087ISSUE 32OFFGRIDWEB.COMWhy is it important to be medically prepared
for a disaster?
ML: There is a misconception that if something happens,
the federal government will come in and save every-
body. Depending on how widespread that disaster is, the
government may not be able to help. A disaster happens
locally first. The feds may be too busy helping elsewhere,
and it may be some time before they can get to a smaller
community. Communities need to understand what
resources they have, how they’re allocated, and how
to respond if something happens. We need to care for
ourselves first before the feds come in.
JRG: One of the problems is that before the outside help
comes in, you can imagine that the staff at the hospital
is being affected by the disaster. Maybe they can’t even
make it to the hospital. The local service providers are also
compromised by the disaster. They may have emergencies
at home as well. A hospital may be stocked with backup
medical supplies and generators in preparation for a major
catastrophe; however, the staff is a major resource that may
not be able to get to the hospital.
KD: No one is coming to save you, so it’s up to you.
When disaster strikes, what is the mindset for
those going through the initial stages of the
disaster recovery?
ML: Obviously, there is fear. Denial is also a huge factor in
a disaster. A lot of people have to overcome that denial.
Bitterness could play a huge role.
JRG: It’s mass panic. Complete chaos.
KD: You have to remember the basic tenets of survival:
fire, water, food, and shelter. Most importantly, have a plan.
If you don’t have a plan, then you are already behind the
eight ball. Having a plan is being in the proper mindset.
If you have a plan and know how to implement the plan,
that will eliminate a lot of confusion.
What can people do prior to the disaster to help im-
prove their situation during a disaster?
ML: It’s contingent upon the type of disaster. The biggest
thing is that people should be sure they are up to date on
the Tdap (tetanus vaccine). People should have a basic
knowledge of first aid to help themselves or others. If the
hospital is decimated, there should be protocols in place
to address the situation with other agencies.JRG: People have got to take more responsibility to deal
with their current medical issues. Make sure they have
medications, supplies, etc. They also need to be able to
provide the short-term lower-level emergency care for
themselves (e.g. bandages, anti-septics, splints).KD: I think people are trying to become more self-reliant.
I think if they know some basic medical stuff that will go
a long way. Basic wound care is a big deal. Immunizations
are important. Make sure your tetanus is up to date. Den-
tal health is important (see RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 27).
Get an emergency dental kit. Have a reference library of
books. Look at home remedies, because a lot of it works.
Bioenvironmental stuff ... how to make clean water. How
to use bleach. How to boil water. Basic field hygiene. In a
prolonged disaster where people are dying, how are they
going to dispose of the bodies? We may see the diseases
of the dark ages — how are you going to prepare for that?What medical supplies do you keep handy?
KD: We have analgesics, basic antibiotics (Azithromycin,
Ciprofloxacin, and Metronidazole). If you have these medica-
tions, make sure they aren’t beyond their expiration dates.
Lots of bandages, basic wound care, and dental care items
(toothpaste, dental floss). Trash bags, toilet paper, feminine
products, condoms, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol,
basic suturing kits, skin staplers. If you know how to suture or
staple, that’s important too. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and
having pediatric doses of those medications are also helpful.One of the
problems is
that before
the outside
help comes
in, you can
imagine
that the
staff at the
hospital
is being
affected by
the disas-
ter as well.