PATHFINDER SPECIALIST AWARD SRXEMR001 Respond to Emergency Situations April 2010

PATHFINDER SPECIALIST AWARD

SRXEMR001 Respond to Emergency SituationsSRXEMR001 Respond to Emergency Situations

April 2010April 2010

INTRODUCTION

• An emergency is an unexpected situation that requires immediate action.

• Pre-planning a response to an emergency can minimize resultant stress levels, resolve the emergency faster and more relevantly.

INTRODUCTION

AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE MODEL

• The purpose of an emergency is to gain some control of the situation by following a pre-determined procedure.

• The more time we spend identifying risk in activities and outlining procedures in case of emergency, the better prepared we will be to respond in the event of an emergency.


2nd ResponseContain the Situation

3rd ResponseControl and Rescue

4th Response*Resolve the Emergency

Evaluate

Recognise Emergencies

Risk Analysis: Planning for an Emergency

Outline Response Methods

Emergency Stations

During the EmergencyDuring the EmergencyBefore the EmergencyBefore the Emergency

Restore Equipment

1st ResponseEstablish a Safe Environment



Before the EmergencyBefore the Emergency



Identify all the possible risks associated with the activity.







• Discuss potential emergency situations.

• Control risk factors.

• Accept appropriate levels of risk.

• Monitor risk levels.








• Outline a response method for every risk identified for the particular activity you are conducting.

• A table is a good way of recording this:

Risk Emergency ResponseSunburn Badly burned First aidGetting lost Group lost

Individual lost

Stay in one placeContact authoritiesSearch and rescue

Equipment failure Pack rippedTent ripped

RepairShare the load





Emergency Stations



Emergency Stations

• Equipment required to assist in case of an emergency.

• Must be relevant to the activity and potential emergencies connected to it.

• Must always be in good working order and available in the area where the emergency may take place.

• Emergency stations must be mobile in the outdoors

• The location of each item must be known by each member of the group (particularly when equipment is carried by different people).





Emergency Stations




First Response: Establish a Safe Environment

• Ensure the person(s) involved are safe and not going to cause themselves more harm.

• Remove or minimize any hazards before reaching the patient(s).

• Ensure the rest of the group is safe and out of danger.

• Never rush in and risk creating another emergency.

• Apply first aid to stabilise the patient.






Emergency Stations




Second Response: Contain the Situation

• Discuss the details of the situation.

• Decide which emergency response plan will address the issue in order to bring the emergency under control.

• Identify the emergency station(s) required.







Emergency Stations




Third Response: Control and Rescue

• Put into action the plans decided on in the second response.

• The result is that the problem is either overcome, brought under control or the emergency has caused a change of plans in order to bring the situation under control.








Emergency Stations




Fourth Response: Resolve the Emergency

Resolution is achieved by:

• Eliminating the problem.

• Solving the problem.

• Reducing the problem.

• Moving away from the problem.





Evaluate




Emergency Stations




Evaluate

After an emergency, the group needs to:

• Identify the causes of the emergency.

• Express personal feelings.

• Identify what can be learned from the experience.

• Make changes to the emergency procedures where applicable.

• Be encouraging to one another, emphasize learning from mistakes.





Evaluate




Emergency Stations


Restore Equipment



Restore Equipment

If rescue equipment has been used:

• Check for damage.

• Repair if necessary.

• Repack, ready for future use.

All emergency procedures must be discussed and clearly communicated to all staff (and participants as necessary).

This can be done by:• Involving all staff in identifying emergency procedures for an activity.• Providing written details of emergency procedures.• Reviewing procedures with staff during the activity.

COMMUNICATING AN EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

COMMUNICATING AN EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

All emergency procedures must be discussed and clearly communicated to all staff (and participants as necessary).

This can be done by:• Sharing with participants an outline of procedures that may affect them doing an activity. • Ensuring at least two methods of communication are available for communicating with rescue organisations, where practical.

COMMUNICATION METHODS

Verbal Communication

• Use loud, clear and simple words.

• Stay within hearing distance of each other for best result.


Hand Signals

• Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, sea-kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling have specific hand signals for different situations.

• Use these in the context of each respective activity.


Whistles

• Carry while bushwalking and only use in an emergency.

• Sometimes used to communicate during long abseils on high cliffs or in caves.


Telephone Communication

• Mobile phones: many wilderness areas now have mobile phone coverage.

• Satellite phones: are able to cover Australia, New Zealand and most of the South Pacific. They are particularly valuable in very remote areas however they will not work inside a cave. They are relatively cheap to hire.


Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)

• An emergency radio transmitter which, when triggered, sends an automatic signal on frequencies monitored by rescue coordinating centres.

• They are required on all boats over a certain length.

• They come in a light-weight unit (less than 250g) that can be used by bushwalkers and other outdoor groups.

• There are weaknesses.


Weaknesses of EPIRB• Signals may not be received from canyons, deep gorges or thick rainforest.• EPIRB’s only send one message – “we need help” not “we are just a bit lost and are working it out.”• Once triggered it cannot be recalled. In case of false alarms, notify authorities immediately.


