Essential Functions of Emergency Crews in the Workplace
Emergency Response Teams: Roles and Responsibilities
1. Organization of Emergency Crews
Depending on the type and activity of the company, emergency crews should be composed of:
- Chief of Emergency
- Head of Intervention
- Second Intervention Team
- First Intervention Team
- Alarm and Evacuation Team
- First Aid Team
- Equipment Safety Team
Regardless of these teams, a number of people will assume an important role in the organization of the brigade:
- Security Service
- Telephonist
- Concierge or Night Guard
2. Core Functions of Emergency Crews
Chief of Emergency
There must always be a Chief of Emergency, and there should be as many as needed to ensure there is always one available in the company. However, during an emergency, only one person will be in charge. The Chief will be sent to the affected area and determine if external aid is necessary.
The Chief shall be familiar with all the facilities and areas of greatest danger, such as flammable tanks, gas pipes, and electrical systems.
Intervention Leader
The Intervention Leader is the person who, once at the site of the emergency, assesses the situation and provides information to the Management and Coordination Team and the Second Intervention Team, informing the Chief of Emergency at all times.
First Intervention Team (FIT)
This team will consist of one or two people for each section or floor.
Each member should be familiar with the risks in their area of influence and know how to use the fire extinguishers available in that area. They will be responsible for reviewing the fire extinguishers on each floor and triggering the alarm on their floor in case of fire.
Second Intervention Team (SIT)
The Second Intervention Team acts when, in the opinion of the Chief of Emergency and based on the information provided by the Head of Intervention, the situation cannot be controlled by the First Responders Team. This team must have training in firefighting.
Once each team member hears the alarm, they shall proceed to the planned meeting point, being under the command of the Chief of Emergency. Heads of Section/Department will form this team.
Alarm and Evacuation Team
Its members take actions to ensure a full and orderly evacuation of their sector.
It is advisable to integrate the chiefs of each of the zones into this team, with their mission to channel the evacuation of staff in the greatest possible order, informing the Chief of Emergency of any personnel absence detected in their area.
First Aid Team
Its mission is to evacuate personnel who have been trapped and to provide first aid to accident victims.
The team will comprise at least two people, and it is a prerequisite that they be lifeguards. Upon hearing the alarm, they will go to the medicine cabinet in case they have to evacuate anyone.
Material Safety Equipment Team
These people act when required by the Head of Emergency to protect or remove valuable equipment or machinery from the affected area before it is reached by the emergency.
As a general rule, the team will be composed of two or three people.
Telephonist
In general, their functions are:
- Continue on the job.
- Cut the interior and exterior lines in order to be ready to transmit orders received.
- If an emergency threatens the Exchange, move to another phone point upon notice to the Chief of Emergency.