and Rescue and stabilization of survivors' physical and emotional condition are aftershocks can occur for days, weeks, and months of the main earthquake. primary aims, along with recovery of the dead and restoration of essential services. Earthquake Waves Coordinated multi-agency response is vital to this stage of Disaster There are 2 types of earthquake waves and the difference lies in the way the Management in order to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long-term seismic waves are transmitted. results with relief activities including: During an earthquake, the waves released may be “P” or “S” waves depending on the speed and ways in which they travel. Rescue Relocation P-Waves (Primary Waves) Provision Food and Water S-Waves (Secondary waves) Provision Emergency Health Care Prevention of Disease and Disability Tsunami Repairing Vital Services e.g. Telecommunications, Transport This is simply a series of massive ocean waves, triggered by an earthquake that Provision Temporary Shelter has occurred in the sea (or ocean). The displaced water then runs ashore and into the land. This happens when the plates underneath the Earth's surface Disaster Recovery: The vulnerability of communities often continues for long move (focus) so that one slips under another. after the initial crisis is over. Disaster Recovery refers to those programs which Preparing for an earthquake go beyond the provision of immediate relief to assist those who have suffered Predicting when an earthquake will strike is one thing that scientists the full impact of a disaster and include the following activities: have not figured out yet. Scientists know that they happen along fault lines Rebuilding Infrastructure e.g. Homes, Schools, Hospitals, Roads and we know where these fault lines are. Health Care and Rehabilitation There are things we can do in preparation for them, and to make the response easier and quicker when they do. Development Activities e.g. building human resources for health Development Policies and Practices to avoid or mitigate similar Governments: situations in future Authorities need to educate people about earthquake-prone areas and fault lines in the country. People must also be educated about what Introduction to Earthquakes & Tsunamis earthquakes are and how to respond to them when they occur. Proper building permits and approvals must be given before people What is an Earthquake? build in these areas. There are good engineering and architectural practices Simply, earthquakes are the rumblings, shaking, or rolling of the earth's that can be engaged to put up earthquake-proof buildings. surface. It is usually what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip Governments must ensure that facilities like fire and police stations, past one another or break apart from each other as a result of tension caused hospitals, schools and shelters, and emergency command posts are working by prolonged energy build up. Earthquakes come in many forms. It can be felt well and prepared to deal with an emergency. In many countries, these like a shock under your feet or it may be very powerful and destructive facilities are legal requirements. enough to flatten an entire city. They can happen anywhere, land or sea.  The Institute's National Earthquake Monitoring and Information aims to Individuals: provide accurate and timely information on significant earthquakes and Know your environments and buildings. It is important that you tsunami events that may significantly impact the Philippines; and to ensure know where you live and where you visit often. If this is an the accessibility and integrity of earthquake data. earthquake-prone region, be sure you know about your building (home, school, workplaces) always keep in mind what you can do if an earthquake Introduction to Volcano starts. The earth's mountains, plains, plateaus, soils, rocks, etc. as we see it today is During an earthquake, try to get away from objects that will fall or believed to have gone through many phases, with about 80% of it being break. Run for cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. Move into the open if carved out by the action of volcanoes this is possible. Go out of the building if possible, as the building can cave in. A volcano is simply rapture (opening or vent) on the earth's surface (crust) There are usually aftershocks hours, days and months after the main through which molten magma (extremely hot mixture of gases, lava, ash earthquake. Try to be on your guard and look out for it. and other burning substances) escape on to the earth's surface. Did you know? The biggest volcano in the world is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Its whole Important terms to know about earthquakes volume is about 80,000 cubic kilometres. Let us take a moment to learn about these terms to help us understand earthquakes better. Common types of volcano Tectonic Plates: These are huge layers that make up the earth’s upper layers. They continually stretch, move, slide, and collide against each other. Even Shield Volcanoes though they are constantly moving, we do not feel it because they move This is very fluid lava, usually from multiple vents or fractures, spreading very slowly. Each plate is about 50 to 250 miles (80 to 400 km) thick. over very large areas. The fluid-like nature (viscous – say veez-kos) of the lava, it does not allow it to pile up like a cone. The result is usually an Faults (or Fault plane or fault lines): These are weak lines that can develop elevation with a shape like a warrior’s shield. in the plates, usually on the surface of the earth. There are different types of Lava Domes faults and the major types include dip-slip normal, dip-slip reverse, strike-slip They are produced from eruptions with less viscous lava. Because it is less and, oblique-slip. The hypocenter is the location below the earth’s surface viscous, they do not spread far and cool off (hardens) sooner. This means where the earthquake starts. The epicenter is the location directly above it they pile around the vent and the dome grows only because of the on the surface of the earth. expansion of the vent area within. Lava domes tend to have steep walls and rock types such as andesite, dacites or rhyolites (say rai-o-lites) Seismograph and The Richter Scale (RS): Cinder Cones The seismograph is a device that scientists use to measure the magnitude of These are the most common in the study of volcanoes. When lava is ejected an earthquake. The Richter scale, on the other hand, is a scale or measure into the air above, the fragments and fine particles fall as cinders (ash) that is used to compare earthquakes. It is calculated in levels of ten. For around the vent, forming a cone. The height of cinder cones usually example, an earthquake measuring 4 on the RS is ten times more than a depends on how long the eruption takes and how much lava comes out. The measurement of 3, and an earthquake measuring 8 on the RS is 10 times cone has a depression (crater) in the middle where the vent is. Cinder cones more than one that measured 7 on the RS. As a guide, an earthquake can rise as high as 1200ft. A good example of a cinder cone is the Paricutin measuring 3-5 is considered minor, 5-7 is moderate, 7-8 is major and 8 or Volcano in Mexico. more is considered great and usually very devastating. Composite Volcanoes Earthquake Monitoring These are usually awesome in nature, rising up to about 8000ft. They are also known as stratovolcanoes