subject: Search and Rescue Supplies [print this page] Search and Rescue Supplies Search and Rescue Supplies
After a crisis occurs, it often brings a huge physical and emotional upheaval, resulting in needless panic and distress for survivors and victims. Sometimes it even happens that with the occurrence of a natural disaster the existing government system fails to meet the demands of innocent civilians. This is only because the damage that results after a disaster appears colossal as against the immediate available emergency supplies. Lack of proper supplies has taken the lives of many who could have survived had there been adequate search and rescue supplies available. With the right search and rescue supplies and equipments, a noticeably positive change can be brought to a crisis situation. There are many voluntary and non-voluntary organizations that work for search and rehabilitation during natural disasters. Community Emergency and Response Team CERTS are one such organization that works toward emergency preparedness and the hazards that occur suddenly. Search and rescue could be classified into different types including, mountain rescue, urban search and rescue, combat search and rescue, and sea rescue.So what rescue supplies are to be used during an urban crisis?In most disaster situations it often takes considerable time for the search and rescue team to arrive. Since lives are at stake during that time, it depends on the victim to control the situation and take action, albeit with available disaster supplies. There are different types of rescue materials available in the market. Diverse rescue supplies are required during crisis.Some are discussed below:Reflective Vests:The reflective vests are one of the best supplies to give to those in control. Since they can easily be seen from a distance due to the color, it helps the rescue operators to easily locate each other. The bright color of the vest acts as an instant notification for the search and rescue team to cue in on the location of the victim.Lights and Horns:Emergency lights, communication devices, and bullhorns also help to a great extent during the operation. In fact the bull horn or megaphone often helps the rescue operation go smooth. It enables the staff to produce loud sounds to direct people or it also helps the rescuers to understanding that help is needed.Blankets and Bags:Solar blankets and sleeping bags make important contents in keeping trauma victims warm. The solar blankets and sleeping bags help a great extent to use during temperature drops or overnight stay. A body bag also may help in transporting a dead person back to a specific area.It is always best to keep search and rescue supplies ready as it often takes time for the first responders and/or rescue and search teams to reach an accident site. With the use of tools like flashlights, crow bars, shovels, fireman's axe, sled hammers, ropes, etc...a situation can be controlled to a large extent. Staying alert to natural disasters is everyone's basic responsibility, especially if he/she resides in a disaster-prone region like for flooding, hurricanes, tornados, fire prone areas, and other elements of your particular area.
