Major Emergency Management

Initial Response
If an incident occurs, the first minutes of the response are critical to escalation prevention and to the successful conclusion of the event. Even in a built-up area where the emergency services can be quickly summoned it is still the initial response that dictates the outcome and someone must take control. Imagine then the pivotal role of an emergency manager in a facility located in a remote onshore region, or more demanding still, offshore, where the installation is surrounded by acres of water and assistance is limited.

Emergency Management
Regardless of job title, a ‘duty shift supervisor’, a ‘site main controller’ or an ‘offshore installation manager’ for example, an emergency manager (EM) has the primary duty of identifying the problem, determining the correct level of response and ensuring that this response is implemented. Events need to be anticipated, a plan formulated and the emergency management team (EMT) must support the manager’s decisions and act accordingly.

Before personnel can go forward for formal assessment in emergency management, they first require training in handling major emergencies at the scene and an appraisal of their capabilities under duress. Emergency management also requires specific qualities and skills, which are essentially different from those demanded by daily routine.

The OPITO-approved Major Emergency Management Initial Response Training will introduce management principles as the first stage of development for emergency managers. Rarely do delegates leave the course and go directly into formal assessment – more training, experience and appraisal will usually be necessary, including exposure to other ER team roles through workplace drills and scenarios.

Target Group
The target group for Major Emergency Management Initial Response (MEMIR) training is personnel who are either designated as being in charge of, are members of, or provide support to an emergency management team in an emergency.

Aims and Objectives
The aim of the MEMIR Training is to equip personnel with formal training in command, control, communications and stress-related factors in the management of major emergencies. In addition, this programme also provides initial emergency management training for personnel who are undertaking a training and competence programme to progress to the role of an emergency response manager.

The objectives of the MEMIR Training are that delegates will be able to:

Understand the key factors of preparing for, responding to, and maintaining control throughout the development or escalation of an emergency situation.
Learn how to manage communication, emergency-related information and put into place predetermined plans at the point when the emergency alarm has been raised, to the point when the emergency manager is assured that the emergency is over.
Understand how stress can impact on individuals and team performance during emergencies.
Have the opportunity to role-play as the emergency manager in a minimum of two specific types of emergency scenarios. This is a key element of the training programme, and is backed up by constructive feedback from the course instructional team.

Learning Outcomes
The Delegate’s learning outcomes are specified below:
To successfully complete this training, delegates will be able to practice:

Review, manage and assess the information available in an emergency situation in a timely manner.
Establish priorities and take effective action.
Implement predetermined emergency plans and procedures in the context of the current emergency.
Efficiently communicate information and instructions.
Communicate effectively with all appropriate external agencies
Monitor and control resources.
Evaluate progress and communicate changes in plans and priorities.
Effectively delegate authority and manage individuals and teams
Recognise and deal with stress in themselves and others.

The training course consists of the following modules and elements:

Module 1 Theory of Major Emergency Management
Element 1.1 Major Emergencies
Element 1.2 The Emergency Manager
Element 1.3 The Emergency Command Centre Facilities and Information Management
Element 1.4 Pre-planning and Maintaining a State of Readiness
Element 1.5 Dealing with Stress

Module 2 Practical Elements of Major Emergency Management
Element 2.1 Assessing the Situation
Element 2.2 Taking Effective Action
Element 2.3 Maintaining Communications
Element 2.4 Delegating Authority
Element 2.5 Managing Self and Team

Duration: 4 Days

Maximum Class Size: 6 participants