and they include Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador and Mount Fuji in Japan. They are seen as massive mountains. They A Hurricane, like other natural disasters, is one that we all pause to are formed by alternating layers of ash, rock, dust and lava, (pyroclastic) and listen to each time we hear of it on the news. This is because we have all hence the name ‘composite’. They have steep slopes with a peak. seen the devastation that it can bring to us. Volcanic eruptions in the sea Low Pressure System Though ocean floors are thousands of miles below the water This is an area (over land or water) where the atmospheric pressure surface, they also experience many volcanic activities. is lower than that of the area surrounding it. Typically, there are winds In shallow waters, eruptions tend to involve cold water coming into around, and the air is a lot warmer, causing atmospheric lifting. Low pressure contact with extremely hot lava from beneath that ocean floor. The steam systems result in cloud formation and bad weather. Hurricanes, typhoons, escapes high above the water surface. If the eruptions occur deeper in the tropical storms and tropical depressions are all examples of low pressure ocean, the weight and pressure of the water above it suppresses its systems. expulsion and keeps it mild. This means the ocean floor is not necessarily The sustained winds within the hurricane move with speeds of over affected in any way. 74miles per hour (that is about the speed at which cars move on the Sometimes, lava which erupts into shallow water cools off very quickly and highway), but the entire storm body moves at about 10-20 miles per hour. breaks down into debris or sand. It is believed that Hawaii’s black sands They often carry torrential rains and can bring about floods and landslides. beaches are a result of lava interacting with sea water. Sometime lava settles Note that flooding along coastal regions is not only as a result of the rains, on the water in the form of debris, which is carried farther away by ocean but more as a result of storm surges. Hurricanes can last for over a week. currents. Landfall The Effects of Volcanic Eruption This is when a hurricane reaches the coast and begins to travel over Unlike other natural disasters such as floods, wild fires and land. It usually does not last for long as its fuel (warm ocean) is cut off, even earthquakes, volcanoes can have some positive effects, even though they though the thunderstorms and rains may continue for a while. can be very disastrous. Ash discharged very high into the stratosphere can have negative Storm Surge consequences on the ozone layer. Read more about that here. Hurricanes bring about storm surges. The powerful spiral wind Landscapes and natural sceneries can be destroyed. action carries water a couple of feet high and lashes it ashore. This can Ash and mud can mix with rain and melting snow, forming lahars. destroy structures and items very close to the shore. Storm surges are the Lahars are mudflows flowing at very fast pace. main causes of the floods they bring. Some positive effects of volcanoes include: Floods Different types of erupting volcanoes provide extraordinary scenery, Hurricanes carry a lot of rains with it and even after the hurricane so beautiful and natural that they attract tourists to the area, bringing in has subsided, it may continue to rain. This causes a lot of floods and brings some economic value. about other types of destructive results. (Learn more about floods here) Places close to volcanic activities tend to have higher potential for geothermal energy, which can be an advantage to the towns and cities. Winds Some ash and lava breakdown become soils that are rich in nutrients and Houses, cars, farms, and many other structures are blown away by become good areas for crop planting activities. the powerful winds that come with hurricanes. Impact on the economic Anytime there is a disaster caused by a natural Typhoon, Hurricanes and Cyclone phenomenon like hurricanes, floods and fires, there is extensive damage to property. Peoples’ livelihoods are wiped away and may take many years to strict hydrological sense, flood is defined as a rise, usually brief, in the water get things together again. In many cases, there are fatalities and entire level in a stream to a peak from which the water level recedes at a slower communities are severely affected. rate (UNESCO-WMO 1974). The episodic behavior of a river that may be People may be forced to stay home for so long and businesses suffer considered flood is then termed "flood event" (Linsley, 1942) which is as a result. described as a flow of water in a stream constituting a distinct progressive force to become effective. Tropical cyclones are very rare within 5° latitude rise, culminating in a crest, together with the recession that follows the crest of the equator. (Linsley, 1942)." Hence, for operational purposes, the Flood Forecasting Branch, the Life History of Tropical Cyclone hydrological service of PAGASA has adopted a more extensive definition. Tropical cyclones undergo constant metamorphosis from birth Flood is "an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of a stream that through maturity to decay. They last for about six days, in general, before may result in the overflowing by the water of the normal confines of the they enter the land or reach sub-tropical latitudes. However, some can be stream with the subsequent inundation of areas which are not normally detected only a few hours or perhaps a day or two, while others are submerged". observed as long as a fortnight. The popular or layman's idea of flood is, in the strictest sense, the process of CLASSIFICATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONES inundation or the coverage by water of areas not normally. The classification of tropical cyclones according to the strength of submerged. Inundation is due to water overflowing from streams the associated winds as adopted by PAGASA as of 01 May 2015 are as and other bodies of water as well as by the accumulation of rainwater by follows drainage. TROPICAL DEPRESSION (TD) - a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained Cause and Effect: winds of up to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) or less than 33 nautical miles per Natural hour (knots). TROPICAL STORM (TS) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 62 1. Meteorological Events to 88 kph or 34 - 47 knots. an intense and prolonged rainfall spells SEVERE TROPICAL STORM (STS), a tropical cyclone with maximum wind Unusually high coastal and estuarine waters due to storm surges, speed of 89 to 117 kph or 48 - 63 knots. seiches, etc. TYPHOON (TY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 118 to 220 kph or 64 - 120 knots. 