How not to fall "captive" to a drinking well

Cases of people falling into drinking wells do occur. As a rule, such "stories" end with the arrival of rescuers, and the victims are extracted by professionals. Sometimes fellow villagers pull them out with their ingenuity. However, there is no guarantee that every such case will end happily, and there never will be. And the probability of falling into a well must be eliminated in every yard!

Here are some tips from the rescuers of the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations:

Preventive measures:

– wells must be closed when they are not in use;

– do not approach wells while intoxicated, do not let small children near wells;

– do not entrust children and adolescents with the task of "drawing" water from a well;

– when constructing a drinking well, lay rings or wooden crowns with hammered iron staples for a ladder. Or lower a securely tied nylon rope into an existing well: in case of a fall, a person will be able to hold onto such "insurance" if they cannot get out.

If a person falls into a well:

– act quickly: cold water has a certain effect on the physical capabilities of the fallen person;

– call rescuers at numbers 101 or 112 and, assessing your personal physical capabilities, attempt to rescue the victim yourself without delay;

– call for help from others: the more people, the easier it will be to "pull" the rescued person to the surface;

– ask the fallen person if they have sustained any injuries during the fall, clarify whether they can get out on their own using a rope or ladder;

– depending on the depth of the well (and if available), lower a ladder, a strong rope, or securely tied sheets. A bar, a log, etc., can be tied to the rope – to make it easier for the victim to hold on. Knots can be tied at the end of the rope;

– if attempts to pull the person out of the well are unsuccessful, wait for rescuers, talk to and reassure the victim.

If you fall into a well:

– wells have good acoustics. If you can't get out – shout! Loudly and constantly. You will be heard and helped;

– try not to get stuck in the sand at the bottom of the well. The bottom "sucks in" like silt, you can get your feet stuck in it;

– do not panic, feel the walls of the well: perhaps there are iron brackets there? Also, on the walls of the well (which collapse over time), there are ledges that you can grip with your hands and place your foot on. Start climbing out immediately, while you have strength and blood circulation is not impaired due to being in cold water.

If citizens discover open wells, please immediately report it to the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations by calling 101 and 112.