Selfcare precautions for victim assistance

Abstract

This chapter describes self-care precautions for victim assistance. Self-care precautions, in the simplest way, explains that the rescuer must take self protective actions to keep from becoming another victim, and thereby part of the problem rather than part of the solution. During the rescue, care must be taken to prevent further injury to the victim. Steps should be taken to prevent worsening severe injuries instead of spending time in accomplishing extensive spinal immobilization, and so on. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic complications to the victim. Moreover, priorities for treatment include insuring a patent airway, assisting breathing if necessary, supporting circulation if needed, control of severe bleeding, and decontamination to prevent further poisoning. Response personnel should be aware of the possibility of exposure to communicable diseases while handling a victim during a rescue. Finally, the chapter concludes that, if a rescue is made of a contaminated or possibly contaminated person, it is very important to prevent the spread of the contaminant.