Weaknesses of EPIRB• EPIRB’s only transmit information. They cannot be used to seek advice. Processing the message to a local rescue group takes time. Users need to wait and make the best of the situation.• Most signals triggered by EPIRB’s are received by aircraft. Every effort should be made to become as visible as possible to searchers and aircraft:

- Bushwalking – cleared area / smoking fire (day time).- Sea kayaking – blankets laid out on beach / signalling

mirror / smoke flare.

FIRST AID

All injuries need to be handled according to the procedures laid down by qualified First Aid or Emergency Medical Aid Providers using the DRABC formula:

• Danger• Response• Airway• Breathing• Circulation

FIRST AID

• All credential holders of the PLA and PSA must have a nationally recognised, current first aid certificate.

• Two most common first aid certificate providers are the Red Cross and St Johns.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

• Psychological First Aid (PFA).

• Also known as Comfort Care.

• Goal is to reduce stress, assist with current needs, promote adaptive functioning and avoid eliciting details of traumatic experiences and losses.

• Needs to be provided throughout the whole process of emergency response.


Five central elements of PFA are:

• Safety

• Calm

• Connectedness to others

• Self efficacy or empowerment

• Hope to all those impacted by the trauma


Safety

• Help people meet basic needs for food and shelter and obtain medical attention.

• Provide repeated, simple and accurate information on how to obtain these basic needs.


Calm• Listen to people who wish to share their stories and emotions and remember there is no wrong or right way to feel.• Be friendly and compassionate even if people are being difficult.• Offer accurate information about the disaster or trauma and the relief efforts underway to help victims understand the situation.


Connectedness• Help people contact friends or loved ones.• Keep families together. Keep children with parents or other close relatives whenever possible.


Self-Efficacy• Give practical suggestions that steer people towards helping themselves.• Engage people in meeting their own needs.


Hope• Remind people (if you know) that more help and services are on the way when they express fear or worry.


Things to avoid in PFA• Force people to share their stories with you.• Give simple reassurances like “everything will be ok” or “at least you survived”.• Tell people what you think they should be feeling/thinking.• Tell people why you think they have suffered by alluding to personal behaviours or beliefs of victims.• Make promises that may not be kept.• Criticise current efforts undertaken by other people.

PATIENT EVACUATION

One-Person Carry• Requires at least 4 people.

Rope and coil carry

PATIENT EVACUATION


Nylon webbing carry

PATIENT EVACUATION


One-man crutch

PATIENT EVACUATION


Piggy Back

PATIENT EVACUATION


Crossed slings and pole carry

PATIENT EVACUATION

Two-Person Carry• Requires at least 8 people.

Four hand seat carry

PATIENT EVACUATION


Arm Lift

PATIENT EVACUATION


Two-person sling and pole lift

PATIENT EVACUATION

Stretcher• 8 people are needed to carry.

Clothing stretcher

PATIENT EVACUATION

Stretcher• 8 people are needed to carry.

Bush stretcher

Eg. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR A LOST BUSHWALKER

• Pg 35 in Resource Material.

BUSHWALKING

A group or individual could be lost due to:• Picking up the wrong spur when coming off a main ridge.• Losing orientation in bad weather and being forced into an unknown watershed.• Mistaking a river or track junction and going the wrong way.• Wrongly identifying a hill or valley.

BUSHWALKING

A group or individual could be lost due to:• Picking up the wrong spur when coming off a main ridge.• Losing orientation in bad weather and being forced into an unknown watershed.• Mistaking a river or track junction and going the wrong way.• Wrongly identifying a hill or valley.

LOST GROUPS

A group can get lost if they have pressed on blindly for several hours without checking their intended position on the map against their surroundings.

They should:• Stop and take their packs off.• Reassure the group. • Estimate how long they have been off route.• Try to establish the location.

LOST GROUPS

When the location can be identified:

• Plan a direction of travel or work out a compass course to bring the group back on track.• This may include back tracking to the last known place. • The aim is to get to known ground as soon as possible.

LOST GROUPS

When the location cannot be identified:

• The group should stay where they are.• Ration the available food and establish a good water source.• Use an EPIRB if available.• Make yourself as visible as possible.• Establish a fireplace in an open space, keep it burning and have green leaves ready to create lots of smoke.• Encourage each other.

LOST INDIVIDUALS

When an individual becomes separated from the group:

• Stop and try to work out position.

• Decide whether to stay put or attempt to find the group.

• An individual should only try to find the group if they are very confident of their ability to locate them and if they know the proposed route. Leave plenty of track and trail signs.

• If an individual decides to stay put they should make themselves visible, comfortable and respond to any calls.

METHODS FOR MAKING YOURSELF VISIBLE

• Activate an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), if available.• Be in an open cleared area where possible.• If a plane is heard coming, light a smoky fire. • Have a fire alight all the time.• At night, use lots of light sticks to flare up the fire.


