PARAMEDIC SERVICES WEEK 2021
Paramedic as Educator: Citizen Ready
Emergency Preparedness The First 72 Hours
So, What Can YOU Do?
• Prepare, Prepare and PREPARE MORE! Taking steps before an emergency occurs will be the biggest influencing factor in the success of the first 72 hours following emergency or disaster.
Education can be focused to the importance of having to “take care of ourselves and/or family” in these situations and how to PREPARE. If more individuals and families are prepared emergency services will be able to focus on those individuals who have the greatest need. “If you are prepared, that might mean we get to your grandparents, cousins and neighbours more quickly”
It is a hard topic to have individuals focus on regularly because it is not something that is dealt with every day. Many people think “It won’t happen to me” or “I can’t afford it” but many of us have already taken some of the steps, now we just need to put it all together!
By preparing for emergencies we are also prepared for life’s daily interruptions – If we have some extra water on hand in case of water distribution emergency. We are also prepared if there was a leak in our home and we needed to shut off the water, we could still make a cup of coffee while waiting for a plumber.
Because each region has its uniqueness, (1) Knowing the Risks and (2) Making a Plan are two very important steps. Educating the public on what unique elements of your community exist (railways, transportation hubs, factories or manufacturing, gas/energy distributions) and how they might impact services (i.e. water, access, etc.) helps residents think about what will impact them and reinforce the need to prepare.
Preparing and (3) getting an Emergency Kit are also the final steps in the process in preparing for these events. Covid-19 has led to many of us shopping for 1-2 weeks of supplies at one time. By doing this, we are preparing for all types of emergencies (without even realizing it!) Consider putting together a lightweight, smaller version of your stay-at-home kit that has supplies for 72-hours. This go-bag will be handy if you need to leave quickly.
Consider what Ontario has done as an example! www.ontario.ca/beprepared
National Resources
Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness Guide
https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-en.aspx
Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/ep-wk/tlkt-en.aspx
Canadian Red Cross (First 72 Hours)
https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/red-cross-stories/2013/does-your-family-have-a-plan-for-the-first-72-hours-after-a-disaster
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