Floods Rescue Methods - Research Paper Example

Topic: FLOODS RESCUE METHODS (Name) (Course) (Institution) (Tutor's name) 18th May, 2008. Abstract Floods have been one of the most catastrophes in the human life that has posed a great challenge to both the governments and the communities as a whole. From one end of the world to the other floods have continued to destabilize the lives of people with some places being worst affected by floods. Lives have been lost, property destroyed and some places become totally inhabitable due to floods. Floods have been caused by a number of factors some of them controllable and others uncontrollable. For example floods caused by overflow of rivers can easily be controlled if the required pre-planned measures are taken into consideration. This may include construction of dyke's on or before the onset of the rains. Floods that result from natural catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina in the United States are more difficult to control because their magnitude and effects are far reaching. It is therefore up to the necessary authorities to keep the public aware of the various climatic changes and the possible occurrence of such floods so that the public can escape the destruction from such floods. The research below is aimed at analyzing the flood rescue methods available, the various methods that will be used in carrying out this research and the methodology of carrying out the study. It will also stipulate how the data collected is to be analyzed. Introduction Various flood rescue methods have been stipulated by different bodies across the globe each depending on the risks involved. According to Steve (2007) there are basic rules of flood rescue methods which must be observed by every one working around or in the water. This includes the use of flotation devices and a helmet to ensure safety for the person involved in rescue activities. Appoint upstream spotters which enables the rescuer to spot any debris or logs of wood floating in the flooded region .This ensures that rescuers lives are not endangered by the floating trees. A rescuer must maintain a priority of safety that is self, team, public, victim and lastly property. This ensures that onlookers do not approach undercut banks which might collapse and cause deaths to the public. Down stream safety are also very necessary just like the upstream spotters. They keep an eye on any one who might accidentally enter the river and provide throw bags to rescue such people. Low risk methods should be used first and they should be increased if the rescue situation becomes more risky to undertake. Griffin 2006, observes that yelling is the lowest risk method which is aimed at telling the victim what to do. It could mean directing the victims to a safer place until a team of experts arrives. Another low risk rescue method given by Griffin is reaching which means that the rescuer has to work near the waters edge. He/she can use reach aids such as paddles, sticks, tools or inflated fire hoses. Munich (1999) observes that rescue methods include contact rescues, swimming, snatch rescues and tethered lowers. This method of rescue according to him demands that the rescuer undergo a thorough training to have a high water confidence level. The most high risk option available in flood rescue methods is the use of the helicopters as well as the swift water/flood rescue training. This and many other literatures are some of the methods used by various rescue bodies in their rescue operations. The aims of this research is therefore to investigate the best flood rescue methods that can be used even in high risk operations, their effectiveness, risks involved, to establish a stable and long lasting techniques and flood rescue methods that can be used with minimum risks regardless of the magnitude and size of the floods. The key research questions include, why are floods still a big problem in many countries across the world? What are some of the rescue methods that have been used in different parts of the world? How effective have they been in terms of the number of human lives that have been saved and the property that has been rescued? Do the flood rescue methods depend on the intensity of the floods, size and the magnitude? Have there been occasions where flood rescue methods have completely failed to achieve the intended purposes of saving the human lives and property? The questions stated above will be answered in the result and findings part of this research. The methodology to be used in carrying out this research is the topic that comes next. Among the things that will be investigated here are the tools for carrying out this research, most appropriate methods of data collection and their effectiveness as well as other methods that can be used to carry out a similar research but will not be used in this topic. Methodology The methodological tools available in carrying out this research include use of questionnaires, conducting interviews, observations and conducting of surveys. However the interview method is the most appropriate method of conducting this research because it involves meeting face to face with various flood rescue teams as well as the flood victims. In this perspective I am able to acquire first hand information with the necessary truths and facts which can be used to make a sound conclusion. The method to be used will be the use of the sampling techniques which will help get the necessary information from a large population of both the flood rescue teams and the flood victims. This will in turn save on time because the sample will be representative of the entire population. The method of selecting the sample will be random method so as to get a sample that is equally representative. The research population will therefore be the participants in the flood rescue operations and the flood victims themselves. The sample size will be 20 people selected at random.10 will be from the rescue teams and 10 from the flood victims. The sample selected will be located in shift camps of those displaced by floods and flood rescue teams that have been involved in the rescue operations. The data collection method will be the use of interviews and the data analysis method will be the use of tables because it gives clarity of information and the user of this information can be able to the interpretation of the information with minimum difficulties. The use of table to analyze the data collected and the use of the interview methods to collect data are some of the tools that will be used to minimize any biasness of the information collected and therefore increase validity and reliability of the results