OHIO — As search and rescue and relief efforts continue in communities across Ohio, it's no easy job for emergency responders.
“We fall into the mode that our training has prepared us for, to go to work,” said Dr. Daniel Bachmann.
Bachmann is an emergency medical physician and professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
He’s also the medical team manager for Ohio Task Force 1, a FEMA search and rescue team.
They have not been activated as a state resource, but the devastation hits close to home for many.
“There are men and women on our team who — in their day jobs — work in the fire service and also fill roles in other specialized search and rescue teams, and many of them have been activated and involved in the efforts at Indian Lake,” Bachmann said.
Bachmann has responded to many disasters across the United States.
He says the first challenge is finding correct information.
“So really trying to gather information is one of the first things that happens," he said. "It’s chaotic, obviously."
For injuries, he said there are different patterns.
The first is basic trauma.
“Broken bones, bleeding, cuts, head injuries,” Bachmann said.
For responders, the work is dangerous and risky.
“The average layperson who doesn’t necessarily have all of that, that protective equipment, just trying to rescue themselves or their family members can sometimes get hurt in the process,” Bachmann said.
For people who depend on things like power for oxygen or a pharmacy for medication, the situation can be difficult.
“The other type of pattern that we see is related to displaced individuals who have chronic medical problems worsened by their displacement,” Bachmann said.
For responders, it’s not just about treating the physical parts, but having compassion and sometimes it’s for your own neighbors.
“That can be hard sometimes. It is very up close and personal," he said. "You’re interfacing with people on arguably on the worst day of their life or at least a pretty bad day for sure. So just being human and being personal with them, letting them know that there is help and, with time, this will all get sorted out."