Learning objective Understand the key phases of emergency management and the importance of coordinated disaster preparedness and response. Identify the components and structure of emergency response systems. Explain the role and process of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, including casualty handling and survivability factors.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: is a comprehensive approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disaster and emergencies. It involves a coordinated effort by individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to minimize the impact of the events.
4 PHASES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PREPAREDNESS: WARNING SYSTEM AND EMERGENCY ALARM Warning system and emergency alarms are crucial components of preparedness for disaster and emergencies.
Type of warning systems and alarms These sirens are often used to warn people of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or other imment threats. They typically located in public areas and are designed to be heard outdoors. OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM:
Type of warning systems and alarms Many local broadcaster provide emergency information and warning through their regular programming and dedicated channels. They also often have website and mobile apps that provide updates. LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS
Type of warning systems and alarms Some cable providers offer dedicated channels or services that provide emergency information and warnings. CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
Type of warning systems and alarms These alerts are short emergency messages that are sent to compatible mobile devices in a locally targeted area. They can be used to warn people of severe weather missing children, or other critical situations. WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS (WEA)
RESPONSE TO DISASTER
Typical Emergency Response Team Emergency response teams are often organized using the Incident Command System (ICS) , a standardized, flexible, and adaptable system for managing emergencies. ICS provides a framework for coordinating resources, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring clear communication during a disaster.
1. Command Incident Commander (IC): The overall leader responsible for directing the response, making strategic decisions, and coordinating with other agencies. Public Information Officer (PIO): Responsible for communicating with the media and the public, providing accurate and timely information. Safety Officer (SO): Monitors safety conditions, identifies potential hazards, and ensures the well-being of responders. Liaison Officer (LO): Facilitates communication and coordination with other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders.
2. Operations Operations Section Chief: Oversees the tactical response efforts, including search and rescue, medical care, and damage assessment. Resource Unit Leader: Manages the allocation and deployment of resources, such as equipment, personnel, and supplies. Task Force Leader: Leads a group of responders assigned to specific tasks, such as search and rescue or medical triage.
3. Planning Planning Section Chief: Develops and maintains the incident action plan, tracks progress, and gathers information. Information/Intelligence Unit Leader: Collects, analyzes, and disseminates information relevant to the incident. Situation Unit Leader: Tracks the progress of the incident, monitors conditions, and provides updates to the IC.
4. Logistics Logistics Section Chief: Manages the procurement, distribution, and maintenance of resources, including food, water, shelter, and transportation. Supply Unit Leader: Coordinates the acquisition and distribution of supplies. Facilities Unit Leader: Arranges for temporary housing, medical facilities, and other essential infrastructure.
5. Finance/Administration Finance/Administration Section Chief: Manages financial resources, tracks expenses, and provides administrative support. Timekeeping Unit Leader: Records the hours worked by responders and tracks overtime. Cost Unit Leader: Monitors the costs associated with the response and tracks reimbursements.
3 Phases of Response to a Disaster
The three phases of disaster response are: response rehabilitation recovery
Response This phase focuses on the immediate aftermath of a disaster, prioritizing saving lives, providing first aid, and meeting immediate humanitarian needs like food, water, shelter, and medical care. It also includes damage assessment and the start of resource distribution
Rehabilitation This phase focuses on restoring essential services and infrastructure that were damaged or disrupted by the disaster, such as power, water, sanitation, and communication systems.
Recovery This phase involves long-term efforts to rebuild communities, restore livelihoods, and ensure long-term resilience to future disasters. This includes activities that continue beyond the emergency period to restore critical community functions and begin to manage stabilization efforts
Recovery Rehabilitaion Response Search and rescue Medical care and first aid Evacuation Damage assessment Establishing Communication Shelter and housing Food and water Sanitation Medical Care Security Recovery Planning Reconstruction Economic Recovery Community Reintegration Psychological support Disaster mitigation Lessons Learned
SEARCH AND RESCUE ( SAR )
Search and rescue is a technical activity rendered by a group of specially trained personnel, who rescue and attend to the casualties under adverse conditions, where life is at threat. Search and rescue is organized in close cooperation with the community and in a team approach. The search and rescue activities are undertaken in two ways;
1. Community Local Rescuers: With adequate safety measures, rescue immediately after any natural calamities such as cyclone , flood, earthquake and fire in a community. 2. Outside Community Resources: Circumstances where the situation is grave and the local rescuers do not have required efficiency and equipments , then specialist assistance from outside the community is required.
