Emergency Response Team (ERT) Incident Commander (IC) Do s and Don ts

Transcription

1 Emergency Response Team (ERT) Incident Commander (IC) Do s and Don ts Jay Jamali, CSP, CHMM, BSOSH, MSSM Enviro Safetech

2 Overview During an emergency usually either NO one wants to be in charge or EVERYONE wants to be in charge. Therefore it is important to designate the Incident Commander (IC) and a backup for each shift. Vest helps identify who is in command Captain of first engine in usually asks: Who is in charge The IC should be a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). IC training is required under the HAZWOPER regulation. Page 2

3 Lead Positions The IC usually designates the following leads as needed based on the emergency: Security Staging/Logistics Operations/Strike team leaders Decon Safety Medical/Triage Public Information Officer (PIO) Liaison Communications If the IC does not delegate a position they keep it. Common mistake of IC is to not delegate enough. It is OK to assign more than one position to one person. Page 3

4 IC Style Incident Commanders usually have one of two styles: James T. Kirk Jean Luke Picard If in command, command. The IC must exude a command presence, and let there be no doubt that you and you alone are in command. Remember, the only thing worse than a bad decision is no decision. Control the situation or it will control you. Page 4

5 IC Style Good IC: Don t assume but if you do, assume the worst, hope for the best Get all the resources they may need in the beginning rather than bring it in gradually Good chess player Quick thinker Safety oriented Flexible Each emergency is unique Realistic Decisive Calm Always smile and give positive feedback Page 5

6 Command Post Designate a Command Post (CP) for every emergency Communicate the location of the CP The IC must stay in the CP unless in danger. CP should be upwind and upgradient of the emergency Is the CP far enough yet close enough (rule of thumb) Katrina multiple CP led to confusion If you call the fire department send some one to meet them at the street and direct them to the CP. If agency sets up CP in different location send a liaison to their CP with a radio. Page 6

7 Do s and Don ts Never let them see you sweat. Do not dwell on what has already happened. For every emergency the IC needs a: Plan A (in use); Plan B (in your pocket); and Plan C (under development) Always assign a lead for each team. Complacency kills. Run what if scenarios in your mind daily. Table top scenarios is a great way to practice what-if Page 7

8 Before Stage and inspect emergency equipment Put together an IC kit containing: Vests Binoculars Reference material Flashlight Notepad Bullhorn Page 8

9 Do s and Dont s Never ever give up Do not shout orders Have the lead come to you; give them their orders and then have them do it Do not give them more than 3 things to do at one time If you are not sure they got it ask them to repeat the orders There is never one way of doing it Always have a plan on how to evacuate the team and how to signal an evacuation of the team Secure the site and do not let any more people get hurt or exposed San Jose active shooter incident: Run (away from incident), Hide (behind dumpster), Fight (makeshift weapon - fire extinguisher) Be part of the solution and not the problem Page 9

10 Do s and Don ts Limit the span of control (number of people reporting to one person) When using a radio first say it in your mind then push the talk button and say it out loud After transmitting please let go of the talk button Get their attention first then give them instructions Make sure you or your leads know where all the responders are at all times. When handing off IC responsibility make sure that you are very specific as to what time and to whom you handed off. Page 10

11 Do s and Don ts Keep your hands in your pocket Get everybody else working There can only be one boss Give commands through the chain of command The hardest thing to do during an emergency is to THINK Stay 2 moves ahead of the emergency Start every emergency response on defense and when you are ready go offensive Always have a backup for the entry team You cannot go from total chaos to control in one step Page 11

12 Timeline The first 10 minutes of the emergency are the golden minutes. The first 24 hours is the golden day. Loma Prieta: Some employees came back because they could not get home. Emergencies usually start as a sprint but turn into a marathon so be prepared for both. Northridge ran out of water, batteries Katrina no fuel got to the cell towers so we went dark After the emergency is over: Restock emergency supplies Critique the emergency response Training Equipment Procedures Page 12

13 During and After If multiple injuries set up a casualty collection point. Triage Treat Track Communicate During the emergency follow the PEP rule: People First Environment Second Property Last After the emergency is over: Restock emergency supplies Critique the emergency response Training Equipment Procedures Page 13

14 Thank you! Speaker: Company: Contact Info: Jay Jamali, CSP, CHMM Enviro Safetech Page 14