What have first responders experienced that can help others unfamiliar with basic emergency management?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 17:06:59 -0400

I am developing a study to help teach civilians how to plan and prepare for emergencies and I would like to share some real life stories for any who would volunteer. Too often people just drive 100mph into the brick walls of life and then do not know how to respond. Full disclosure is that I will eventually seek to publish and I am taking a Christian religious philosophy and applying it to the topics. I will be glad to include anonymously if you would rather not have yourself listed as a reference. My co-author is a police detective with over 20 yrs on the force. The topics of the chapters are as follows and please add where you think your story would fit best.
Introduction to “ARE YOU READY?”
Lesson #1. The Theory of Emergency Management
Lesson #2. Protect "Above everything else guard your heart,
Lesson #3. Prevent: identifying and dealing with moral injury
Lesson #4. Prepare: things will go wrong
Lesson #5. Respond: Where did my filter go?
Lesson #6. Mitigate: Where is my backup?
Lesson #7. Recover: What if there is no hope in sight?
Lesson #8. Conceptual Levels: Strategic, Operational, and Tactical
Lesson #9. Planning: "best laid plans of mice and men…"
Lesson #10. Leading in Crisis
Lesson #11. Risk Management
Lesson #12. Self Defense Measures
Lesson #13. Assessing Readiness
Lesson #14. Sustaining Readiness for yourself and those you love
Lesson #15. Planning your Legacy
Annex A. Resourcing Your Plan (ie logistics and training planning)
Annex B. Resources
Glossary

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 30 at 2017 5:23 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 17:23:50 -0400

Well I'm not a first responder, so you probably shouldn't cite me. But my mother has worked as an EMT/Paramedic almost my entire life so I've heard a few stories of the job.

I'd probably say this falls under Lesson 9 Planning... or maybe even Lesson 1 the Theory of Emergency Management.

I'm from the North. It snows in the north. Anyone who doesn't know or accept that as a factual statement probably shouldn't live in the North. Well believe it or not, there are people out there who believe it is an EMTs job to shovel your driveway and walkways. Think about that... I'm not talking elderly folk either. Someone has called 9-1-1 complaining about breathing problems or a cough and then expects the EMTs to shovel the driveway.

Imagine a loved one having a stroke or some other serious health issue only to find out resources were diverted elsewhere because someone believes "their tax dollars" entitles them to a shoveled driveway.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 30 at 2017 5:53 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 17:53:45 -0400

I am willing to assist Ma'am. I have been an EMT since 1993, volunteer as a FF/Paramedic currently, and my graduate education is in emergency and disaster management. What specific questions might you have?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 30 at 2017 7:03 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 19:03:29 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member If You Call Me? A Nuclear Spook! Things have gone Horribly Wrong. Yes, I am pretty sure I am on the "Roll Call" for worst case FEMA Nuclear Disaster, I ask All Your Forgiveness if I come at You dressed in a "Poopy Suit" and use a Plastic Medical Brush to remove several layers of Your Skin. If it gives You any Comfort, It was Done to Me

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 30 at 2017 9:29 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 21:29:11 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member - This looks like an awesome project! Hope it goes well. I have a story that MIGHT fit into the Lesson #4 category. It's a bit lengthy to post here but might fit in your chapter. Basically, had a trauma call went south every way possible (IV failed, ET tube dislodged, monitor battery failed, stable to cardiac arrest, etc). If you think it's something you can use, I'll get it typed up and sent to you.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made May 3 at 2017 11:07 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Wed, 03 May 2017 23:07:45 -0400

I'm a volunteer firefighter, and there are multiple past & present first responders in my family (including a county Emergency Management director). I would be glad to help, and pass this along to them as well.

Response by PO2 John Crabbe made Jun 5 at 2017 12:14 AM

PO2 John Crabbe — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:14:09 -0400

Just coming across this now and could perhaps be of help. I served as a DCman in the Navy and currently a career FF paramedic. There are a couple experiences I think would stand out here, but don't want to post it here, now.....just don't know if you have enough already or the level of current involvement.....you can email at [login to see] if you would like