Basic First Aid & Trauma Care for Times of Crisis, Civil Unrest, or Disaster

When disaster strikes—be it a hurricane, earthquake, prolonged civil unrest, or any catastrophic event—urban environments can rapidly devolve into challenging, even perilous, settings. For those preparing to navigate these turbulent situations (often referred to as Urban SERE, which stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape), having fundamental first aid and trauma care skills can become the critical difference between life and death. This comprehensive guide examines the essential elements of basic first aid and trauma care that every individual should know. We will reference reputable sources throughout and provide citations at the end.

Understanding the Importance of First Aid in Urban SERE

In chaotic scenarios—particularly those involving civil unrest or natural disasters—emergency medical services might be delayed or unavailable. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that “timely first aid interventions can have a significant impact on injury and casualty outcomes,” emphasizing the importance of community-level responders in critical incidents (WHO, 2021).

The fundamental purpose of first aid is to:

1. Preserve life

2. Prevent injury or illness from becoming worse

3. Promote recovery

In an urban survival setting, these goals become even more urgent because you may be isolated from formal medical care. For this reason, preparing a well-stocked first aid kit and honing your trauma management skills can drastically improve your odds of handling crises effectively.

Building a Functional First Aid Kit

A cornerstone of effective first aid in urban SERE is having a functional, portable kit. According to the American Red Cross, your first aid kit should be reviewed and updated regularly and must include:

• Protective gloves and masks: Protection from bodily fluids is paramount to prevent cross-contamination and infection.

• Sterile gauze pads and bandages: Essential for dressing wounds and controlling bleeding.

• Adhesive bandages of different sizes: For smaller cuts and abrasions.

• Antiseptic wipes or solutions: To clean wounds and avoid infection.

• Tourniquet and hemostatic agents: For severe bleeding that cannot be controlled through direct pressure alone.

• Trauma shears: To cut away clothing or debris from an injury site.

• CPR face shield or mask: Critical if rescue breaths are required.

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions).

• Splinting materials (SAM splint or rigid splints) to stabilize fractures.

• Emergency blanket: To prevent hypothermia and treat for shock.

• Communication devices (if possible, extra phone battery or small radio).

“An up-to-date first aid kit and an understanding of its use can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and chances of long-term complications,” stresses the American Red Cross in their guidelines (American Red Cross, 2022).

The ABCs of First Aid: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

When facing trauma scenarios, especially in urban crises, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach. The ABC methodology—Airway, Breathing, Circulation—is a universally taught guideline in first aid:

1. Airway: Ensure the airway is clear. If the person is unconscious, gently tilt their head back to open the airway and check for obstructions.

2. Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If not breathing, prepare to give rescue breaths, or if you’re trained, begin CPR.

3. Circulation: Check for a pulse if you are trained to do so safely. If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR immediately. If there is severe external bleeding, prioritize controlling the hemorrhage.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reiterates the importance of addressing life-threatening conditions promptly: “In trauma situations, securing the airway and ensuring breathing are the first critical steps in preventing death” (CDC, 2020).

Hemorrhage Control: Stop the Bleed

Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in emergency situations. Urban crises—where gunshot wounds, severe lacerations from debris, or blast injuries may occur—pose a high risk of hemorrhage. The “Stop the Bleed” initiative, endorsed by the American College of Surgeons, emphasizes rapid action to control bleeding:

• Direct Pressure: Use gauze or a clean cloth to apply firm, steady pressure directly on the wound. Maintain pressure until bleeding stops.

• Elevation (if possible): Elevate the wounded area above heart level to help slow bleeding.

• Wound Packing: If bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone, pack the wound with gauze or a hemostatic agent before applying pressure.

• Tourniquet Application: Place the tourniquet two to three inches above the wound (but not on a joint). Tighten until the bleeding stops. Note the time of application because prolonged application can cause tissue damage.

According to the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop the Bleed program: “A person can bleed to death in under five minutes, so it is crucial to control bleeding quickly to save a life” (Department of Homeland Security, 2021).

Managing Fractures and Sprains

In an urban SERE context, injuries from falls, being struck by debris, or forced evacuations are common. Knowing how to treat fractures and sprains can prevent complications:

1. Immobilize the Injury: Use a rigid splint or improvised materials (like a board, stick, or rolled newspaper) to prevent movement.

2. Check Circulation: Ensure that fingers or toes below the injury site are warm and have normal color (i.e., good circulation).

3. Apply Cold Packs: If available, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling and pain.

4. Elevate: Elevate the injured limb above heart level if it does not cause more pain.

FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) guidelines advise that “improvised splinting techniques can be highly effective in disaster environments when resources are limited” (FEMA, 2019).

