Disasters are devastating and can often leave people in hopeless situations. With today’s growing technology these disasters can be predicted and with proper planning can be mitigated. However, there are times when disasters are unexpected and can cause a lot of terror. Either way, both require professional attention and response to save lives and get people to safety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the branch within the United States Homeland Security that deals with disasters across the US territories. The main source of funding for this agency is the US taxpayers. The agency is an excellent resource for grants, support, and training. FEMA’s official mission statement: “The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that, as a Nation, we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” Disasters include fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms, landslides, flooding, winter storms, earthquakes, explosions, terrorist attacks, and even COVID-19. In the year 2021, there were 120 declared disasters in the USA, and currently, there are 55 declared disasters (before the hurricane season)
Since there are so many unique disasters it is impossible to pull together a “one-size fits all” plan and resources when responding to a disaster. Disasters can either be natural like a hurricane or artificial like arson or a terrorist attack. In both scenarios, the highest priority is the safety of the people and their well-being. Disaster management is broken down by professionals into 4 stages: disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Once the disaster occurs the focus becomes on the Response and Recover, this is the 2nd phase of disaster management. There are specialized teams that are trained to enter situations and strategically provide care for the victims. From the phone operators to the emotional and spiritual counselors there is an entire ecosystem of help available when disaster strikes. Here at CPR Savers, we have a wide variety of equipment that can be used for disaster relief. For example:
Water Rescue
Flooding is a very common issue when it comes to severe storms and hurricanes. Often flooding can creep upon the citizens of a town and catch people off guard., especially when there is a nearby river or creek that usually crests later due to waters backing up. Flood waters are strong and scary and can easily sweep houses and cars and buses. FEMA has flood zones mapped out already throughout the United States. CPR Savers has a selection of water rescue equipment. Specific items include Kemp Kickboard, Kemp Red Rescue Tube, and Kemp Lifestyle Ring Buoy.
First Aid
First Aid Supplies are essential for all crews, volunteers, teams and coordinators, and vehicles to have on hand even in vehicles during a disaster response rescue. You will never know when you might run into the need to use one. CPR Savers can build out entire custom Medical Supply Packs for any situation. Need to equip your team with a specific kit for a specific situation? We have you covered. We carry everything from tourniquets to splints, to shears and gauze bandages. Here at CPR Savers, we offer a wide variety of EMS bags in different sizes. The most popular bags we carry are the Kemp Ultimate EMS Backpack which can fit a D-size oxygen tank and the large professional Trauma bag. However, when you need something smaller for your teams use the Maxi Trauma Bag or the Kemp First Responder Bag. Hip packs filled with supply packs can also be a great way to equip volunteers and first responders.
Patient Immobilization
Moving patients to a safe location is important when entering a disaster situation. If you need to move non-medical patients quickly, use this compact, lightweight KEMP USA Premium Patient carry Sheet . It has a weight capacity of 600 lbs. and can easily be rolled up and it fits in small spaces, which is important when rescuers need to be moving quickly. If you are in a disaster response situation that does not pose a water threat, use the MCI Board (Mass Casualty Incident). The MCI board does not have foam inside. It is not designed for water rescue but is extremely lightweight and strong. These are used to carry patients that need medical attention. The patient needs to be secured and stabilized to minimize movement and any further injury. For water rescues, you will need a backboard that is buoyant. The KEMP USA AB Spineboard is the perfect board for that. Also, strong, and lightweight. It is filled with foam and can be used to float patients through the water. These boards have a weight capacity of 700 lbs. The board comes with a bright orange hook and loop straps which are the easiest and fastest way to secure a patient to the board.
Amplification
Rescuers will always need ways to get the attention of victims or even other squad members. CPR Savers has battery-operated megaphones with up to a whopping 600 YD reach, a safety air horn, and a variety of whistles that can assist with getting people’s attention in a crucial moment.
Shelter and Protection
Disaster Response rescuers need to be prepared to provide comfort and relief to the victims of a disaster no matter the temperature. ANSI standards now require that first aid kits have a Mylar Foil Blanket enclosed. Mylar is very helpful when trying to moderate the body’s heat. CPR Savers has plenty of these blankets in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse. For warmth, we recommend the gray disaster relief blanket. CPR savers also carry a great selection of highly efficient wool blankets Wool Blanket . However, in some cases like burning buildings and spot fires, the first aid blanket might prove useful. It comes with an 80% wool blanket, which can act as a fire retardant.
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