Earthquakes are natural disasters that transpire as a result of a sudden seismic activity. Infrastructure is the most vulnerable aspect, as buildings and roads are built upon the ground. Environmental hazards accompanying earthquakes include geological fractures, possible tsunamis, and debris. Health effects precipitated by earthquakes include injuries caused by breaking glass, traumas resulting from falling, and accumulation of dust in the lungs. Infrastructure damage includes, but is not limited to the destruction of roads, devastation of buildings, and fracture of underground cables.
The first organization that would participate in rescue efforts is paramedics, since many people will likely need immediate medical assistance. It is likely Iracelys Mendez in Lake View would be among its members since she is a paramedic. Her role would be to perform CPR and transport victims away from danger zones. Another team that would be mobilized is emergency ambulance nurses. An example of a member would be Jennifer Graham in Casper Park. He role would be administering first aid to the evacuated victims and ensuring their survival until they can be driven to the hospital. Finally, police department will also likely participate in search and rescue efforts. Specifically, Charles Cruz in Acer Tech Center may work with a specially trained dog, while finding people trapped under debris.
Private sector is essential in emergency response, since public efforts may not be sufficient. Grand Hotel Historic Acer in Casper City may help by providing temporary accommodation to displaced families. Food outlets such as Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta and Mubee in the same area can help with food supplies. The company that owns the blast furnace can provide transportation in case the number of ambulance cars is not sufficient.
Short-term response refers to the resources that can help victims survive the immediate impact of a natural disaster. Private resources are those assets that can be used by individuals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.) recommend having a number of items that can help victims manage the consequences of an earthquake. The first item is a first aid kit, that can be used while the paramedic team is on the way. The second resource is the supply of food and water that can help survivors wait for the rescue team for three days. Other resources include a shovel, a rope, gloves, and other items that can assist people in overcoming obstacles, such as debris and destroyed buildings.
Long term resources are those assets that can help mediate the impact of disasters over a long period of time. First, the destruction of buildings will displace many residents, who will need a safe shelter. Therefore, places where people can stay, are the first public resource. Second, people with injuries will require medical assistance, which makes medical supply and personnel the second long term resource. All people, including victims and members of the emergency response teams require food and water, thus, making them the third resource. Finally, transportation is essential for moving people, supplies, and equipment in and out of danger zones.
Social media can help emergency response efforts, but they may also endanger victims even further. The most evident benefit is that people around the world will immediately know about the crisis and may contribute. The second benefit is that social media may specify hazardous places and location of survivors. However, chances are that the Internet will not work as the underground cables may be disrupted, the possibility of which constitutes the first risk. Second, the use of social media may provoke people into emotionally reacting such as criticizing the authorities or attempting to help victims despite the imminent danger.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preparing for an Earthquake.
Guerrero-Miranda, P., & Luque González, A. (2021). Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Public Policy: The Lessons of Debris Management after the Manabí Earthquake in Ecuador. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 1-15.