Emergency Response
This domain tests the sequence of actions that saves lives and limits damage when something goes wrong, and the discipline not to improvise.
Priority order
Life safety first, then stabilising the incident, then property, then reputation. Never risk your life for property.
Generic sequence
- Raise the alarm: internal alert and 999 or 112; give exact location, nature and casualties.
- Assess from a safe position using DRABC.
- Evacuate by designated routes to the assembly point and take a roll call.
- Contain where safe: close fire doors, isolate power if trained.
- Meet the emergency services, brief them, hand over site plans, keys, hydrant and hazard information.
- Preserve the scene and do not re-enter until declared safe.
Specific emergencies
- Fire: RACE, meaning Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.
- Suspicious package or bomb threat: do not touch it, do not use radios or phones close to the device, evacuate to a safe distance, call police, and record the caller's exact words.
- Medical: call an ambulance, give first aid, do not move a casualty unless in danger.
- Power failure: check emergency lighting, lift entrapment, secure exits and cash points.
- Civil disturbance: lock down, secure the perimeter, avoid confrontation, call police.
Worked example
A fire alarm activates in the canteen. Do not silence it and assume it is burnt toast. Follow RACE, call the fire service, send a runner to the assembly point, complete the roll call including visitors and contractors, report missing persons to the fire officer, and record activation and reset times in the OB.
Traps
Silencing alarms to investigate; using lifts during a fire; sending untrained staff to fight a fire; re-entering because the fire looks out; forgetting visitors and contractors at roll call.