Dealing with Burns

Burn injuries may arise from fires, explosions, chemicals, or electrical hazards in urban disasters. First aid steps include:

1. Stop the Burning Process: Remove the victim from the source of the burn—shut off electrical currents, extinguish flames, or flush chemical burns with water if safe to do so.

2. Cool the Burn: Cool the affected area with running water for at least 10-20 minutes to prevent further tissue damage, per WHO guidelines.

3. Cover the Burn: Apply a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect the area and reduce pain.

4. Avoid Home Remedies: Common myths include applying butter or ice directly to burns; these can worsen injuries or increase infection risk.

The WHO’s burn care manual states: “Early first aid for burns is crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings post-disaster” (WHO, 2018).

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

CPR can be lifesaving in cases of cardiac arrest. In a turbulent environment, stress levels may cause heart complications in susceptible individuals, or victims may be found unconscious due to trauma.

• CPR Steps:

  • Call for help if possible.

  • Check responsiveness. If unresponsive and not breathing, begin chest compressions.

  • Position your hands in the center of the chest; compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

  • If trained, integrate rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

• AED Use:

  • If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice instructions.

  • Attach the electrode pads properly and allow the device to analyze. If it advises a shock, ensure nobody is touching the victim before delivering it.

The American Heart Association maintains that “bystander CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival” (American Heart Association, 2021).

Recognizing and Treating Shock

Shock, in first aid terms, refers to a state in which the body’s organs are not receiving enough blood or oxygen, often due to severe blood loss, burns, or trauma. Recognizing shock early is essential:

• Symptoms: Pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

• First Aid:

  • Lay the person down and elevate the legs (unless a head, neck, or back injury is suspected).

  • Maintain normal body temperature—use blankets or clothing to keep them warm.

  • Reassure the victim and keep them as calm as possible.

  • Seek professional medical help immediately.

“If untreated, shock can lead to serious organ damage, permanent disability, or even death,” warns the CDC (CDC, 2020).

Managing Basic Wounds and Infection Prevention

In urban disasters or civil unrest, cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds are almost unavoidable. The risk of infection can skyrocket due to compromised sanitation and scarcity of clean water:

1. Clean the Wound: Gently rinse with clean water or an antiseptic solution.

2. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: If available, use topical antibiotics to reduce infection risk.

3. Cover the Wound: Use sterile gauze or bandages. Change dressings regularly and monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, foul odor).

4. Stay Updated on Tetanus Vaccination: According to the CDC, “Tetanus prophylaxis is crucial in disaster settings where contamination is likely” (CDC, 2021).

Psychological First Aid and Triage

Urban crises can also lead to psychological trauma. Psychological first aid (PFA) focuses on creating a supportive, calming environment, promoting safety, and encouraging self-efficacy. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) underscores that “psychological support is an integral component of first aid, as stress responses can exacerbate physical injuries or hinder recovery” (IFRC, 2019).

Additionally, triage becomes essential in large-scale disasters when multiple victims are involved. Familiarize yourself with triage categories (Immediate, Delayed, Minor, and Deceased/Expectant) to prioritize care effectively.

Ongoing Preparedness and Training

Preparing for first aid and trauma care in urban SERE scenarios goes beyond assembling a kit. Consistent training and refreshers are vital. Organizations like the American Red Cross, FEMA’s CERT program, and local community colleges often offer courses that provide hands-on practice.

“Practical skills fade over time if not regularly refreshed,” advises FEMA (FEMA, 2019). Participating in drills and staying current with medical guidelines ensures you remain confident and effective when disasters strike.

Final Thoughts

In the unpredictable landscape of urban crises, civil unrest, or disasters, first aid and trauma care knowledge can serve as a lifeline. Equipping yourself with the right tools, techniques, and mindset will enable you to manage injuries—ranging from minor cuts to life-threatening hemorrhages—when professional help is delayed or inaccessible. By mastering the ABCs, controlling bleeding, recognizing shock, and preparing psychologically, you improve not only your chances of survival but also those of the people around you.

A well-stocked first aid kit, thorough knowledge of its contents, and hands-on training are the cornerstones of preparedness. It is crucial, however, to remember that these guidelines are not a substitute for professional medical training. Whenever possible, seek immediate help from medical professionals or emergency services. Yet, in those critical moments before help arrives, your knowledge and skill may well make the difference between life and death.

References

1. WHO, 2021. World Health Organization, First Aid Guidelines

2. American Red Cross, 2022. First Aid Kit Essentials

3. CDC, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Wound Management

4. Department of Homeland Security, 2021. Stop the Bleed

5. FEMA, 2019. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training

6. WHO, 2018. World Health Organization, Burn Care

7. American Heart Association, 2021. CPR Guidelines

8. CDC, 2021. Tetanus Vaccination Guidelines

9. IFRC, 2019. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Psychological First Aid