Nature and Purpose of this Work:
You show up to an emergency or disaster event (hopefully invited or called into service) with specific experience and expertise. Why then do I need to force myself to gain knowledge of this works contents? The more that you’re aware of what’s going on around you, the safer you’ll be.
Responders show up, because it’s not noble, pious, or virtuous to ignore and pass by the suffering of others.
In the wake & response to the many major disasters in recent history, it has become quite evident that responder safety is of paramount importance. Responders should use the best tools available and have the best possible information available for them to make informed decisions.
The knowledge and understanding of the inherent and unexpected risks to hazard exposure is critical. You must all make the necessary efforts to assure your own safety. Don’t always assume, someone else is responsible for your safety.
Most emergency professionals are well versed in their respective fields of expertise. (Fire-Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement; Emergency Management, Public Health & Safety, etc.). We’re going to take the definition of first responders a little further. Although the above mentioned are some of the principle fields established, set-up and prepared to deal with emergencies and disasters. There are other fields of expertise that contribute significantly to effective emergency/disaster response and recovery. We have dedicated a section for the identification of responders.
On a daily, operational level the exposure to hazards is recognized and addressed through orientations, daily and situational briefings. Hazards and exposures are a danger to all responders, professionals or not.
This work is not about how to operate a chainsaw, apply first aid, dealing with the placement of fire apparatus or about teaching someone how to perform a particular duty or task. This work is focused on having you be aware, and informed on many of the dangers and hazards that you may likely encounter in an emergency or disaster situation. It should include everything you wanted to know about safety but never asked. It’s about how to work in a mix of seemingly endless chaos and come out unscaved. More importantly, is that you take a more assertive role in assuring your own safety.
This text has to do with informing you about exposures and proximity to dangerous circumstances, environments, weather conditions, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, biological; radiological hazards, etc.
Material in this work is presented in a highlighted or briefed method. These are provide some basic knowledge to ensure they’re safety. Individuals in their respective fields will have to study and complete all required training associated with their field of expertise, etc.
Numerous remarks and statements throughout, may not always based on scientific methods, performing surveys, nor analyzing articles. We’ve decided to follow some of our intuition and experience. It’s in the field that we’ve learned our greatest lessons.
Responders will need to further expand their knowledge base by becoming familiar with this material. These efforts will help to satisfy some of their proficiency in maintaining their safety and the safety and health of others around them.
Safety is the ability to perform tasks and assignments with the least probability of injury, illness or death. You should all personally evaluate your tasks and assignments to recognize respective hazards and how to minimize exposure and best control the associated hazards. This method involves identifying the content of a job, the activities involved and requirements needed to perform the work. It includes management tools in which the risks or hazards of a specific job in the workplace are identified. Those risks or hazards can then be measured in attempts to eliminate or control them.
