Managing Emergency Situations on Group Outings

LifeQuest, Inc.

The LifeQuest, Inc. Outing SAFETY PLAN Before going on

an outing, each person will decide which group they will be in. This will be recognized by the staff who are attending the outing.

Each group should consist of 3 or more people

Safety On Outings

It is important that staff know your plans if shopping or dining in an area with several restaurants or stores. This way, if there is an emergency, staff can know where to look for you.

In an emergency situation: It is important to follow directions—

exit, or re-locate as needed. If everyone does this in an orderly fashion, your chances of “being OK” are much better!

It is important to stay with your group! Do not separate for any reason!WHY? There is safety in numbers If one group member gets lost,

others can be put at risk looking for that one person

If a member becomes injured or ill, the others can call for help

Types of Emergencies

There are four types of emergencies that we will discuss in this presentation. In these types of emergencies, it will be your knowledge and ability to act quickly that will make a difference:

Medical Emergencies Fire/Building Safety Emergencies Severe Weather Dangerous Individual

Medical Emergency Medical Emergencies-one of

your group members may become injured or ill—it’s important to determine the difference between: Minor medical emergencies

include: upset stomach, headache, sore throat, etc… someone is not feeling well and may need to return to the building

Major medical emergencies include: loss of consciousness, seizures, large/deep wounds

Minor and Major Medical Emergencies If your group member is experiencing a MINOR

medical emergency, it is important to locate staff. The person may need to return to the building.

If your group member is experiencing a MAJOR medical emergency, it is important to call for assistance immediately. One person needs to find assistance, while others stay with the ill/injured person. Do not separate to try to find staff! Once there is assistance, staff needs to be paged/notified. If a group member has a cell phone, they may call LifeQuest, Inc. to have the QP contact staff with the problem

Fire or Building Safety Issue

In the event of a fire/building safety issue, you will need to exit the building in an orderly fashion. Make sure your group is together at all times.

If this happens, you should meet back at the van so staff can make sure everyone is accounted for. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq

wPyPlCOQk

Severe Weather

There are many types of severe weather, but the most unpredictable form of severe weather is a tornado. In the event of a tornado, you will be safest by finding a structure such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway to seek shelter.

In a tornado…

You do not want to be anywhere near: Windows (because glass will break and can cut

you) Outside walls (because debris can fly through

outside walls and harm you)You do need to seek shelter in an area that: Is a small, internal room, such as bathroom,

closet, or hallway On the lowest floor possible Does not have windows or potential hazardous

items that could cause injury in strong windshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76vVb591msE

Dangerous Individual

While it is extremely rare, there may be a situation in which a dangerous individual is in the area. In these situations, it is important that you act quickly, instead of “freeze” in fear.

Dangerous IndividualIf you are ever in a situation where

it seems that a person is following you, or harassing you in any way, and you feel unsafe, you need to contact staff and let them know. Wait near an area where people are working, such as a cashier or customer service, until staff arrives.

Again, if a group member has a cell phone, they may call LifeQuest, Inc. to inform the QP, who will then contact staff about the issue.

Dangerous Individual

On June 21, 2013, while many members of the LifeQuest, Inc. group were on an outing in Greenville, NC, an individual with a gun randomly shot four people in the Walmart and Kellum Law Firm parking lot. Thankfully, the LifeQuest, Inc. group was not close enough to be affected by the incident—however, it is a good idea to know what to do should something like this ever happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

“Run, Hide, Fight”If you are in a situation in which there is an active shooter

in the area, these three actions can save your life:

1. Run—find the nearest exit and leave. Get to a safe location, and notify the authorities.

2. Hide—if you cannot exit the area, you need to hide. The best case scenario is being able to hide in a locked room, such as a bathroom. Be sure to be quiet/turn your cellphone ringer off.

3. Fight—this is ONLY if you cannot run or hide. If you choose to fight, try to get others to help you. Follow through with your actions.

Don’t Worry…excessivelyEmergency situations are scary, that’s a

fact.However, the purpose of this presentation is

not to bring up possible “scary” scenarios, but to prepare you. By being prepared, your chances of overcoming the situation and surviving increase GREATLY!

REMEMBER!!

In any emergency, it is highly important that you stay with your group and in a safe location!

If you have a cell phone, you may call LifeQuest, Inc. to have them alert your staff person to the situation and your location

Ways to Help Yourself… Whenever you enter a store or restaurant, etc…,

be mindful of where the exits and bathrooms are, in case you need to get there in a hurry.

Act QUICKLY in the event of an emergency. Don’t stand around and see what everyone else is doing, first.

Make sure your group stays together! Know the LifeQuest, Inc. phone number:

252-975-8080 (emergencies ONLY)

REVIEW1. How many people should be in a group?2. What should the group leader do if a member of their group

experiences a medical emergency?3. What should the group leader do if the group is unable to meet

with staff during an emergency?4. what is the procedure in the event of a fire or building safety

issue?5. What is the procedure in the event of a dangerous individual?

What three actions do we need to remember?6. What is the procedure in the event of dangerous weather?7. Where does the group need to meet if instructed to exit the

building?8. What is the wrong way to respond to emergencies?9. Why do we need to review this information?10.Is it better to wait and see what everyone else is doing, or act

quickly to be safe?11.What is the LifeQuest, Inc. phone number?12.Which is the best time to call LifeQuest, Inc.: (a.) Your group

members are not getting along OR (b.) a group member fainted?