24. How to Respond to Emergencies with Human Casualties 101

Lecture Summary
This podcast talks about disaster preparedness, how to prepare, the initial assessment, and the importance of reflection for constant improvement.

Key Points
- We are not prepared for disasters and emergencies. COVID19 made this very clear.
- Preparing requires thinking through possible emergency scenarios, developing algorithms, training, gathering supplies, and periodically re-training.
- The initial assessment represents an algorithm which can be used when responding to any emergency involving human casualties.
- Having a written initial assessment and practicing its use is highly encouraged.
- The acronym SAD LAB CATS describes the algorithm I use in my initial assessment.
- It stands for scene safety, additional resources, disease protection, level of consciousness, airway, breathing, circulation, arterial bleeds, temperature, and spine.
- Reflection following any emergency or disaster is key to improving outcomes in the future.

References
I have learned so much about this topic through wilderness first aid/responder courses, my emergency medical technician training and work, advanced wilderness life support, as well as my work in the hospital setting. I have read numerous sources including but not limited to The American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Handbook, Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine, Wilkerson's Medicine for Mountaineering, Prehospital Care textbook through St. Louis Community College, and so many other books on the subject I have read throughout the years. However, most of this podcasts comes from personal experience.