2. Seismic Activities SUPER TYPHOON (STY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed tsunamis (seismic sea waves) exceeding 220 kph or more than 120 knots. sinking of land due to earthquakes reduces the elevation of land areas uplifting of lake and river beds from seismic causes sometime results in FLOOD the overflowing of these bodies of water Water, one of the most common substances known to man has become, through the years, a precious commodity. Water is required in 3.Atronomically-Influenced Phenomena practically all facets of human activities. And the need for water is high tides coinciding with the occurrence of heavy rainfall enormous. It is roughly proportional to the population! Artificial Definition and Nature A layman's conception is often an over-simplification. The Manual of 1.Blasting Operational Procedures on Flood Forecasting and Warning states: "From a causes landslides in the slopes of hills and mountains which may result  in the unintentional damming of rivers and streams. to the extremely short concentration time of the drainage catchment. This means that precipitation falling on a point in the catchment farthest from 2.Construction of temporary dams the river takes only a short time to reach the river channel and become part produces an impediment to the flow of a river or stream which then of streamflow. Thus, the amount of streamflow rapidly increases and, results in an overflow consequently, the rise in water level. When the flow capacity of the stream is exceeded, the channel overflows and the result is a flash flood. 3.Failure of hydraulic and other control structures CASCADING EFFECT accidents like the breaking of a dike result in the entry of an enormous Floods are among the most destructive calamities man has to cope quantity of water in a protected area. with. Even the most minor flooding poses some inconveniences. A really big flood can result in millions even billions of pesos of damages to roads and 4. Mismanagement of hydraulic structures bridges, buildings and other economic infrastructure, in the loss of may necessitate an untimely and sudden release of large amounts of agricultural crops and livestock, loss of productivity in industry, commerce excess water and trade. To this is added the incalculable loss of human lives directly Types of Flood attributable to floods as well as the hardship and attendant socioeconomic 1. MINOR FLOODING problems of forced human displacement and the emotional impact on those Inundation may or may not be due to overbanking affected by floods. When there is no bank overflow, flooding is simply due to the accumulation of excessive surface run-off in low lying flat areas MONITORING AND PREDICTION Floodwaters are usually confined to the flood plain of the river along For obviously practical reasons, man has always preferred a riverine the channel, on random low-lying areas and depressions in the terrain environment. Almost always naturally fertile and, therefore, able to provide Floodwater is usually shallow and there may not be a perceptible flow him with an abundance of his needs, flood plains have always attracted man as a place to settle down. The river or a lake, in addition to being a source of 2. MAJOR FLOODING his livelihood, also serves as a convenient means of communications, an Flooding is caused by the overflowing of rivers and lakes; by serious avenue for trade and commerce. breaks in dikes, levees, dams and other protective structures; by However, a river is not always placid, serenely flowing along. It has uncontrollable releases of impounded water in reservoirs and by the its moods. And it changes its moods, quite regularly. When it does, man accumulation of excessive runoff comes face to face with the phenomenon of the flood. Floodwaters cover a wide contiguous area and spread rapidly to But man is also a resourceful creature. Knowing that he cannot adjoining areas of relatively lower elevation prevent the recurrence of floods and because he has to live with it, man has Flooding is relatively deep in most parts of the stricken areas There is learned to cope. He tried to understand the nature, behavior and the causes a highly perceptible current as the flood spreads to other areas of floods. In some primitive ways, he had learned to relate the vagaries of the FLASH FLOOD weather to the behavior of the river. In doing so, he established a "forecasting procedure" which has persisted up to our times and which While floods take some time, usually from 12 to 24 hours or even remains practically unchanged. longer, to develop after the occurrence of intense rainfall, there is a Modern flood forecasting is now based on the standard procedure particular type which develops after no more than six hours and, frequently, of monitoring and analyzing the hydrological and meteorological conditions after an even less time. These are what are known as "flash floods". in a river basin. While the tools and methods of monitoring may have been Flash floods develop in hilly and mountainous terrains where the modernized with the use of sensitive, telemetered gauging instruments to slope of the river is rather steep. The rapid development of the flood is due effect better observation and faster transmission of data, it is still basically inundated and the attendant dangers are present. Aside from the forecast, a an attempt to paint a bread picture of what is currently happening, warning states the necessary precautionary measures and actions residents hydrologically and meteorologically, in a river basin. as well as the affected community must take. The simple method of associating the weather to the behavior of the Flood bulletins are specifically directed to the public. They are river has given way to the more modern sophisticated analytical methods intended to apprise the people in the threatened area of the present aided by the computerized flood forecasting models. With further evaluation situation and of the expected development. It suggests the appropriate of the results of the various analysis, hydrologists are able to come up with a actions the prediction of the future state of the river. community may have to take to prevent or mitigate the disastrous effects of If anything new is added to modern flood forecasting, it is the more a flood. extensive reliance of hydrologists on the scientific principles of hydrology Floods cannot be prevented. To a large extent, however, they can be rather than on mere intuition. controlled effectively. By this is meant keeping the river from overflowing. There are a number of ways of accomplishing this before and during a flood: PREPARATION OF FLOOD FORECAST A. Increasing the flow capacity of a river by cleaning the channel of debris, The preparation, issuance and dissemination of an adequate and by dredging, by straightening of channels, etc.; timely warning is the ultimate purpose of flood forecasting. Timeliness is an B. Construction of dikes and levees; and essential requirement for a flood warning. A sufficient lead time enables the C. Sandbagging during floods. ultimate user to take the necessary precautionary countermeasures. A flooding situation is not a daily occurrence. However, flood Flood Safety Rules forecasting operations must, of necessity, be a continuous activity. It is BEFORE THE FLOOD carried out from day to day even when the possibility of a flood is highly Find out how often your location is likely to be flooded. Know the improbable. This mode of operation enables flood forecasters to pinpoint flood warning system in your community and be sure your family knows the beginning of a potential flood-generating situation. it. Like storm bulletins which are issued only during the presence of Keep informed of daily weather condition. tropical cyclones, flood forecast and warning bulletins are prepared only Designate an evacuation area for the family and livestock. Assign when a potential flooding situation is definitely present. They are issued family members’ instructions and responsibilities according to an regularly at specified hours of the day for the duration of the flooding period evacuation plan. until the flood recedes or when all hazards and dangers