- •Text a ocha
- •Questions on Text a
- •Active vocabulary to Text b
- •Humanitarian assistance – гуманитарная помощь
- •Questions on Text b
- •Emergency-and-rescue operations Active Vocabulary to Text a
- •Text a Phases of Rescue Operations
- •Questions on Text a
- •Text b Precautionary Measures
- •Active vocabulary to Text b
- •Questions on Text b
- •Rescue means and equipment Active Vocabulary to Text a
- •Text a Classification of Rescue Means
- •Questions on Text a
- •Text b a Contamination Control Station
- •Active vocabulary to Text b
- •Questions on Text b
- •Natural disasters Active Vocabulary to Text a
- •Text a Classification of natural disasters
- •Questions on Text a
- •Text b Tornadoes
- •Active Vocabulary to Text b
- •Questions on Text b
- •Active Vocabulary to Text a
- •Questions on Text a
- •Text b Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe
- •Active Vocabulary to Text b
- •Questions on Text b
- •Review questions Humanitarian Activities
- •Emergency-and-Rescue Operations
- •Rescue Means and Equipment
- •Natural disasters
- •Glossary
Questions on Text a
What are civil defense organizations responsible for?
What are the main missions of rescuer operations?
Are rescue operations conducted by highly qualified rescuers?
What rescue operations do rescuers carry out when a disaster strikes?
How many phases can a rescue operation be divided into?
What are the phases of a rescue operation?
When does an alert phase begin?
What period does a relief phase cover?
What does a recovery phase include?
Rescuers’ work is dangerous, isn’t it?
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Text b Precautionary Measures
The main mission of search-and-rescue teams is to provide relief to suffered population in the event of any emergency situation. These teams carry out a lot of search-and-rescue operations for people’s survival. Their job is always connected with a particular physical strain and a great risk to their lives. Working in difficult conditions rescuers extremely expose themselves to danger. Civil defense leaders must have respect to safety of their people and be responsible for insuring safety standards and practice.
To provide safety of the personnel there are some precautions to be followed and observed in all relief operations. Firstly, all hazardous conditions are to be reported to the team commander who identifies hazards and risks to personnel, oversees the adherence to precautionary measures and recommends protective and preventive actions. Secondly, while operating in the damaged area rescuers are to wear protective suits, helmets and gloves. Each rescuer should have individual support instruments which allow him to support himself for 72 hours, if necessary. Thirdly, rescuers should always be aware of potential hazards at a disaster site. For example, when something is wrong with the heating system, rescuers should expect such hazards as burns, explosions and fire.
Rescuers should think of their personal safety at all times. When searching upper stories of a building, rescuers should not walk across the middle of the floor. Debris must be disturbed as little as possible to avoid further collapse. While working with electricity hazards, rescuers must avoid touching high voltage wires. In breaking contacts of a victim with a live wire rescuers must employ a nonconductor of electricity. Moving in the dark, they should use the back of the hand as a feeler. In case of finding gas, rescuers must not smoke or use naked lights, in order not to initiate an explosion. Using gas masks and ventilating area is necessary because of toxic irritation, which may cause blindness. Rescuers should also know that serious damage to health can result from chemical or domestic fires or through the contact with infectious, toxic, caustic or radioactive substances, etc.
Rescuers should always work in pairs. If an emergency occurs for a rescuer and he becomes sick or injured, it is necessary to provide relief to him and care for or evacuate him. The safety and well-being of rescuers is a great asset to both rescue teams and disaster victims.