Live
Victim Training Search
This paper is on a live victim training search that I
participated in with the Columbus State EMS-1107 Wilderness Search and
Rescue/First Responder class. We had several Field Training Exercises
throughout the semester that involved a “search” scenario, however I am
choosing this one since it involved an actual “live” victim and therefore was
the closest to a real-world scenario.
To give a brief
overview, we were given a map split into several zones and were all broken up
into small groups in order to search assigned zones. Naturally, a search and
rescue mission places way more emphasis on locating clues of the missing
person’s whereabouts than actually locating the lost individual themselves. In
this case, the clues were several empty cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer located
casually around the park. Several empty beer cans, could, of course indicate a
depressed or despondent individual; probably one that wandered off on purpose
and did not want to be found. During the course of the search, we were given
several updated briefings, i.e. “This just in: We have just received word that
our subject just lost his job, his wife left him, etc.” This, of course, helped
confirm the idea that the individual was intentionally lost and despondent. The
subject was eventually found, lying “unresponsive” hidden in the woods. Upon
finding him, we proceeded to assess and stabilize the patient’s condition, and
then package him up in the SKED and promptly extricate.
The good and bad:
There was fairly good teamwork involved, however, there
were *many* ways that this exercise could have played out better. A large part
of it was the lack of communication among many of us. While it has been said in
the emergency services that “the only stupid question is the one that isn’t
asked,” it is understandable that many of us, very particularly those of us who
are still somewhat new to the emergency and medical services, are still often
hesitant to speak up or ask questions when something isn’t understood right
away. We tend to feel like we will sound stupid or ignorant, even despite being
told over and over again that “the only stupid question is the one that isn’t
asked.” A couple also lacked confidence on the uneven terrain (i.e. rocks on
the marina) and a couple also tended to wander off and fail to listen to
directions. Several were not comfortable reading the maps or using the radios
as well. The instructors made as much a point as possible to place at least one
who had been experienced in the emergency or medical field for a fairly long
time with the “rookie” groups. The instructors, as well as a few higher-ranking
SAR personnel also shadowed us, but we were required to pretend that they
“weren’t there”- we were not allowed to ask them questions, or for help or
input. We had to figure everything out on our own. While it is extremely
important that we are “shadowed” by someone more experienced of course, I do
believe that the feeling of being watched and analyzed could have added to the
anxiety and self-consciousness of many. The end result of all this, mostly the
lack of communication, was that we were extremely delayed in finding the
victim. It took us the entire day, when it honestly only should have taken us a
couple of hours. Needless to say, in a real-world scenario, this would not have
been acceptable.
The instructors, as
well as the other SAR personnel (including the “victim”) were good on giving
constructive criticism, communicating our errors, asserting that the search
should have ended much earlier than it did, and encouraging us to learn from
our faults.
Tip and points:
Overall, as was said, many of us must learn to work on
our communication skills. There overall was not enough communication among most
of us; most of us were all over the place; it was mostly chaotic and, as said,
in a real-world scenario this very well could have caused the mission to end in
disaster or tragedy. I myself am guilty of this; I was emotionally abused at a
school years ago and still to this day lack confidence in many areas due to
that. I am one that does not like to ask questions for fear of sounding
“stupid” or “ignorant.” However, I do believe that many of these courses, as
well as the people that surround me in them, are doing great for my self-esteem
and well-being, and ironically, I always tell those in my group that I work for
“the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask!” This particularly goes for
us who are somewhat new to the emergency services. Many, if not most of us, are
timid or lack confidence at first administering emergency care. Often we’re all
over the place. That is okay in a training scenario or course (and of course
we’re not expected to get everything right the first few times) but in a real-life
case, it can mean life or death. Those such as myself, who have anxiety and/or
panic disorders of course, must work extra hard. This is why we practice and
practice of course – practice makes perfect. (I always keep reminding myself to
just breathe and I’ll be fine!) One thing to think about also is, “What if this
was me or one of my loved ones?” Meditation, prayers to the Goddess Brighid,
positive affirmations, do what you want to settle down. If you want something
and work hard enough to get it, no matter what the adversary – you *will*
succeed.
Overall I think the
biggest thing holding us “rookies” back is our lack of confidence. You are your
worst enemy, and if you can simply learn to face your fears, swallow your
pride, communicate, and admit when you screw up, you, everyone, and everything
will be fine.
No comments:
Post a Comment