associated with the Keep a stock of food which requires little cooking and refrigeration; phenomenon are no longer present. electric power may be interrupted. Keep a transistorized radio and flashlight with spare batteries, Counter Measure and Mitigation of Flood Damage emergency cooking equipment, candies, matches A "Flood Advisory" is a warning that states the imminence of a flood Store supplies and other household effects above expected flood situation. Thus, it also contains suggested necessary actions that may have to water level. Securely anchor weak dwellings and items. be taken by the residents and the community in the threatened basin. An advisory is issued when the hydrological situation deteriorates further. It is DURING THE FLOOD also issued when condition is definitely improving but caution is still Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. necessary. Do not attempt to cross rivers of flowing streams where water is A "Flood Warning" is issued when a flooding situation is a definite above the knee. reality at least 24 hours before actual flooding occurs. This category is Beware of water-covered roads and bridges. maintained in succeeding bulletins as long as the affected areas are Avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements.  Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers. Socio-economic impact of flood Eat only well-cooked food. Protect leftovers against contamination. It is easy to say, and admittedly, floods have a tremendous socio Drink clean or preferably boiled water ONLY. economic impact. Its main effect is to retard development. A flood-stricken WHEN WARNED OF FLOOD area must first be restored to normal before any development activity can be Watch for rapidly rising flood waters. carried out. Restoration can take time. The social and emotional traumas Listen to your radio for emergency instructions. inflicted on the people usually have a short-term inhibiting effect on the If you find it necessary to evacuate, move to a safe area before access community's drive. Hence, a little time can elapse before any concerted is cut off by flood waters. move for normalization can take place. Store drinking water in containers, water service may be interrupted. Move household belongings to upper levels. Flood damage is incalculable. Assessment of damage attributable to Get livestock to higher ground. floods alone is difficult. Floods usually occur in association with other natural Turn-off electricity at the main switch in the building before destructive phenomena such as tropical cyclones. Except in rare cases such evacuating and also lock your house. as the Angat River disaster of the late 70's where loss of lives and property is identifiable due to the flood alone, it is difficult to segregate damages caused AFTER THE FLOOD by a flood and those which resulted from the associated phenomenon. Re-enter the dwellings with caution using flashlights, not lanterns or Therefore, precise quantifiable damage is always difficult to estimate. In torchers. Flammables may be inside. addition to the directly determinable losses, the indirect potential losses. Be alert for fire hazards like broken wires. These results from unproductivity in many areas Do not eat food and drink water until they have been checked for - of business, in trade, in commerce, etc. All these losses can wipe out flood water contamination. whatever gains that may have been achieved in economic development. Report broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas and telephone) to appropriate agencies authorities. Flood Advisory A General Flood Advisory is simplified flood bulletin issued Do not turn on the main switch or use appliances and other for non-telemetered river basins whenever there is a significant amount of equipment until they have been checked by a competent electrician. rainfall recorded based on past/current observation and the forecast rainfall Consult health authorities for immunization requirements. Do not go in from the numerical weather prediction models, satellite-based information, disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other and estimates from radar. It is issued to the public on a regional basis emergency operations. through NDRRMC at 7:00 am and 7:00 pm THINGS ONE CAN DO TO MITIGATE FLOODS Flood Bulletin Regulate cutting of trees. Flood forecasts issued by the respective river basin centers like Report illegal loggers and mainliners. Pampanga, Agno, Bicol, Cagayan, and Cagayan De Oro, are prepared twice Report illegal construction of fishponds and other establishments in daily during flood watch. The water level is monitored based on the waterways. assessment levels (Alert, Alarm, and Critical) which means 40%, 60%, and Do not throw garbage in esteros and rivers. 100% of the river is full respectively. Help clean the neighborhood. Support community activities intended to lessen the occurrence of Introduction to landslides and mudflows floods. Like other natural disasters, landslides and mudslides are one of the Avoid throwing anything like plastic wrappers anywhere which may most powerful and destructive natural and environmental events. They clog or block the drainage system. come almost when no one expects them and they can occur and destroy things in a very short space of time. bothers them. When earthquakes, tremors, and volcanoes occur, they shake People often use landslides and mudslides to mean one thing. They the land and disturbs the boding of the bedrock. When this happens, are also known as landslips, slumps or slope failure. There are many types of landslides are ripe. landslides such as Block Slide, Rockfall, art Flow, Creep and so on, and we Places and location that may be prone to landslides include the shall look at them on the next page. following: Location: Slopes, the bottom of slopes and canyons are examples of locations What is a Landslide and a Mudslide? that may be prone to landslides and mudflows. Southern California, for In simple terms, a landslide is a massive movement of rock, soil, debris or example, has many steep slopes and weak rocks, making that area a great earth material downwards along a hill or slope due to the force of gravity. location for landslides. Regions with more seismic activity or earth The movement may be flowing, spreading, falling, toppling, sliding and so movements are also locations that may be prone to landslides. Seismic on. This can be dry debris movement or water-saturated (muddy) earth activity causes disturbances in the land and breaks up the bedrock. Areas material. with high rainfall amounts and slopes are also great conditions for A mudslide (also known as mudflows or mudslides) on the other hand, is a landslides. fast-moving landslide usually along a channel or canal. Human activity: When they occur, they may cover a very small area — uphill to downhill or Human activities such as mining, building, and road constructions may travel over several miles from the source. Depending on the volume and have often exposed the land and slopes to landslides. When roads are cut speed, it can wipe out anything in its path such as houses, cars, trees and through hills, or tunnels are dug, or crops are farmed along slopes, there is electricity poles. always the risk of landslides and mudflows. Wildfires and deforestation also Landslides occur everywhere, although some places are more prone to it make a location prone to landslides. than others. Frequency of landslide events: How do landslides