from the research. In conducting this research the ethical considerations will be highly observed and the information given by an interviewee will be kept secret in order o safeguard the interests of the participants. The interview will be conducted in the early hours of the day when the participants have adequate time to think their views and hence give the most accurate information regarding the issues raised. Interview structure The research questions will be written down on a paper and different interviewees will be asked these questions. The interviewer will then indicate the response to various questions in short answer form of either yes or no. Any explanation will be taken to be a continuation of the answer given in the positive or negative perspective. The questions will be different as two samples of the entire population will be involved, that is, the floods rescue team and those who have been rescued from the floods. From the interview carried out on the selected sample of the flood rescue team the rescuers indicated that floods also pose a great threat to their lives and due to this they ensure that they have got the necessary equipment before embarking on rescue operations. Training on the basics of rescue methods is also crucial in ensuring that the rescuers have at least some skills above those being rescued and in this perspective they can be able to reach those trapped in the moist dangerous spots in the floods. The most popular rescue methods that should be learned by most people are the use of throw bags, use of sticks, use of hose pipes, swimming towards the victims and in highly risky operations computer usage is important. However the method chosen depend also on the size and the magnitude of floods. Most rescue methods prove futile if not well used because in rescuing a large number of individuals swimming would not rescue a great number of trapped individuals. The emergence case at hand demands that the most accurate and fastest method of rescue be used to save a life. The accuracy of The rescue methods chosen always depend on the risks attributed to the floods. There are low risks and high risks. The low risks rescue operations uses the methods that every person can carry out including the victims themselves rescuing others, for example, the use of sticks to pull a person from the floods, yelling at a person to direct them to safer places. High risk rescue operations may require the use of expert to carry out the operations, for example, the use of a helicopter may require trained a pilot and divers. However even when the rescuer arrive in time and mange to salvage property and people, effects of floods are felt by the victims because they in one way or the other lose some of their property or even their loved ones. Those submerged in water suffer from acute colds and develop complications which call for immediate medical attention. Critical analysis Issues on floods from the rescue teams response About flood threat to rescuers About training About rescue methods About the use of different rescue methods on different types of floods About the intensity and magnitude About method effectiveness positive, floods are a threat to rescuers Negative, not a must for a rescuer to train Quite a number of rescue methods Different types of floods require different rescue operations Size and magnitude determines method to be used Methods used have proved effective Issues on floods from the victims About losses About effectiveness of the methods used Victims future directions Response Positive, most victims have lost property Negative, Most victims not contended with methods used. More involvement will be required Ethical Consideration All the participants in the research are voluntary and they will be assured of high level of confidentiality in the information they provide in the questionnaires. Personal details will not be required in the questionnaires hence anonymity is assured. This is aimed at protecting the participants from suffering any loss or harm in the process of research. The data obtained will only be used for the intended purpose and will be destroyed after the research is over. Timescale and Research planning ACTIVITY WEEKS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Selecting of the group to assist in the research Literature Review (Books, Journals and the Internet) Formulation of the Aims of research with the research group. Identification of the relevant participants Consultation with the participants and relevant authorities Preparation and resource acquisition for the research (Designing the questionnaires) Actual research (Posting of questionnaires to the participants) Data coding Data analysis Writing up Presentation of Research findings Plan dissemination Findings Most of the rescue methods that have been used by the selected sample have been effective in saving the lives of people and property. However the flood victims feel that more involvement in the number of rescuers and equipments should be put into consideration because this will help save more people and property. Training is not very necessary as it depends on the risk involved in the rescue operations. Stake holders can use these findings to look for new methods that can be effective enough to carry out flood rescue operations. Dissemination The results findings from the research will be used to educate the public on floods rescue methods. The information will be useful to the government disaster management as they will be able to adopt necessary techniques in flood rescue. Information will also be published in journals, magazines for various institutions. Researchers can also use these information in carrying out more research on floods and flood rescue methods. References Barbara, T. (1998), flood rescue methods, (Asheville, ASH Press) Berga, L. (1998), impact of floods and the rescue methods, (Asheville, ASH Press) Griffin, J. (2006), down stream rescue team, (Asheville, ASH Press) Glassey, S. (2004), capability planning, (New York, Swift water Press) Grethe, H. (2001), Golden rules of flood rescue operations, (London, Oxfords University Press) Joost, J. (2006), Effects of floods,(London, Oxford University Press) Larry, C. (2005), rescue methods success (Harvard, Harvard University press) Munich, F. (1999),The go rescue methods,(London, oxford University Press) Ray, S.(2001),New flood rescue response, (Asheville, CFS Press.) Robert, C.(2003),Technology involved in flood rescue operations(New York, New York Press) Steve, H. (2007),the best methods of flood rescue operations,(New York, New York times) Wesley, J.(2003),rescue missions and methods,(New York, New York times) Read More