The will to live - How to survive beneath the rubble?

Welcome back to our survival series. In this article, we will focus on one of the most terrifying situations imaginable: being trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building. This is a frightening and dangerous life-and-death situation where you do not know how long you will be stuck. While rescue operations usually begin right after a disaster like an earthquake, sometimes help takes much longer to arrive. Surviving beneath the ruins requires more than just luck; it requires a strong will to live and a calm approach to a very chaotic environment. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do to protect yourself, signal for help, and stay alive until rescuers can reach you.

 

The first and most important step is to manage your mind and emotions. A strong desire for survival and a positive mental attitude are the most important things you need to get through this. It is completely natural to feel hysterical, but you must make a conscious effort to remain calm so you can think clearly and conserve your energy. Remaining calm can also have a positive influence on the emotional state of others trapped near you, contributing to a collective effort to survive. Do your best to convince yourself that you will get through this ordeal, and try to get some rest or sleep if you can to preserve your physical strength.

Once you have calmed your mind, you must assess your surroundings for immediate dangers. Try to avoid flimsy debris, hanging objects, or other dangerous items that are resting directly above your body. You should avoid any unnecessary movement because shifting the rubble around can cause debris to dislodge and fall on you. If you need to make room, you can carefully remove surrounding bricks or items to expand your activity space, but do not force it because the materials around you might collapse again. If you can, use pieces of brick and wood to support the ruins above you in case you experience aftershocks. Under no circumstances should you use open fire, and you must avoid using damaged indoor facilities like electricity and water lines.

 

Next, you need to protect your physical health. During an event like an earthquake, dust, smoke, and toxic gases can be very serious and are major causes of death and injury. You must shield your airway by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or a piece of clothing. If you have access to water, wet the cloth to help reduce the amount of dust you inhale. If you suffer from asthma, you should try to sit up and practice deep breathing. You also need to deal with any wounds safely. For moderate to severe bleeding, apply direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth. If the bleeding continues, wrap a fabric above the wound and elevate the injured limb. If the wound is dirty, clean it with a small amount of water to prevent infection, but do not pour too much water as it will cause the bleeding to linger.

When it comes to getting rescued, you must be smart about how you signal for help. Even if you are afraid, do not shout constantly. Yelling will quickly make you lose your voice and it uses up the air and energy that you desperately need. Instead, you should communicate by using sound tools like hitting furniture and water pipes, or by setting off an alarm clock. A loud whistle is also an excellent way to signal because it uses less energy and air than yelling. You should try to call out for help only when you hear voices, footsteps, or other clear signs of rescuers arriving. You can also use light to attract attention, such as turning on a flashlight or using the light from your mobile phone. If your mobile phone is working, try to call people to alert them of your exact location.

Finally, you must sustain your body for what could be a long wait. You should find and protect any water and food you have access to. Drink water in small amounts to stay hydrated and make your supply last as long as possible. Sharing water, food, and supplies with others will help keep everyone alive and can have a very positive effect on your mental health. If the weather is cold, huddle together with the people around you to keep warm. Keep track of time and the passing days if you have a watch or a phone, maintain a positive mindset, and be incredibly patient. Always focus on the fact that rescuers are actively working to find you, and your primary goal is simply to stay alive. 

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