By Ed Wolff, MS, CEM, MEP
One of the most common themes within the emergency management, homeland security and business continuity community today is the concept of creating a “culture of preparedness.” Still, the fundamental question that we need to ask is where or how do we create this “culture?”
Having dealt with many boots-on-the-ground incidents spanning five continents over the past 36 years, my response is that we start at home and in the work place. After all, if we as contingency planning professionals (and our families) are not adequately prepared, how can we expect our coworkers, subordinates and the people we serve to adopt a culture of preparedness for themselves?
To answer this question and others, I will be writing a series of blog posts that address personal readiness and resiliency. To kick things off, let’s look at the foundation of preparedness, which is typically training. Training, as you well know, can take on many areas. So, for the purpose of this post, I will keep it at a higher level.
Be Part of the Solution, Not Part of the Disaster
Time and again, I have heard that we don’t need to train; we just need to do. I disagree, and here’s why.
Just last week, I was on a cross country redeye when I heard that infamous “ding-ding-ding,” followed by “if there is a medical professional on board, please ring your call button.” There was a medical emergency on board and they needed assistance. No one responded to the request. So, as the flight attendant ran by, I grabbed him and offered my assistance. (As part of my personal training, I maintain an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician license.) Two hours later, we safely landed and handed off a passenger who was doing much better than when I first made contact. For that person, my training paid off.
A Culture of Preparedness at Home
Now let’s place this real-life scenario in a disaster environment. The power is out; EMS is overwhelmed; law enforcement is doing their best to maintain a safe environment for everyone; and, suddenly, a family member gets hurt. Do you or anyone in your household have at least basic first aid skills to help one other or your neighbors? Better yet, do have a comprehensive first aid or medical kit at home, in your car, and at you