Ojai Vulnerability: The Importance of First Responders

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Ojai residents take stock of their blessings — and vulnerability — after surviving the Thomas fire
Source: Los Angeles Times, Kent Nishimura

 Surrounding the theme of vulnerability and hardship, for future implications, first responders mean a great deal to our society, infrastructure, and protection. If it not for the help of first responders, the legacy of the Ojai Valley would have been diminished even more than it already has. This message goes out to all first responders as well as people who have come to the aid of others when it was not in their obligation. Many people believe that they themselves are not first responders but if someone is the first to arrive at the scene, they are the immediate person that can offer help. We all must be first responders in our lives, not just for emergencies, but for social causes. This article also talks about the grievances of the Ojai people who lost a great deal of their livelihoods to these fires. It is important to analyze the causes of these fires and how to prevent future occurrences from happening.

 Guru Prasad at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai.
Source: Los Angeles Times, Kent Nishimura

 This image, that also came from the article, exemplifies the feeling of vulnerability exactly. When one loses their home, possessions, and life's necessities it causes people to feel alone, depressed, and of course vulnerable. Public awareness must be spread on vulnerable places because people can not gain help on their own. The message must be spread and passed on to enact change for these underrepresented groups. Ultimately, it is up to us and the first responders in our world to spread awareness and enact social change.

 For Further Resources: 
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-ojai-thomas-fire-20180108-story.html
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/article/first-responders-after-disasters-a-review-of-stress-reactions-at-risk-vulnerability-and-resilience-factors/

 By Jarid Paradan

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