Oslo bombing lessons for urban survival?

As the news of this building bombing outrage and tragedy unfold, what lessons for urban survival emerge? Any must-haves that should be reflected in EDCs, office kits, etcetera?

the inward shockwave from an ANFO explosion would have a devastating effect on a glass faced, steel skeleton structure as the Murrah building witnessed in Oklahoma City... dismemberment trauma.. hemorrhage and lacerations...vision trauma...choking trauma ..wreckage blocking escape and access to injured...communication to rescue personnel...

I'd upgrade my trauma medical supplies, rescue tools/ pry bars fire ax... some form of faceplate respirator...back up manual signal for help

Assuming I survived the blast, am not totally deaf from the blast, blinded by the smoke/dust, on fire, or being crushed by debris... all of which are possible and likely -

I would like to have a comprehensive FAK to treat myself first, then others. Just plain old pressure bandages would be great as an emergency first response. I'd like some filter masks. I would like a flashlight or two, and some glow sticks. A small pry bar would be helpful. Maybe a whistle. All this and more would fit in a small toolkit bag and could be stashed in the bottom drawer of a desk.

Unfortunately we have seen a large number of bombings. Have you experts and deep thinkers with access to the details of such things come up with advice for us? Have best practices developed for civilian preparation for, and response to, being caught up in such events?

I think JBMat covered it nicely. You need to worry about number one first. The real drawback, as we all know, is you cannot plan on being at your desk when the unthinkable happens, so the toolkit and comprehensive FAK is mostly useless unless you are going to wear a small backpack all day. Bottom line is the second sentence.

My $.02

What would first responders prefer we do if we find ourselves in or near such a blast zone?


Should we take care of Number One and exit the area?

Should we take charge of our immediate surroundings and companions to stay in place while rendering what aid we can?

If circumstances allow one to render aid in a disaster situation, obviously one should do so; otherwise, get out of Dodge.

Agreed!

To be honest, one of the reasons I prefer my current job to my last one is that it's in a much smaller office that in a much less densely popluated area. (I used to work in dowtown Toronto.) Though something like that happening was never at the top of my threat list, the chances of something like that happening here are remote and the aftermath should be less intense if it ever did.

I too would start with JBMat's list and add a pair of boots for walking in the rubble and a pair of leather work gloves. Much of the kit could be stored in the boots.

Have a Will in place.

I keep recalling stories about Japanese businesses in the disaster areas opening their doors to all, sharing what resources they had, and generally supporting each other in the immediate aftermath of tragedy.

If I recall correctly, during the last major summer power outage in NYC, many storekeepers there did something similar.

Since the trains weren't running, many people were having to walk home in the heat. Shops were handing out bottled water, drinks and ice cream to those passing by. Some of it was going to spoil, but I think much of it was simply good will. Nice!

Where you are if there is a nearby explosion (from whatever source) is probably just a matter of luck, good or bad.

Sue

Deleted and moved to correct thread. Sorry.

I think in a lot of cases the prep for a bombing and earthquake are similar.

My (at work) earthquake prep looks something like this:

1) On person FAK geared towards trauma. 4x6 trauma bandage, non stick pads, chest seal, small roll duct tape, etc.

2) A duffel bag under my desk with large crow bar, hacksaw, boots, hard hat, additional light, some spare batteries, masks, gloves and more trauma oriented first aid supplies, etc.

3) Two large cases of bottled water under desk.

As with an earthquake, surviving the initial event probably comes down to a luck to a fair degree. But if you survive, having tools to self rescue and then help others is likely useful.

-john