In order to operate effectively over an extended period, you need to take precautions against the following personal risks:

Dehydration

Signs of dehydration include: * Thirst * Headache * Light-headedness * Dark urine If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you are already dehydrated. To avoid these symptoms, ensure you are drinking water/fluids at frequent intervals and make sure that it is from a reliable source.

Fatigue

In a major disaster, rescuers are required to work for extended periods often with very little or no rest, resulting in fatigue. It is well known that fatigue leads to impaired concentration and poor decision making abilities, increasing the risk of injury.

Causes of fatigue: * Working long hours * Performing stressful and/or physically demanding work * Climatic conditions (heat, humidity) * Dehydration To minimise the effects of fatigue, rescuers should: * Rotate the workload * Take regular short breaks during work periods * Work in teams * Monitor others for signs of fatigue * Get a good sleep during downtime * Avoid alcohol and caffeine * Eat healthy food regularly

Infection

In a disaster environment, minor injuries can soon become a major problem due to infection. Rescuers are inclined to ignore small cuts and abrasions which regularly occur during rescue duties. Infection could mean that a rescuer will be unable to continue to perform their duties and will require medication to treat appropriately.

There are several measures a rescuer can take to avoid infections:

* Wash your hands regularly
* Wear gloves
* Treat minor cuts and abrasions immediately with a scratch kit
* Cover open wounds with a clean dressing
* Seek help immediately if signs of infection occur (such as redness around the wound, discharge and swelling)
* Keep up to date with your vaccinations