form? Anywhere that there has been a mudslide or landslide is an area that Whenever there is a natural disturbance or instability in a piece of is prone to it. Chances are, it will happen again, because the conditions for it land on a hill, slope, mountain, or generally upland area, there is a potential to happen may still be present. for a landslide. This is because the earth material of the hill or mountain is held in place by the natural bonding of the material and the gravity acting Effects of landslides on it. This means that, when the earth material loses its bonding, either No one can outrun an approaching landslide or mudflow. They are so through weathering, erosion, or too much water in the bedrock, the weight fast and powerful that they wipe out trees and rocks in their way. They of the overlying rock will give way and gravity will pull the earth downhill. cause massive destruction in many ways such as: The possibility and scale of landslides usually depend on these conditions. Loss of lives: Landslides and mudslides kill between 25 and 50 people every Slope: Landslides and mudflows flow faster on steeper slopes and may be year in the USA alone. Globally, it is believed that the number of deaths is more destructive. highly underestimated. Water: When more water accompanies landslides, they travel farther and Destruction of property: In 1980, Mount St Helens in Washington USA faster. More water is even more destructive as the pressure and power of its erupted and causes a rock debris landslide believed to be the biggest in eroding force are more. history. The landslide traveled about 14 miles, wiping away highway bridges, buildings, and roads. It is known that the amount of debris in this avalanche Earth movements: Generally, hills and mountains stay in place if nothing can fill 250 million dump trucks  and the physical phenomena that result from its behavior. Fire itself is a Economic costs: Landslides bring huge costs to communities and cities chemical phenomenon, all fuels are (synthetic or organic) chemical affected, by clean up and rebuilding destroyed infrastructure. In 2005 it cost compounds and when fuel is ignited, the result is a chemical reaction with the USA $3.5 billion in damage repair. predictable physical effects. Before a landslide or mudslide Human Reaction to Fire Be aware of your environment. If you travel or are on vacation Fire eats up oxygen and produces toxic gases, since these gases are somewhere, look around and make sure you understand where the threat often having no taste or smell, we may not even be aware of them but may be. Look out for slopes and tricky landscapes. Contact your local their effects can be devastating such as danger of losing muscle authorities and tell them about your observations. When you drive around coordination, mental alertness making any action more difficult to make. hills or mountains, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of debris falling. Mental - Brain can be affected by way of we are acting brilliantly when in Plan communications with your family so that you know where they are and fact we are acting in an ineffectual manner some affected the nervous what you will do in an event of a landslide. Have an emergency kit in a safe systems acting like anesthetic and causing no action at all. and reliable place? Talk to neighbors and discuss an escape plan. If possible, evacuate before it happens. Physical - HUMAN TOLERANCE TO FIRE 150 F - We can tolerate for limited period of time 250 F - Fifteen minutes During a landslide (15mins. Landslides and mudslides happen very fast and there may be very 290 F – Drops to five minutes (5mins.) little time to act. Move away quickly from the path of the mudflow or 350 F – Tolerated for less than a minutes before the skin is damaged landslide to another location. Do not try to stay close and take photographs. Landslide debris move from uphill to downhill, therefore, Emotional - When fire strikes different reaction takes place most people are avoid low-lying areas or valleys. If there is a way to sound an alarm, do so. stunned for a moment, but then they begin to take “EMOTIONAL SHOCK“ Listen and look out for signs of further flows in that area, as the that render them incapable of taking action promptly or sometimes not at flowing debris often knock against surrounding slopes and sets off new all. flows. Panic and Danger After a landslide When the fear of imminent danger overwhelms certain persons, Stay away from the location until the emergency workers and the they usually get excited and by the basic instinct of self-preservation, they experts confirm that it is safe to go back. Look out for loose wires, broken moved. These becomes contagious and everybody attempts to escape from utility lines, and hanging objects, as they may be hazards. Report them to “DANGER” so the crowd becomes guided by primitive impulse and reacts no your rescue officials. Get in touch with emergency officials or listen to the differently from a horse of animals engaged in. radio or TV on what to do. Chemistry of Fire FIRE The diffusion flame process (fire) is a rapid self-sustaining oxidation Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process process accompanied by the evolution of heat and light of varying of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. intensities. FIRE consists of three basic elements, as represented by the fire triangle: HEAT, FUEL and OXYGEN. These basic components have been Understanding the Nature of Fire recognized in the science of fire protection for over 100 years. This is The In order to understand the behavior of fire, one must have an Fire Triangle. Actually, it's a tetrahedron, because there are four elements understanding of the chemical principles that control its origin and spread that must be present for a fire to exist. There must be oxygen to sustain combustion, heat to raise the material to its processes such as cooking. This heat must be controlled and kept away ignition temperature, fuel to support the combustion and a chemical from fuel unless carefully controlled. Heat generated as a by-product of a reaction between the other three elements. process must be dealt with properly. The concept of Fire Protection is based upon keeping these four elements Heat Safeguards separate Ensure employees s are aware of their responsibility to report dangers The 3 Elements of the Triangle Control sources of ignition Have chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly Heat - Everything has an ignition point, or a temperature at which it will Treat independent building uses, such as an office over a shop as combust. From a grass paddock to a concrete building, everything has a separate purpose groups and therefore compartmentalize from each point at which it will begin to burn, adding to the intensity of a fire. As other something burns, it also heats up the materials surrounding it, raising their Ensure cooking food is always attended temperature until that item is ready to combust as well. Use the Electricity Supply Board's Safety webpage Fuel - There are three types of fuel; solid, liquid and gas. Everything around Have regard to relevant Authority Safety Alerts, e.g. Mobile Phone us is made up of one of these fuel types and is a potential fuel source in the "Expert XP-Ex-1", Filling LPG Cylinders event of a fire. A fire will continue to burn until all available fuel has been Use the Code of Practice For Avoiding Danger From Underground consumed. Services