• Whistle – the signal code to be used with whistles (and gun shots etc) is as follows:

Signal Meaning

3 signals together, regularly spaced

Distress signal by the lost party

1 signal at regular intervals Searchers looking for lost party

2 signals in quick succession repeated every 2 minutes

Acknowledgement of distress signal

4 evenly spaced signals repeated occasionally

Recall signal for search parties


• Hand held flares are ideal for a quick reaction from searchers.• Hand held torchlight. Use three flashes at a time.• Reflecting mirrors.

EVACUATION BY HELICOPTER

• The ideal landing area for a helicopter is a level space of 19x17m on a firm surface.• Light a small smoky fire so the helicopter pilot can see the wind direction.

EVACUATION BY HELICOPTER

DEATH

• Causes: stroke, heart attack, accident, misfortune etc.• Should death occur at an accessible location:

If pulse and breathing stop, commence CPR immediately. Contact ambulance or emergency services (000 in Australia). Call the Adventist Outdoors (AO) Chairman if possible. Continue CPR until someone arrives to take over.

DEATH

• Causes: stroke, heart attack, accident, misfortune etc.• Should death occur at an accessible location:

The medical professionals will take over and deal with the person. When they are declared dead contact the AO Chairman.

DEATH

• Should death occur at a wilderness location: If pulse and breathing stop, commence CPR immediately. Continue until the person is cold. Take photos of the situation. Decide to leave the body and walk out to the closest point of civilisation. Alternatively, split the group – where some stay with the body and the rest hike out to contact police.

DEATH

• Leave the body: Wrap the body up with tent, tarps etc. Secure it with rocks, so that animals or the elements do not get to it. Leave a note stating that you have gone for help. Make the spot visible and easy to find. Locate a spot where a helicopter could come. Mark a track to the body.

Take all of the deceased’s valuables and equipment with you. Make a note of the deceased’s belongings. Have it witnessed and signed by others, ready to hand to police.

DEATH

• Record what happened: Record circumstances surrounding the death. Record the time and date. Make a note of the place. Symptoms and treatments given. People involved. Take photos. Other actions taken.

BUSHFIRES

• Planning a trip in fire prone areas: Identify all possible escape routes from the

intended campsite or bush walk. Remember fire travels fast uphill and slow

downhill.

BUSHFIRES

• On the camp/bush walk: Identify all escape routes. Inform the group of emergency procedures,

especially if a static campout. Watch for smoke. Watch the wind direction and identify escape

procedures accordingly.

BUSHFIRES

• If fire is detected: If fire is detected in the distance, use an appropriate emergency route that takes you away from the danger. Make decisions based on wind direction, terrain, group qualities etc. If at a base camp, either evacuate the site, retreat in cars along the emergency access route or retreat to a sheltered location.

BUSHFIRES

• Personal danger - Radiation & Smoke Inhalation are the biggest killers.

Radiation: need to be completely covered (wool clothing is best), need solid material for protection (radiation travels in straight lines). Smoke inhalation: Cover mouth with handkerchief or some other breathable material, crouch down low (cooler air may be at ground level).

BUSHFIRES

• Shelters: Open cleared area. Area with reduced undergrowth. In or behind a shield or some sort of solid structure or material (woollen clothes, sheets of bark and earth etc).

BUSHFIRES

• Avoid: Crests of hills. Uphill slopes – fire travels faster uphill. Wetting your clothes unless they can be kept wet until the front passes. Water tanks.

BUSHFIRES

• General advice: Keep low and control your breathing. Breathe through a cloth to protect your lungs. Cover your eyes. Drink lots of water. Do not panic, think carefully.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

• Heat, Wind Heat Exhaustion Hike at cool times. Drink plenty of water. Wear appropriate clothing and protection. Find shelter.


• Cold, Rain, Wind Hypothermia Keep warm and dry. Drink plenty of water, hot drinks. Wear appropriate clothing and protection. Find shelter.


• Natural disasters Weather changes (thunderstorms) Floods. Bushfires.

OTHER HAZARDS

• Fear-based Emergencies Outdoor activities offer great opportunities to challenge skills and abilities etc; however can be a frightening experience. If a participant “freezes” the leader and group should respect and support the participant and encourage them to relax. Ensure safety of the individual. Reassure the individual.

OTHER HAZARDS

• Occupational Health and Safety OH&S is relevant in the outdoors. Poorly maintained equipment (conduct regular checks). Inadequate planning of trip. Incorrect footwear. Poor lifting and handling techniques.

OTHER HAZARDS

• Human Error Be appropriately trained. Obtain sound advice. Have an idea of the type of group engaging in the activity. Be prepared to change the program to accommodate the needs of the group. Adequately evaluate the risks. Consider program safety at all times.

Implement safety procedures and codes of practice. Regular training sessions for staff.

MESSAGE DETAILS

OBSERVATION CHART

Documents

PATHFINDER SPECIALIST AWARD SRXEMR001 Respond to Emergency Situations April 2010