First responders or emergency workers are people equipped with specialized training and the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency such as disasters and calamities.
They are the first to provide assistance to the victims.
First responders typically include military and police personnel, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, rescuers, and other trained members of non-government organizations connected in this line of work.
Before they go to action, this personnel are briefed of certain protocols as their tasks are crucial not only in bringing the victims to safety but also in securing their own lives.
Before Deployment
According to Mark Timbal, the Spokesperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), responders should be duly registered or accredited by the NDRRMC especially if they will be doing high-risk assignments.
They must be equipped with complete “Personal Protective Equipment” (PPE) or gear and must observe safety first among other tasks.
A responder’s PPE should include a mask, eye goggles, and helmet among others depending on the necessity based on the situation at hand.
“Hindi ka dapat susuong sa sitwasyon na iyon na wala kang proteksyon (You should not proceed if you are not in protective gear),” Timbal said.
“May mga hindi dapat isuot at may mga dapat isuot (There is a protocol on what to wear and not to wear),” he added.
While on Site
Upon reaching the calamity area, primary or general assessment should be made to be able to properly plan for the next course of action.
Responders also need rest so it is necessary to take a short break to recover their energy.
If need be, a responder must call for additional responders, and if he thinks he cannot do it, he must back off and not push through with the rescue operation if the situation poses more danger.
After rescue operation
It is important to dispose of used items properly like syringes and other materials that are potentially infectious.
It should be a routine for responders to maintain personal hygiene while it is also necessary to clean all equipment for future use – sterilize and decontaminate.
A responder’s uniform means responsibility and authority.
Therefore, it shouldn’t be worn anywhere like ordinary apparel but only during an official rescue operation.
“Nagsusuot sila ng mga special suits nila doon sa area (They wear special suits when they go to the area),” Timbal explained.
“Ang ginagawa nila pagkatapos, huhubarin po ito para linisin doon at isasabit uli at itatago up until such time na gagamitin na ulit siya (After operation, they will clean the uniform and keep it until such time that they need to wear it again),” he added.
First responders or emergency workers put their lives on the line to keep people safe therefore, they should protect themselves first in order to protect others. MNP (with inputs from Dante Amento)
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