Oxygen - Making up about 20% of the air around us, oxygen will cause a fire Ensure employees are Smoking to burn hotter and faster. A good mental visual of this is a bushfire that Provide no-smoking signs at appropriate location worsens in strong, hot winds. Smoking CLASSES OF FIRE Provide no-smoking signs at appropriate locations The fire classification system categorizes fires into groups based on Ensure smoking area(s) are away from flammable materials Arrange the type of fuel involved. Each fire class is represented by a letter of the for cigarettes and matches to be disposed of safely and away from other alphabet (with the exception of 'electrical fires') and an easy to identify icon. combustible rubbish This is designed to help users select the correct fire extinguisher to deal with a specific fire event. Portable Heaters Do not use portable heaters unnecessarily. Fire Extinguisher They should have emergency tip-over switches, and thermostatic A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an extinguisher, limiting controls. is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, Turn them off if people leave the room or are going to sleep often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of Ensure they are 1M away from anything that can burn Do not control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the use them to dry clothes user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher Electrical Safety consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent All electrical equipment and installations designed, constructed, which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. installed, maintained, protected, and used to prevent danger Get a qualified electrical contractor to carry out installation and repairs to Heat electrical equipment and fittings Heat can be generated by work processes and is an essential part of some Maintain proper pest control to avoid rodent damage to electric wiring  and equipment in steelworks and chemical plants. Check electrical equipment and remove defective equipment The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Pure oxygen at high Ensure electrical cords are in good condition pressure, such as from a cylinder, can react violently with common materials Plug appliances and lights into separate electrical outlets Avoid using such as oil and grease. Other materials may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly extension cords. If you require an outlet in an area where there is none, all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously in have one installed by a qualified electrician. Use extension cords safety oxygen. - not under carpets or across walking areas With even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air to 24%, it Use only one device per outlet becomes easier to start a fire, which will then burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air. It may be almost impossible to put the fire out. A leaking Arson valve or hose in a poorly ventilated room or confined space can quickly Deliberately started fires pose very significant risks to all types of increase the oxygen concentration to a dangerous level. workplace. The possibility of arson should be considered as a component of The main causes of fires and explosions when using oxygen your risk assessment and it is one that you can do much to control. The are: oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment majority of deliberately started fires occur in areas with a known history of use of materials not compatible with oxygen vandalism or fire-setting. Typically, local youths light the fires outside the use of oxygen in equipment not designed for oxygen service premises as an act of vandalism, using materials found nearby. Appropriate incorrect or careless operation of oxygen equipment security measures, including the protection of stored materials and the efficient and prompt removal of rubbish, can therefore do much to alleviate Fire Prevention: Your Family’s Planned Escape/Evacuation During this particular problem. National Fire Prevention Week, there are a few things you can do at You should therefore seek advice from the local Gardaí or the fire home to improve fire safety and preparedness for the entire year. authority who will involve the other agencies as appropriate. Occasionally, arson attacks in the workplace are committed by employees or ex Create an escape plan employees. Employers and other workers should be aware of this potential Conduct family fire drills threat and be alert for early signs, such as a series of unexplained small fires. Identify hazards Again, the Gardaí or the local fire authority can provide further useful Fire safety tools you should have in your home guidance. There are a few tools and supplies that every home should have in case Provide adequate security: exterior/interior lighting, intrusion alarms, of a fire. guard service, well-secured access openings Prevent access by unauthorized personnel These include: Keep flammables properly stored and secured Smoke alarms Oxygen gas is used Carbon monoxide detectors Fire extinguishers in every room in welding, flame cutting and other similar processes Fire sprinklers for helping people with breathing difficulties A fireproof lock box for essential documents in hyperbaric chambers as a medical treatment Of course, you should regularly test equipment like smoke alarms and in decompression chambers carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they have batteries and are in for food preservation and packaging working order. Check fire extinguishers for an expiration date; these should head, looking toward his feet. be replaced every few years. 2. Opening the airway of an unconscious or not breathing casualty Use the fire extinguisher (if it’s not dangerous) Don’t waste valuable time with the fire extinguisher unless it’s safe a. Call for help and then position the casualty. Move the casualty to do so. That means that 911 has already been called, everyone is on his back. evacuated, the fire is small, smoke has not yet filled the room, heat is not b. Open the airway using the jaw-thrust or head tilt/chin lift method oppressive, and escape routes are not blocked. You also need the right kind of fire extinguisher and to know how to 1. Jaw thrust method. This method may be accomplished by the use it. If you’re shopping for a home fire extinguisher, look for multipurpose rescuer grasping the angles of the casualty’s lower jaw and ones that fight Class A, B and C fires. Otherwise, you run the risk of actually lifting with both hands, one on each side, displacing the jaw accelerating the fire. forward. The rescuer’s elbow should rest on the surface on which the casualty is lying. The head should be carefully FIRST AID - (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT 1) supported without lifting it backwards or turning it from side The objective of this lesson is to familiarize the soldier on basic life to side. If this is unsuccessful, the head should be tilted back saving techniques in a battlefield setting. very slightly. The jaw thrust is the safest first approach to opening the airway of the casualty who has a suspected neck A. Basic First Aid Measure injury because in most cases it can be accomplish without 1. Open the airway and restore breathing extending the neck. a)Assessment of and positioning the casualty 2. Head tilt/ chin-lift method. Place one hand on the casualty’s 1. Check for responsiveness: