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How to rescue oneself after a dangerous chemical explosion?

Update time:2025-8-22 9:47:11 Click count:73
        Unlike ordinary explosions and fires, the hazards of hazardous chemical explosions are greater, and they are more likely to trigger chain explosions and the spread of harmful gases. So, in such emergencies, how should ordinary people save themselves?
On-site: evacuate quickly towards the upwind direction
        Generally speaking, few people can remain calm in the face of such a sudden explosion. Let me tell you, there is only one principle to follow in such situations: evacuate quickly in the direction of the upwind. Remember this rule firmly.
        If the explosion occurs upwind of you, be especially cautious: Our usual instinct is to run in the direction away from the explosion point. However, if the gas released after the explosion is toxic, this will always put you in the path of the toxic gas. The correct approach is to bypass the explosion point and evacuate upwind.
        Due to its low density, gas is greatly influenced by wind. A light breeze of level 1-2 is sufficient to cause the gas to blow steadily in one direction. This can be recalled from the smoke coming out of a chimney. In other words, as long as there is a slight breeze, using toxic gas will result in complete survival at the upwind side and complete death at the downwind side. Therefore, never stay at the downwind side. Remember, it's not the farther away, the better. It's the upwind side!
What should nearby residents do?
1. Do not gather around! Do not spontaneously organize to rescue someone!
        Within the "police cordon" established by the police, do not break in, otherwise, it may cause harm to yourself on one hand, and disrupt the entire rescue process on the other. Surrounding residents should also avoid gathering to watch, as the situation inside is uncertain. At least two explosions have already occurred, and there may be more, with a potentially wider impact area.
2. Ensure smooth traffic and follow instructions!
        Clear the way, keep the rescue traffic flowing smoothly, avoid concentrated areas, and refrain from spontaneous activities along the way. Do not gather around to watch the rescue. Ensuring traffic flow and obeying instructions are the greatest contributions you can make to the rescue efforts.
3. Don't panic blindly and don't believe rumors!
        Stay tuned to official channels for government notifications. If there is a significant potential threat that could affect the surrounding environment, the government will inform everyone through official channels and make arrangements for everyone's evacuation and relocation. Do not spread rumors easily, as this may cause excessive panic, and do not abandon your home lightly.
4. Keep calm and take protective measures!
        If you are not in a dangerous area, there is no need to panic. You can remain calm. If you are worried, you can conduct some self-inspection within the conditions allowed, prepare some daily protective supplies, and if you are concerned about chemical leakage, you can wear an activated carbon mask.
What should rescue personnel do?
        First and foremost, only when personal safety is ensured can the injured be rescued. Currently, flames and high-temperature objects at the scene can cause certain injuries to people, and if there are combustible materials present, there is a possibility of further explosions. Debris and other objects at the scene can cause secondary injuries to rescue personnel. All these factors must be taken into account.
2. Perform emergency treatment based on the five injury mechanisms of explosion:
        (1) Barotrauma. The sudden expansion of gas can cause significant damage. For humans, the prominent injuries are to the lungs, respiratory tract, throat, etc., resulting in hearing loss, tympanic membrane rupture, corneal damage, breathing difficulty, respiratory failure, etc., and in severe cases, even death. There is no special rescue method on the scene for this situation, and the victim can only be sent to the hospital as soon as possible for formal treatment.
        (2) Fragment injuries. Splashes from hard objects, such as building materials, can directly hit people and cause surface damage and internal bleeding. If the surface damage of the human body cuts an artery, it can lead to life-threatening massive bleeding. Bleeding of more than 800ml can cause shock. Bleeding is the main cause of death in trauma. In this case, it is necessary to find a way to stop the bleeding. You can use a handkerchief or towel to press on the wound to stop the bleeding, or make a tourniquet. Under no circumstances should the bleeding be allowed to continue. If fragments penetrate into the body, they may cause internal bleeding of organs. If a hard piece pierces the chest and punctures the lung, it can cause "pneumothorax". Rescue personnel should immediately use plastic or cling film (impermeable material) to seal and bandage the wound. Rescue personnel have professional chest patches.
        (3) Impact injury. The gas expansion caused by an explosion can propel a person into the air, where they may collide with a hard surface or sharp object, resulting in fall-related injuries upon landing. The pancreas, spleen, and brain tissue are all relatively fragile tissues. Often, there are no visible wounds on the surface, but the consequences can be severe. If it is missed in diagnosis, it may be too late to perform surgery. Therefore, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis should be avoided. A simple examination method is to observe the body surface for symptoms such as cold hands and feet, pale complexion, etc. Press the nail bed (the piece of skin covered by fingernails or toenails), and if it turns white when pressed and immediately turns rosy when released, it is normal. If it does not return to normal within two seconds, there may be a problem.
        (4) Burns and scalds. Generally, explosions are accompanied by high temperatures. The early treatment is to rinse with cold water. If it is a small area of burn or scald, rinse from the center of the wound to the surrounding area with cold water. For large-area burns, it is best to soak in clean water, but not for too long. A simple protection method is to cover the wound surface with plastic wrap, as gauze may adhere to the tissue, causing pain when removed and causing secondary damage. For large-area burns, you can wrap the body surface with a bed sheet. Be careful not to apply "folk remedies" such as soy sauce, vinegar, toothpaste, canola oil, aloe vera gel, etc. Firstly, these are ineffective. Secondly, their color may cause misjudgment by doctors. Thirdly, these "foods" may bring infection risks, as the burned skin lacks the ability to resist bacteria.
        (5) Explosives themselves: Dangerous chemicals cause harm. If they are not fully burned, the residue can cause significant damage. The first aid method is to wash with water, called "decontamination". In layman's terms, it means taking a thorough bath to completely cleanse the body, which can prevent 90% of chemical radioactive damage. Dust on the body may contain residual chemicals, so be sure to take a thorough bath when you get home and do not allow chemicals to remain on your body for a long time.
What should on-site survivors do?
        1. Stay calm: It is essential to maintain composure, as anxiety can weaken resistance and increase oxygen consumption.
        2. Safe transfer: Observe the surrounding environment and move yourself to a safe place. Do not move blindly to avoid aggravating the injury.
        3. Timely Adjustment: Promptly adjust your vital signs and conduct a self-examination of your body. If there is sand or debris in your mouth or nose, try to clean it out. Check for any major bleeding, and what you can do is to stop the bleeding. If blood is gushing out, be sure to find a way to stop it, such as pressing on the wound or tearing clothes, towels, bedsheets, etc., to create a "tourniquet" for yourself.
        4. Call for help correctly: Don't blindly keep shouting. You can find something to hit or shout indirectly to conserve your strength.
        5. Ensure proper breathing: Fires often come with thick smoke, and smoke contains chemicals. You can use a handkerchief or a towel dampened with water to cover your mouth and nose. Since smoke is lighter than air, it is safer to stay at a height of 30-60 centimeters, roughly equivalent to an adult in a half-squatting position.