It is just one day after the Boston marathon bombing which has tragically killed
3 and injured 176 people who did not deserve such violence thrust upon them.
Such attacks are reprehensible. While it is too early to speculate on the
perpetrator(s) there are some thoughts that I would like to share that may help
you prepare for future events.
There are numerous and conflicting reports that cell phone
service was shut down by law enforcement to prevent remote detonation of an
improvised explosive device (IED). Other reports indicate that cell phone
service was not cut and that lines were busy due to extensive usage during the
incident. Regardless of how the phone service was interrupted the lesson here
is not to rely on certain technology during an incident or crisis. Too many
people rely on cellular phone technology during a crisis as a method to contact
help and loved ones. They believe that they will be able to call, text, or
email from their phone at a moment’s notice. In many cases text messages will
go through when your call may not. It will also help free up more
"space" for emergency communications on the telephone network. But,
when such technology fails most people do not have a backup plan. Imagine if
you were at the Boston
marathon with your 13 year old child who has a cell phone. You assume that if
something goes wrong you will be able to call her to find out where she is at
and then meet up at a designated location. But, if you can’t reach her panic
may set in for you as a parent and for your child who does not know what to do
or how to respond. This is not a good situation. No one benefits from panic! In such a case it
is important to have a contingency plan that will allow for communication. Such a plan can be extravagant and costly or
very simple and basic. It depends on how much you want to spend and how
elaborate you want to be. Other forms of
communication to consider are:
Satellite Phone – Yes, satellite phones are expensive
but they are also very reliable when other forms of technology may fail.
Two way radio – Very basic but can also be effective
especially when distance is not an issue. Two way radios are also very cost
effective. The Family Radio Service ( FRS) has utility for short range
communications, as long as you understand its very significant limitations. The
FCC created FRS as an unlicensed service for use by families. Each member of
your family can have a two way radio with back up frequencies to use should
your primary choice not work. Make sure batteries are fresh and that each
person has extra batteries if possible.
Whistle – Very primitive form of communication but
can be effective depending on the situation. During a crisis there may be a lot
of loud noise from sirens, injured people screaming, bystanders yelling for
loved ones, first responders moving crowds, active property destruction, etc.
Yet, use of a whistle is much more effective than yelling. Work out a unique
pattern that you and your family can recognize. It may or may not work but it
is one option to consider.
Marker – Another low tech method is to use a thick
permanent marker to write information that may be spotted by a loved one. For example, using the previous scenario say
your daughter is found by police at the restroom and taken to a safe area. Your
daughter can write a message on the bathroom door (your last known location)
stating that you are safe and with the police. With the help of the police
officer she can provide the exact location for you to meet her. This may or may
not work but it is another option. Remember, options are good to have.
While technically not a form of communication it is good to
have designated meeting locations with contingency back up. Show your family members where to meet up
should you become separated or a crisis occurs. If the scene is completely
chaotic or still active and dangerous you may want to consider having a
rendezvous point away from the initial location that is easy to find, far
enough away to be safe (relatively safe), and when possible public. If your
children are young and you become separated have them go to someone in uniform
such as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic.
I am specifically leaving out the use of a Ham radio due to
the licensing requirement and because most families will not have a license or
carry such radios.
Another area of consideration is medical equipment. Many of the injured at the Boston marathon suffered serious injuries to
extremities to include amputations and severe hemorrhaging. Having first aid gear can literally be the
difference between life and death. Items
to consider in your first aid kit include the following:
Gloves – Never underestimate the importance of gloves
to protect yourself from acquiring a potentially deadly Bloodborne pathogen
such as HIV/AID or hepatitis. I prefer
to use Black Talon Nitrile gloves. It would be devastating to you and your
family if you survived the initial attack yet died years later from failure to
wear inexpensive yet highly effective gloves.
Tourniquet – Yesterdays double explosion exemplifies
the importance of a tourniquet even in an urban environment. Yes, you can
improvise a tourniquet with a belt or clothing but nothing is more easy or
effective than a commercially available product. The tourniquet that I use and
prefer is the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) which has proven to save
lives on the battlefields of Iraq
and Afghanistan.
Hemostatic Agent – These are extremely effective in
stopping severe hemorrhaging when used in conjunction with a pressure dressing
and direct pressure. I prefer Combat Gauze as my first choice of a hemostatic
agent.
Pressure Dressing – Use of a pressure dressing is
also effective to help stop bleeding. There are many quality dressings
available on the market. I prefer either North American Rescue’s Emergency
Trauma Dressing (ETD) followed by the Israeli Bandage. Both products are
excellent.
I realize that money, weight, size, and training can be a
factor in what you carry. Like I stated, options are good - especially during
an emergency.
It is important to analyze
all
crises’ that occur to see how you can more
effectively plan your gear and respond if necessary.
I sincerely hope that you and your family
never encounter such acts of violence. But should you, I want you to be well
prepared not just to survive but to prevail.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved
ones and those who are injured. May we remain strong and vigilant during this
difficult time. We are with you Boston.
God Bless America.
//TC
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