Abstract:
A rescuer directly and actively engages in rescue operations, which are activities or procedures that are done to alleviate someone who is threatened by the Typhoon Ompong. We explored the lived experiences from the phenomenological point of view of Typhoon Ompong rescuers.
The study utilized descriptive phenomenological design. Qualitative data from interviews, focus group discussions, and observations of ten purposively selected volunteer rescuers was analyzed through Colaizzi’s Seven Steps of Phenomenology. The study was conducted from January to March 2019.
The broad domains are, “The Calm Before the Storm” which expounds the experiences before the landfall of Typhoon Ompong.; “Against All Muds” which narrates the experiences during the onslaught of the typhoon; and “The Aftermath” presents how the participants perceive their future and their positive attitude towards coping up.
Disaster strikes when people lack the prudence to be vigilant about safety and wellbeing. Rescuing can be alien to volunteer rescuers but their ability to press on and adapt stood them well to provide the best help they could in these tragic circumstances. Rescuers can be especially traumatized by disasters but the ability to find meaning from their experiences provide them with the coping mechanism needed in dire situations.
A massive information campaign about disaster preparedness and compliance to warnings and protocols should be done by local, regional, and national authorities in order to avert a tragedy. Establishing a comprehensive disaster and evacuation plan for a community is highly recommended. The plan should include responding to various levels of emergencies and disasters, policies for collaboration with local and national authorities, and rules and regulations about how to care for both professional and volunteer rescuers.
