P6- Explain the main considerations when planning and preparing for major incidents
M4- Explain the role of the organisations involved in planning for major incidents
The purpose of emergency planning is to provide an integrated response to major incidents with a view to bringing about a successful end to an incident. Planning and preparation for emergencies and possible major incidents forms a large part of the work of the emergency services and other public services. Emergency plans are drawn up so that, in the event of a major incident, the public services can respond efficiently because they are prepared for it. In this assignment I will be explaining the main considerations when planning and preparing for major incidents and also the role of the organisations involved in planning for major incidents.
When planning for an emergency personnel should; * Know their roles- This means that the person knows what they are required to do * Be competent to carry out the task- This means they are able to carry out their job efficiently and with little guidance. * Have access to resources- They have all the equipment they need to be able to do their job. * Have confidence in other responders- This means that everyone in the team has confidence that everyone in the team is competent at their role.
When emergency planning is undertaken by category 1 responders, a great deal of thought is given to identifying possible risks. A risk is a hazard or threat that could cause serious harm to; * The community * Organisations * Individuals * The nation * The environment
A hazard is anything that can cause harm and a threat is something that is likely to cause harm.
Once the risks have been identified, measures can be put into place to reduce the risk or hazard. Emergency planning is a very complex undertaking but is broken into five main elements;