establish whether he casualty is forehead and apply firm, backward pressure with the palm to conscious by gently shaking him and asking, “Are You OK? “ 2. Call for tilt head back. Place the fingertips of the other hand under help. the bony part of the lower jaw and lift, bringing the chin 3. Position the unconscious casualty so that he is lying on his back and forward. The thumb should not be used to lift the chin. on a firm surface. a. Straighten the casualty’s leg. Take the casualty’s arm that is 3. Check for breathing nearest to you and move it so that it is straight and above his a. Look for the rise and fall of the chest. head. Do the same to the other arm. b. Listen for the air escaping during exhalation by placing b. Kneel beside the casualty with your knees near his shoulders, your ear near the casualty’s mouth. Place one hand behind the head and the neck for support. c. Feel for the flow of air on your cheek With your other hand, grasp the casualty under his far arm. c. Roll the casualty towards you using a steady, even pull. His head d. Perform rescue breathing if the casualty does not and neck should stay in line with his back. resume breathing spontaneously. d. Return casualty’s arm to his side. Straighten his legs. Reposition 3. Rescue Breathing. yourself so that you are now kneeling at the level of the a) Mouth-to-mouth method. casualty’s shoulder. However, If neck injury is suspected and the jaw thrust technique will be used, kneel at the casualty’s 1. If the casualty is not breathing, place your hand on his forehead,  and pinch his nostril his nostril together with the thumb and 3. Blood clots may form as a result of head and facial injuries. index finger of this hand. Let this same hand exerts pressure on B. Partial airway obstruction. The casualty may still have an air this forehead to maintain the backward head tilt and maintain an exchange. A good air exchange means that the casualty can cough open airway. With your other hand, keep your fingertips on the forcefully, though he may be wheezing between coughs. You, the bony part of the lower jaw near the chin and lift. rescuer, should not interfere and should encourage the casualty to cough up the object obstructing his airway on his own. A poor air 2. Take a deep breath and place it your mouth around the exchange may be indicated by weak coughing with a high-pitched casualty mouth. noise between coughs. Further, the casualty may show signs of shock indicating oxygen needs. You should assist the casualty and 3. Blow two full breaths into the casualty’s mouth, taking a breath of treat him as though he had a complete obstruction. fresh air each time before you blow. Watch out of the corner of your eye for the casualty’s chest to rise. If the chest rises, C. Complete airway obstruction. A complete obstruction (no air sufficient air is getting into the casualty’s lungs. exchange) is indicated if the casualty cannot speak, breathe, or cough at all. He may be clutching his neck and moving erratically. In a) Take corrective action immediately by reestablishing the an unconscious casualty, a complete obstruction is also indicated if airway. Make sure the air is not leaking from the mouth or after opening his airway you cannot ventilate him. out of the casualty’s pinch nose. 4.Opening the Obstructed Airway—Conscious Casualty b) Reattempt to ventilate. a. Ask the casualty if he can speak or if he is choking. Check for the c) If the chest still does not rise, take necessary action to universal choking sign. open an obstructed airway. b. If the casualty can speak, encourage him to attempt to cough; the 4. After giving two slow breaths, which cause the chest to rise, casualty still has a good air exchange. If he is able to speak or cough attempt to locate a pulse on the casualty. Feel for a pulse on the effectively, DO NOT interferes with his attempts to expel the obstruction. side of the casualty’s neck closest to you by placing the first two fingers (index and middle fingers) of your hand on the groove c. Listen for high pitched sounds when the casualty breathes or coughs beside the casualty’s Adam’s apple (carotid pulse). (Your thumb (poor air exchange). If there is poor air exchange or no breathing, CALL FOR should not be used for pulse taking because you may confuse HELP and immediately deliver manual thrusts (either an abdominal or chest your pulse beat with that of the casualty. thrust. 4. Airway obstruction: 1. Apply abdominal thrusts. 2. Apply chest thrusts. An alternate technique to then abdominal thrust is A. Upper airway obstructions often occur because— the chest thrust. This technique is useful when then casualty has an 1. The casualty’s tongue falls back into his throat while he is abdominal wound, when the casualty is pregnant, or when the casualty is so unconscious. The tongue falls back and obstructs the airway; it is large that you cannot wrap your arms around the abdomen. not swallowed by the casualty. 3. Opening the Obstructed Airway—Casualty Lying Down or Unresponsive. 2. Foreign bodies become lodged in the throat. These obstructions 5. Stop the bleeding and protect the wound usually occur while eating. a. Entrance and Exit Wounds: Before applying the dressing, carefully  examine the casualty to determine if there is more than one wound. A missile may have entered at one point and exited at another point. The EXIT (4) Pressure Dressing: Pressure dressings aid in blood clotting and compress wound is usually LARGER than the entrance wound. the open blood vessel. If bleeding continues after the application of a field b. Field Dressing dressing, manual pressure, and elevation, then a pressure dressing must be applied as follows: a. Use the casualty’s field dressing; remove it from the wrapper and grasp (a) Place a wad of padding on top of the field dressing, directly over the tails of the dressing with both hands. the wound. Keep the injured extremity elevated. b. Hold the dressing directly over the wound with the white side down. Pull (b) Place an improvised dressing (or cravat, if available) over the the dressing open and place it directly over the wound. wad of padding. Wrap the ends tightly around the injured limb, covering the previously placed field dressing. c. Hold the dressing in place with one hand. Use the other hand to wrap one of the tails around the injured part, covering about one half of the dressing. (c) Tie the ends together in a nonslip knot, directly over the wound Leave enough of the tail for a knot. If the casualty is able, he may assist by site. DO NOT tie so tightly that it has a tourniquet-like effect. If holding the dressing in place. bleeding continues and all other measures have failed, or if the limb is severed, then apply a tourniquet. Use the tourniquet as a LAST d. Wrap the other tail in the opposite direction until the remainder of the RESORT. When the bleeding stops, check for shock; administer first dressing is covered. The tails should seal the sides of the dressing to keep aid for shock as necessary. foreign material from getting under it. (5) Digital Pressure: (often called “pressure points”) is an alternative method e. Tie the tails into a nonslip knot over the outer edge of the dressing. DO to control bleeding. This method uses pressure from the fingers, thumbs, or NOT TIE THE KNOT OVER THE WOUND. In order to allow blood to flow to the hands to press at the site or point where a main artery supplying the rest of an injured limb, tie the dressing firmly enough to prevent it from wounded