First Aid In An Atomic Attack

Much valuable information on this has become available as a result of investigations of the effects of the explosion of the atom bombs in Japan in 1945. Exposure to an atom bomb will produce different effects depending upon the distance from the bomb and whether the bomb is exploded in the air, on the ground, or under water. Those not immediately killed by concussion, or dying as a result of burns and falling debris, may develop what is known as the radiation syndrome, characterized by hemorrhage, gastrointestinal disorders —nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—and destruction of the bone marrow. Treatment is directed toward combatting infection and supplying blood to tide over those patients in whom irreparable damage has not been done to those tissues most radiosensitive. Statistics from Nagasaki and Hiroshima showed that about 60% of deaths were due to trauma, 30% due to burns, and only 10-20% due to the effects of radiation.

First Aid in Atomic Attack

First aid, particularly in the ease of serious injuries and burns, is delicate work—for experts only. If medical aid is available, it is better to remain calm and let qualified medical people handle the situation. Otherwise you will do more harm than good. But you might find yourself in a situation where help is not at hand and injuries are such that they need immediate attention.

Burns

If medical aid can possibly be secured, do not touch or treat any severe burn. Remember that infection may reduce chances of recovery by 50%. Any handling will increase the danger of infection.

A few simple rules:

1. Exclude air from the burned area with clean gauze, soft, clean cloths, or absorbent cotton, then bandage gently.

2. Unless, absolutely necessary, do not remove clothing. If garments must be taken off, cut the cloth around the burn. If material sticks to the flesh, do not remove it. If blisters have formed, they should not be broken or punctured.

3. Dressings may be soaked in a lotion made by stirring baking soda in clean water (about two teaspoonfuls to the pint). Keep strips wet by repeatedly pouring the lotion over them. Do not remove the dressings.

4. If pain is unbearable and no medical aid can be secured, smear clean gauze with petroleum jelly (Vaseline), and apply to the burned area.

5. Dressings should overlap each other. Overtight bandages may lead to serious injury. The patient should be kept warm; give hot, sweet drinks if he is conscious.

Hemorrhage

1. If bleeding is slight or there is only a small amount of oozing, it is best to ignore it. Remember, touching or handling a wound will increase the risk of infection.. If there has been a ground or water burst, cover the patient with some garment to keep out con-taminated water and dirt.

2. Bleeding mar be checked by the use of a compress of gauze or cloth held by a moderately tight bandage. A tourniquet should be used only when there is excessive bleeding. A tourniquet or pressure bandage must be loosened momentarily at half-hour intervals to prevent serious damage.

Fractures

1. Do not try to set a broken bone.

2. Do not move the patient unless he is in danger from fire or falling debris.

3. If necessary to move the patient, hind the limb tightly to a pillow, a padded board or other improvised support. When possible lay the patient on a door or other flat surface before moving him.

4. Keep the patient warm; give hot, sweet drinks if he is conscious.

Here is a summary of the most important case of an atomic attack.

What You Should Do

Keep calm.

If there is time, get to shelter at once.

If no underground shelter is close by, get into the ground floor of a nearby building or even stand in a doorway if nothing better is available.

If you see the bomb flash and there is no cover of any kind within a step or two, drop to the street or gutter, turn away from flash, and close eyes tightly. Cover your head, face, neck, arms, and other exposed areas of the body.

If you are indoors, turn off appliances such as electric toasters, irons, stoves, etc. Get into the core of your building and under a desk or table if there isn't time to get to the basement. Lie face downward and out of line with windows. After the burst, tie handkerchief over mouth if area is contaminated.


What You Should Not Do

Don't telephone.

Don't turn on water after blast, unless to fight fire.

Don't eat or drink in a contaminated area.

Don't use metal goods in a contaminated zone.

Don't touch things after ground or water burst.

Don't try to drive your car. Don't get excited or excite others.

(Foregoing material on First Aid in Atomic Attack reprinted by courtesy of New York State Civil Defense Commission, Public Pamphlet No. 1.)