The Action Outline is the Disaster Response Plan in the shortest possible form. It's what needs to be done, and the sequence for doing it. This is the same plan used by Public Safety Agencies such as Fire Department and Ambulance Paramedic Rescue, adapted to the citizen's ability and resources.

1. SIZE-UP the area and situation. Check YOURSELF for injuries. DON'T rush in - STOP and LOOK. What hazards are there? Are YOU safe ? Move into the open and look for a Safe Area.

2. TAKE CHARGE. Speak in a loud voice "EVERYONE WHO IS ABLE TO WALK, GET UP AND MOVE TO (your chosen safe area). These are the "Walking Wounded." You will now rapidly TRIAGE all the ones who DID NOT WALK. Use the "walking wounded" (people with minor injuries or none) as helpers to assist you.

3. RAPID TRIAGE and TAG. Use the *S.T.A.R.T. Triage system. Begin with the hurt person nearest to you, and move from one to another. Do not enter areas that seem unsafe. You will do only the specific treatments of the S.T.A.R.T. Triage System. As you Triage, MARK the injured: Red-Immediate or Yellow-Delayed or Black/White-Unsalvageable or Deceased.

4. REQUEST HELP. Send a messenger to the nearest Fire Station with this information:
a. Your exact location (including nearest cross-street)
b. Any Hazards, such as fire, gas leaks, or building collapse.
c. How many Serious, Moderate, and Minor injured you have.
d. The approximate total number of people at your location.
Later you will send more information. Right now, do not wait to gather more than this basic information. Access the Communications Network and get on the list for help.

5. HEAD-TO-TOE EXAM. Go back to the injured that you have Triaged and marked or tagged. Start with the worst first (Red-tag/ Immediate) and do a thorough exam of each person. Write down their names and what their injuries are. Also write health information such as any pre-existing medical conditions, medications they take regularly, and any allergy to medications.

6. TREATMENT. Now you can treat injuries as time allows before help comes. Treat for shock, clean and bandage wounds, continue to control bleeding, splint and immobilize suspected fractures.

7. GATHER and PLAN. Make provisions for water, shelter, bedding, food, infection control & sanitation.

8. IN THE DAYS THAT FOLLOW protect yourself and others from the dangers of infection, disease, and “exposure” hazards of heat and cold.

(This is a page from the book "Disaster First Aid - When 911 Can't Come")

Disaster First Aid ©1996-2010 V. Chames / Darkhorse Press United States