For ear or nose discharge following head trauma (cranial injury), avoid blocking the passages. Earthquakes primarily cause harm through three mechanisms: mechanical force injuries from building collapses, entrapment and asphyxiation, and secondary hazards like water, electricity, fire, and gas leaks post-quake.At the epicenter, blows, impacts, collisions, tearing, vibrations, compression, and falls can easily cause traumatic brain injury. Cranial fractures may lead to cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the ears or nose. Many instinctively tilt their head back or attempt to plug the leak. However, this action can increase intracranial pressure, worsening brain damage, and the refluxing fluid may cause severe intracranial infection.
Do not remove sharp objects embedded in the chest
Collapsing buildings during earthquakes often cause sharp objects to pierce the chest. Many victims instinctively try to pull these objects out. This is critically wrong for two reasons: First, abrupt removal without medical intervention can rupture blood vessels, causing life-threatening hemorrhage.Second, air can rapidly enter the negative-pressure pleural cavity upon removal, causing pneumothorax. This can induce mediastinal shift, compressing the heart and causing cardiac arrest. The correct approach is to stabilize the object with your hand or gently bind the wound with a cloth strip (clothing can substitute in emergencies). Avoid vigorous movement and await or seek rescue.
Avoid applying tourniquets too close to the bleeding site on distal arteries
If bleeding occurs in the distal arteries of the arms or lower legs (near the wrists or ankles), do not apply a tourniquet immediately adjacent to the bleeding point. Instead, select a site above the knee or elbow.This is because major vessels run between the ulna/radius and tibia/fibula, making it difficult to stop bleeding and increasing the risk of nerve damage (radial nerve).
Never apply mud to skin wounds
A common folk belief suggests applying mud to skin wounds can reduce inflammation and stop bleeding.This is actually a misconception. Soil contains anaerobic bacteria—Clostridium tetani. This method not only fails to disinfect or stop bleeding but also easily leads to tetanus, which can be fatal in severe cases.During self-rescue, avoid moving the injured area to prevent secondary damage to the fracture site, which could worsen vascular and nerve injuries. Use available materials like two small sticks to brace the fracture across the joint, securing them with rope or cloth. Ensure the distal fingers or toes remain sensitive to maintain proper immobilization.
Avoid sheltering downwind during hazardous gas leaks
Damaged infrastructure during earthquakes often leads to hazardous gas leaks. Many survivors panic in such situations, fleeing without considering wind direction. Some even blindly follow crowds downwind. Note that sheltering upwind is the safest approach, effectively preventing exposure to harmful gases carried by the wind.
Avoid frantic shouting when signaling for help during self-rescue
If trapped and unable to escape during an earthquake, it's common knowledge that calling for help attracts rescuers' attention.However, many people, overcome by panic, cry out hoarsely or shout their loved ones' names with all their strength. It's important to note that such blind, continuous shouting excessively depletes physical strength, increases oxygen consumption, and can easily lead to fainting or shock.Instead, seize the moment for effective signaling. Utilize nearby metal objects to make noise, or use reflective surfaces like glass or mirrors to catch rescuers' attention through light reflection. If you have a radio, turn up the volume. Employ these diverse methods to achieve your goal of calling for help.
Mastering Self-Rescue and Mutual Aid After an Earthquake
1. Why is self-rescue and mutual aid crucial during disasters?
Answer: Disaster victims' self-rescue and mutual aid maximize time to save lives.For example, after the 1976 Tangshan earthquake (magnitude 7.8), approximately 80%–90% of the 700,000 people in Tangshan city (excluding suburbs and mining areas) were trapped under collapsed buildings. Through concerted efforts, over 80% of those buried were rescued, saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
2. What are the principles for post-earthquake rescue?
Answer:(1) Rescue those closest first, whether family, neighbors, or passersby. Prioritizing distant victims often misses critical rescue windows;
(2) Rescue those easiest to save first to accelerate speed and expand rescue teams;
(3) Rescue young adults and able-bodied individuals first so they can quickly contribute to relief efforts;
(4) Rescue the "living" before the "dead."During the Tangshan earthquake, a rural woman rescued dozens of people in a short time by only exposing each victim's head to allow breathing before immediately moving on to the next.
3. How to locate buried victims?
Answer: First, listen carefully for distress signals. You may also call out or tap to determine if anyone is trapped beneath debris. If no response is heard, ask family members or neighbors for information. Alternatively, analyze the site conditions to estimate the likely location of buried individuals.
4. How to ensure safety when excavating buried victims?
Answer: (1) Use tools to remove debris. When approaching the victim, avoid using sharp instruments for digging;
(2) Take special care not to compromise existing structural supports, which could cause further injury to the victim;
(3) Establish ventilation between the confined space and the outside environment as early as possible during excavation to allow fresh air to enter;
(4) If dust levels become excessive during excavation, spray water to suppress dust and prevent suffocation of both the victim and rescuers;
(5) During excavation, pass water, food, or medication to the buried individual to sustain their vitality;
(6) During rescue, prioritize exposing the victim's head first, clearing dust from their mouth and nose before exposing their chest, abdomen, and other body parts;
(7) For those unable to exit independently, expose their entire body before lifting them out; avoid forceful pulling or dragging.