area lies near the skin surface or over bone. This pressure may slipping but without causing a tourniquet like effect; that is, the skin beyond help shut off the injury should not become cool, blue, or numb. or slow down the flow of blood from the heart to the wound and is used in combination with direct pressure and elevation. It may help in instances (3) Manual Pressure where bleeding is not easily controlled, where a pressure dressing has not yet been applied, or where pressure dressings are not readily available. (a) If bleeding continues after applying the sterile field dressing, direct manual pressure may be used to help control bleeding. Apply (6) Tourniquet: is a constricting band placed around an arm or leg to control such pressure by placing a hand on the dressing and exerting firm bleeding. A service member whose arm or leg has been completely pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. The casualty may be asked to do this amputated may not be bleeding when first discovered, but a tourniquet himself if he is conscious and can follow instructions. should be applied anyway. This absence of bleeding is due to the body’s normal defenses (contraction or clotting of blood vessels) as a result of the (b) Elevate an injured limb slightly above the level of the heart to amputation, but after a period of time bleeding will start as the blood reduce the bleeding. vessels relax or the clot may be knocked loose by moving the casualty. (c) If the bleeding stops, check shock; administer first aid for shock Bleeding from a major artery of the thigh, lower leg, or arm and bleeding as necessary. If the bleeding continues, apply a pressure dressing. from multiple arteries (which occurs in a traumatic amputation) may prove to be beyond  control by manual pressure. If the pressure dressing under firm hand missing (total amputation), apply a dressing to the stump. All wounds should pressure becomes soaked with blood and the wound continues to bleed, have a dressing to protect the wound from contamination. 6. Check and apply a tourniquet. treat for shock. 7. Seek medical aid. (a) Improvising a Tourniquet. In the absence of a specially designed tourniquet, a tourniquet may be made from a strong, pliable material, such B. Check for shock and administer first aid as gauze or muslin bandages, clothing, or cravats. An improvised tourniquet 1. Shock: is used with a rigid stick-like object. To minimize skin damage, ensure that The term shock has a variety of meanings. In medicine, it refers to a the improvised tourniquet is at least 2 inches wide. collapse of the body’s cardiovascular system which includes an inadequate supply of blood to the body’s tissues. Shock stuns and weakens the body. (b) Placing the Improvised Tourniquet When the normal blood flow in the body is upset, death can result. Early recognition and proper first aid may save the casualty’s life. 1. Place the tourniquet around the limb, between the wound and the body 2. Causes and Effects: There are three basic mechanisms associated with trunk (or between the wound and the heart). Never place it directly over a shock. These are: wound, a fracture, or joint. Tourniquets, for maximum effectiveness, should be placed on the upper arm or above the knee on the thigh. The heart is damaged and fails to work as a pump. 2. The tourniquet should be well-padded. If possible, place the tourniquet Blood loss (heavy bleeding) causes the volume of fluid within the over the smoothed sleeve or trouser leg to prevent the skin from being vascular system to be insufficient. pinched or twisted. If the tourniquet is long enough, wrap it around the limb The blood vessels dilate (open wider) so that the blood within the several times, keeping the material as flat as possible. Damaging the skin system (even though it is a normal volume [the casualty is not may deprive the surgeon of skin required to cover an amputation. Protection bleeding or dehydrated]) is insufficient to provide adequate of the skin also reduces pain. circulation within the body. Shock may be the result of a number of conditions. These include: (c) Applying the Tourniquet. Dehydration. Allergic reaction to foods, drugs, insect stings, and snakebites. 1) Tie a halfknot. (A halfknot is the same as the first part of tying a shoe Significant loss of blood. lace.) Reaction to the sight of a wound, blood, or other traumatic scene. 2) Place a stick (or similar rigid object) on top of the half knot. 3) Traumatic injuries, such as: burns, gunshot or shrapnel wounds, crush Tie a full knot over the stick injury, blows to the body (which can cause broken bones or damages to internal organs), head injuries or penetrating wounds (such as from a 4) Twist the stick until the tourniquet is tight around the limb and/or the knife, bayonet, missle) bright red bleeding has stopped. In the case of amputation, dark oozing blood may continue for a short time. This is the blood trapped in the area 3. Signs and Symptoms of Shock between the wound and tourniquet. (a) Sweaty but cool skin (clammy skin). 5) Fasten the tourniquet to the limb by looping the free ends of the tourniquet over the ends of the stick. Then bring the ends around the limb to (b) Weak and rapid pulse. prevent the stick from loosening. Tie them together on the side of the limb. (c) Paleness of skin (in dark-skinned individuals they may have a grayish DO NOT cover the tourniquet—you should leave it in full view. If the limb is look to their skin). (d) Restlessness, nervousness. (e) Thirst. Evaluate Casualty. Continue to evaluate the casualty until medical (f) Loss of blood (bleeding). personnel arrives or the casualty is transported to an MTF. (g) Confusion (or loss of awareness). (h) Faster-than-normal breathing rate. C. First Aid for Fractures (i) Blotchy or bluish skin (especially around the mouth and lips). (j) Nausea and/or vomiting. A fracture is any break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures can cause total disability or in some cases death by severing vital organs 4. First Aid Measures for Shock: the first aid procedures administered for and/or arteries. On the other hand, they can most often be treated so shock are identical to procedures that would be performed to prevent shock. there is a complete recovery. The potential for recovery depends greatly When treating a Casualty, assume that shock is present or will occur shortly. upon the first aid the individual receives before he is moved. First aid By waiting until actual signs and symptoms of shock are noticeable, the includes immobilizing the fractured part in addition to applying lifesaving rescuer may jeopardize the casualty’s life. measures when necessary. The basic splinting principle is to immobilize the joints above and below the fracture. Position the Casualty. DO NOT move the casualty or his limbs if suspected fractures have not been splinted. WATER SAFETY, SURVIVAL AND RESCUE TRAINING Move the casualty to cover, if cover is available and the situation Source: Philippine Coast Guard (Northern Mindanao) permits. Lay the casualty on his back. WATER ENTRIES Elevate the casualty’s feet higher than the level of his heart. Use a SWIMMING STROKES stable object (field pack or rolled up clothing) so that his feet will not RESCUE TECHNIQUES slip off. SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES Loosen clothing at the neck, waist, or wherever it may be binding. BASIC KNOTS Prevent chilling or overheating. The key is to maintain body WATER SAFETY TIPS tempera