First Responders after an Earthquake

After a large magnitude earthquake hits, first responders are at the scene to help in rescuing trapped victims and saving as many lives as possible.

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After a large magnitude earthquake hits, first responders are at the scene to help in rescuing trapped victims and saving as many lives as possible. It is imperative that they get to the scene of the disaster as soon as possible. This can happen more quickly when they are local first responders, such as firemen and emergency medical technicians.

But if local first responders' services have suffered major damage, getting aid to the stricken area takes longer. Then the aid must come from disaster relief agencies outside the country. And it can be hard for them to determine the extent and severity of the damage. Once the disaster relief agencies are on the ground, they can assess the situation and provide whatever aid is needed.

The window of opportunity to rescue trapped victims is brief, usually only one to two days after an earthquake. During this period of time, chances are greater more victims can be pulled to safety still alive. With each passing day, chances for finding people alive lessen. But exceptions occur in which some victims have survived many days trapped inside fallen structures.

One of the first responders on the scene of a disaster is rescue or sniffer dogs, as they are now known. Sniffer dogs are indispensable in locating earthquake victims trapped in collapsed buildings and debris. Without them fewer lives would be saved. They are unsung heroes and a moment taken to acknowledge their contribution to saving lives is something we should all do.

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Read more: Earthquake, Disaster, Disaster Tips, Earthquake tips, Disaster

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