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) WATER RESCUE Flood and cyclone disasters take thousands of human lives every year; rescue from water related disasters is one of the important challenges for the rescuer. The rescuers must be equipped with swimming and floating aids and should have adequate swimming capacity for rescuing the drowning casualty. The rescuers must have knowledge and practice of swimming in order not to risk himself /herself whilst rescuing the victims.
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Ground Search and Rescue (Ground SAR or Lowland SAR): This is the most common type, involving the search for lost or injured individuals on land. This can range from relatively flat terrain to challenging environments like forests or deserts. Teams may use dogs, drones, and other technologies to cover vast areas
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Mountain Rescue: This specialized area focuses on rescuing individuals in mountainous regions. It often involves navigating challenging terrain, using ropes and specialized climbing equipment
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Cave Rescue: Cave rescue is a highly specialized field, requiring specific skills and equipment to navigate complex cave systems and rescue individuals who are injured or trapped
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR): USAR focuses on rescuing people trapped in collapsed buildings or other urban environments, often after disasters like earthquakes or building collapses. It involves specialized techniques and equipment to navigate unstable structures and extract victims
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Maritime Search and Rescue (Maritime SAR or Air-Sea Rescue): Maritime SAR involves rescuing people in distress at sea or in inland waterways. Teams use boats, helicopters, and other specialized equipment. Air-sea rescue (ASR) specifically utilizes aircraft and surface vessels in a coordinated effort
Types of Search and Rescue (SAR) Air Search and Rescue (Air SAR): Air SAR uses aircraft, often helicopters, to locate and rescue individuals in remote or inaccessible areas. This is particularly useful in vast wilderness areas or mountainous terrain
SAR Forms Standardized forms are essential for documenting and coordinating SAR missions. Common forms include: ICS Form 204: Assignment List ICS Form 211: Check-In List ICS Form 214: Activity Log ICS Form 310: SAR Incident Report These forms help in tracking personnel, resources, and mission details.
SAR Management Structure SAR operations follow a hierarchical structure: SAR Authority: Oversees the SAR system, ensuring it's properly staffed, equipped, and managed. Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC): Coordinates SAR services and manages resources. Incident Commander: Leads the on-scene response, directing SAR teams and operations. This structure ensures efficient coordination during SAR missions.
Stages of SAR Operations SAR missions typically progress through five stages: Awareness: Recognition of an emergency situation. Initial Actions: Immediate response measures, such as alerting SAR units. Planning: Developing a detailed SAR plan based on available information. Operations: Execution of the SAR plan, including search and rescue activities. Conclusion: Termination of SAR activities upon mission completion.
Casualty Handling Effective casualty handling involves: Triage: Prioritizing casualties based on injury severity. Immediate Medical Care: Providing first aid to stabilize victims. Evacuation: Transporting casualties to medical facilities. Documentation: Recording treatments and casualty information for ongoing care. Proper training in first aid techniques is crucial for SAR responders.
Casualty Survivability Survivability depends on factors like: Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures or hazardous terrain can reduce survival time. Timeliness of Rescue: Faster response increases survival chances. Victim's Physical Condition: Age, health, and fitness levels affect survivability. In water rescues, factors such as water temperature and clothing significantly impact survival time.
Casualty Survivability Survivability depends on factors like: Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures or hazardous terrain can reduce survival time. Timeliness of Rescue: Faster response increases survival chances. Victim's Physical Condition: Age, health, and fitness levels affect survivability. In water rescues, factors such as water temperature and clothing significantly impact survival time.