MAJOR INCIDENT POLICY

This document aims to outline the meaning of a Major Incident and identifies the difference between such and a Critical Incident. It provides examples of what is normally considered to be a Major Incident and should be read in conjunction with the Fire Safety Policy. It outlines the procedures to be undertaken.

WHAT IS A MAJOR INCIDENT?

A Major Incident has serious consequences and requires special arrangements from, and is declared as such by one or more emergency services. Major incidents can involve serious harm, damage, disruption, or risk to human life. It can include road, rail, air, waterway incidents, explosions, chemical spills, radiation incidents, terrorist acts, crowd-related incidents, oil pollution, fire or building collapse.

For our purposes, it will be considered as a significant event like a fire, medical emergency, structural damage, or severe weather necessitating a co-ordinated response from emergency services to protect people and property.

CRITICAL INCIDENT

Critical incidents have severe consequences and need urgent attention. Incidents may need urgent attention but may not be a Major Incident.

MAJOR INCIDENT RESPONSE

Major incidents are likely to require a multi-agency response and are beyond the scope of business as-usual operations.

Major incident stages have four stages: initial response, consolidation phase, recovery phase, and restoration of normality.

1. INITIAL RESPONSE

Identify the incident:

The first person on the scene should quickly assess the situation and determine the nature and severity of the incident.

Raise the alarm

Immediately activate the emergency alarm system, including calling emergency services (fire brigade, ambulance and police) and notify the designated key contacts within the village hall management committee.

Evacuation ProcedureInitiate a clear and well- practiced evacuation plan (as in the fire safety policy), ensuring all occupants are safely evacuated from the premises, using the designated exits and assembly points.

First Aid Response

If necessary, administer first aid to injured individuals according to their training level.

2. COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION:

Designated communication points:

First on the scene should identify specific individuals for contacting emergency services, informing key stakeholders (e.g. local councils, community leaders) and updating the public about the situation. (Remember the value of social media)

Incident Log:

Maintain a detailed record of the incident, including the time of the incident, details of the event, actions taken, and the names of individuals involved until relieved by a member of the emergency services.

Public Address System:

Use a public address system, if available, to provide clear instructions and updates to occupants during the emergency.

3. SPECIFIC INCIDENT PROCEDURES:

Fire: (see Fire Safety Policy)

Activate Fire alarms and use extinguishers, if safe to do so.

Follow fire evacuation procedures, directing people to the designated exits.

Ensure everyone is accounted for at the assembly point.

Medical Emergency:

Immediately call for medical assistance.

Provide basic first aid if qualified.

Ensure the affected person is comfortably positioned and monitored until professional help arrives.

Structural Damage:

Evacuate the building immediately if structural integrity is compromised. Secure the area to prevent further access.

Contact relevant professionals to assess the damage.

4. POST INCIDENT ACTIONS:

Debriefing:

Gather individuals to review the incident, identify the areas for improvement, and document the lessons learned.

Incident report:

Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the incident, actions taken, and any necessary follow-up actions.

Safety checks:

Conduct thorough inspections of the hall to ensure safety systems are operational and any damage is addressed.

Training Review:

Evaluate the effectiveness of existing emergency training and update procedures as needed.

5. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

Regular training:

Conduct regular emergency drills for all staff and users of the Village Hall to ensure familiarity with procedures.

Clear Signage:

Display emergency signage throughout the hall, including evacuation routes and assembly points.

Emergency Kits:

Maintain well-stocked emergency kits with first aid supplies, communication devices, and essential equipment.

Local coordination:

Collaborate with local emergency services to ensure a coordinated response in case of a major incident.