Terrorist Attack – What Would You Do?

After recent events in Sydney, our memories have been given a serious nudge back to the time when Bali was the target of religious extremists. Make no mistake. Those radical groups are still here, and still have the same views and the same intentions.
Terrorist watchdogs have also stated that ISIS numbers in Indonesia have tripled in recent months. Could this be the writing on the wall? Not to cause panic or paranoia, just a timely reminder of the world we currently live in and an occasional look-over-your-shoulder may be wise advice. Terrorism is implemented in many forms however our most likely risk here would probably be bomb, gunfire, or hostage. I doubt (or I’m hoping) that nuclear or bio-warfare strategies would not reach our shores at this stage.

General Guidelines for Preparing for a Terrorist Attack
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if your instincts tell you something is not right.
• Take precautions when traveling:
• Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.
• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended.
• Immediately report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to police or security.
• Know where emergency exits are located in buildings that you frequently visit. Plan how to get out if an emergency arises.
• Be prepared to function without services you typically rely on, including electricity, telephone, ATMs, and Internet transactions.
• If you work or live in a large building, work with building owners or managers to be sure the following items are located on each floor of the building:
• Portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries
• Several flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kits and manual
• Hard hats and dust masks

Protective Measures for an Explosion
Because most bombings occur in public places, your family should know what to do in the event of an explosion.
If your family is trapped in debris, you should:
• use a torch to signal your location to rescuers, if possible.
• avoid unnecessary movement so you don’t stir the dust.
• cover your nose and mouth with some sort of material that is nearby, to breathe through. Dense-weave cotton material acts as a good filter, or you may wet the material before breathing through it to help filter the dust.
• tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are.
• use a whistle to signal rescuers, if possible.
• shout as a last resort, only. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous fumes.
If you are near the scene of an explosion, you should:
• get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When the items stop falling, leave quickly. Watch for obviously weakened floors and stairways, and be especially vigilant about falling debris. Do not use elevators.
• follow your family, job, or school emergency disaster plan for leaving and staying away from the explosion. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make any calls or texts. Do not return to the scene.
• avoid crowds. Crowds of people may be the target of a second attack.
• avoid unattended cars and trucks, as these may contain explosives.
• do not stand in front of windows, glass doors, or other potentially dangerous areas, including damaged buildings.
• follow directions from people in authority, including police, fire, EMS, military personnel, school supervisors, or workplace supervisors.
• call 110 (Bali Police Headquarters) once you are in a safe place, but only if police, fire, or ambulance has not arrived to help injured people.
• help others who are hurt or need assistance to leave the area if you are able to do so. If you see someone who is seriously injured, seek help. Do not attempt to manage the situation alone.
• listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.

Overall, when you are caught in any disaster situation try to stay CALM & FOCUSED. Panic will always cause more havoc. Try to make sense of the situation that you may find yourself in. Get your self out of danger first, and then attempt to help others.

And on a brighter note……Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Kim Patra is a qualified Midwife & Nurse Practioner who has been living and working in Bali for over 30 years. She now runs her own Private Practice & Mothers & Babies center at her Community Health Care office in Sanur.
Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns that you have and may be contacted via email at info@chcbali.com or office phone number 0361-2775666