You have heard that people could become casualties if they
blindly rush in to help victims of bomb blasts just after explosions have
rocked. It is extremely dangerous to act without caution even if your intention
is to save people in distress. Security experts have unceasingly upheld safety
as the paramount watchword. Staying safe and secure in all circumstances is the
only assurance of success for any venture. Although it is practically impossible
to avoid risks in matters such as security challenges, it is advised not to
indulge when the risk involved becomes too risky.
In cases of bomb explosions, gunfire exchanges or crossfires
and other forms of violent engagements, there are behavioral procedures you
must align to in order to remain safe when caught up in the midst of such
situations.
Safety and Security
Procedures for Scenes of Bomb Blasts
Understanding the impact of bomb blasts on their immediate
and remote environment would help you make informed security decisions which
keep you safe and alive when caught within the area of impact. Whether caught up as a casualty, first responder or rescuer, making informed
decisions in carrying out your rescue operations would ensure your safety while saving more lives in bomb incidents.
Depending on the type of bomb device deployed, it is
extremely risky to believe that the environment is safe or secure just after a
first blast. Most types of bombs may redetonate and re-explode their fragments
or other components. Such is usually triggered by either an initially generated
heat, pressure or some form of coordinated electrical or wireless detonations.
Most chemical or liquid bombs behave in this manner.
Bomb blast Focal
Point of Impact
When a bomb explodes, the most affected area is the core of
impact known as the focal point of impact or the primary impact area. Within this
region, even metals would not be recognized as all materials would be smeared
or shredded to pieces. This is however dependent on the magnitude, intensity of
blast and the nature of the explosive materials involved. If a human is
positioned within this area of impact, the victim may be blown to pieces
without trace.
Bomb blast Peripheral
Area of Impact
The second area of impact is known as the peripheral area of
impact or the indirect but deadly area of impact. Although this secondary area
of impact is equally deadly, traces and evidences are easily preserved. Depending
on the blast intensity and explosive materials involved, security experts have
maintained the casualty and mortality level of this region to be 100% as well. This
is the area where dead bodies of victims and shattered properties are seen
littered.
Bomb Blast Tertiary Area of Impact
This is the lowest area where serious casualties are
recorded during a blast. Any death that occur within this region are mostly
caused by secondary factors such as flying shrapnels or bomb fragments, broken
glasses or other flying dangerous objects. Bombs that release poisonous gases
may cause deaths to occur even beyond this tertiary area of impact because
gases are not limited by defined physical boundaries. Here also, lots of
physical damages like shattered glasses of buildings or cars are seen around
this area of impact.
Now that you have understood how bombs affect the environment
upon impact, let us return to the Do’s and Don’ts for people caught up within
the scenes of bomb blast.
Rules of Conduct for
Victims Caught in Bomb blasts
v
Remain laid on the ground, whether you were hit
or not
v
Although the noise and dust from the blast may
fill your ears, nose and eyes, try to determine your distance and direction
from the focal point of impact while still lying down.
v
Do not attempt to crawl blindly to safety unless
you are very sure there are no dangerous fragments or imminent explosives
around your path. You may remain stationary unless help comes from the outside.
v
Do not attempt to stand up until help comes and
the environment confirmed safe. Standing upright would expose you to flying
fragments from another possible imminent blast within the same area.
Rules of Conduct for
First-responders and Casual Rescuers at Scenes of Bomb blasts
v
Do not carelessly rush into the scene of the
bomb blast. Another explosion from another primary or secondary instrument
might be imminent.
v
If a bomb strikes near your location, swiftly
move away from the sound of the blast and then call for professional security
help.
v
Survey the entire area of the blast to determine
the focal impact point, the peripheral area of impact and as well the tertiary
area of impact. Having this knowledge could help you trade cautiously as you
make effort to reach out to victims and casualties within the areas of the bomb
blast.
v
Immediately contact the appropriate security
agencies.
v
Encourage the people aroundto stay clear of the
area of the blast. This will not only prevent more casualties from another
immnent blast, it will also preserve evidences and bomb signatures which would
help security agencies to investigate effectively.
v
In order words, it is advisable to barricade off
the entire area and eventually help the first-responders or security agents to
put out any resultant fire from the already-gone blast.
v
As an ordinary civilian with limited knowledge
about bomb blasts, DO NOT try to undertake major tasks. Allow for the arrival
of the security bomb experts if you must insists on helping out. Act only when
they have asked you to do so and to what you have been asked to do.
Observing these rules and more would help create
a manageable atmosphere of relative safety and security at scenes of bomb
blasts. These measures would help reduce deaths and casualties at bomb blast
scenes. If you agree with me, share this content on socials and make your
opinion known via comments below.
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