In an Emergency: Have a Plan, Says Health Director

From a health perspective, what lessons can we take away from the Boston bombings?

Health Director Jeff Vaughan said the plan is the thing in an emergency:

"From a non-medical standpoint the most important thing to do in any emergency situation, not just a bombing incident, is to have a prepared plan.  A plan that is communicated to your family and reviewed on a yearly basis.  The American Red Cross has an excellent webpage for this type of material to help families prepare before something happens.  http://www.redcross.org/prepare

By having prepared emergency plans the BAA, Boston EMS, and each hospital involved had a plan in place for these types of circumstances and there is no doubt in my mind that there would have been exponentially more confusion and fatalities had these plans not been in place, reviewed and updated regularly.

For the purposes of being involved in a bombing incident I offer the following information:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Avoid crowds. Crowds of people may be targeted for a second attack.
• Avoid unattended cars and trucks. Unattended cars and trucks may contain explosives.
• Stay away from damaged buildings to avoid falling glass and bricks. Move at least 200 yards away from damaged buildings.
• Follow directions from people in authority (police, fire, EMS, or military personnel, or from school or workplace supervisors).
• Call 9-1-1 once you are in a safe area, but only if police, fire, or EMS has not arrived.
• Help others who are hurt or need assistance to leave the area if you are able. If you see someone who is seriously injured, seek help. Do not try to manage the situation alone."