Points to Consider When Developing an Emergency Action Plan.
Checklist for Facility Safety Audits
The
following points should be considered when developing an emergency action plan:
Chain of Command: The
chain of command
or table of organization should be included so that all persons clearly know and
understand the lines and limits of authority and responsibility for their own
position and those of others in the structure. This must be clearly understood
by the coaches and all staff.
Local Ordinances: State
or local ordinances should be checked. Facility standards, policies and
procedures should be updated to coincide with all ordinances. This information
can be obtained from health departments, police and fire department and local
utility companies.
Record Keeping: Past
records of injuries and emergencies should be reviewed and analyzed. These
records will give insight into the causes of previous injuries and the action
that was taken by the staff
during these situations. Conditions such as weather, number of swimmers, number
of coaches on duty and any other influencing factors should he considered.
Action plans should be established for the most common possible injuries.
Public Safety Personnel:
Public safety personnel
should be consulted and involved in the development of emergency plans. Police,
fire and EMS personnel can provide valuable information about response times,
lines and limits of authority and the amount and types of assistance that are
available and that may be needed. Emergency personnel who are expected to
respond to a call from a facility should be given clear directions on how to
find and approach the facility. The directions to the facility should be posted
by the telephone, enabling anyone to direct safety personnel to the facility.
The participation of public safety personnel will help to establish a smooth
transition process for the victim and all of the staff who are involved in an
emergency.
First Aid Area: An
area should be designated for first aid care for all victims of accident or
illness. When there is no danger of causing further injury, victims should be
moved to the First Aid area as soon as possible. The area should be as private
as possible, with easy access for rescue personnel. The location of the first
aid area should be known to all staff. All personnel and equipment that will be
used in this area should be specified so that there will be no confusion during
an emergency. This area should have clear identification, such as “Emergency
First Aid Room.”
Equipment: All
rescue and first aid equipment should be inspected on a regular basis and should
be easily accessible. Any piece of equipment that is not in good condition
should be removed and repaired or replaced immediately.
Emergency
Procedures: While a coach
may be the first to respond to an emergency, assistant coaches, swimmers and
lifeguards should have responsibilities in the event of an emergency. All
appropriate staff, plus swimmers included in this plan, should rehearse the
procedures at least once a month. Included in this plan should be determining
the wind direction for appropriate evacuation upwind from chlorine gas at an
outdoor facility.
Determination
of wind direction by a quick glance at the backstroke flags will help in proper
evacuation procedures.
Repetition
develops confidence and the likelihood that procedures will be conducted
competently. Coaches must remember that in all cases their main responsibility
is the safety of the swimmers. They must remain calm in all situations and do
what they are trained to do.
Equipment Replacement: The
facility management should make arrangements to replace all equipment and
material used during an emergency as soon as possible. For example, if a victim
has a suspected spinal injury and is transported to medical care on the
facility’s backboard, a second board should be available.
Reports
and Records: All injuries
and rescues should be reported in writing. A system of records and reports
should be developed, and every coach and lifeguard should be thoroughly trained
in the proper procedures for filling out and filing Occurrence Reports.
Checklist for Facility Safety Audits
Natatorium
Decks clean and fee of debris
Lights functioning
Fire Alarm boxes undamaged
Fire extinguishers undamaged and charged
Entry/Exit light visible and unobstructed
Stairs/ladders functional
Bulkheads secure
Diving stands functioning
Lifeguard equipment undamaged and functional
Bleachers free of debris/functional
Lifeguard stands in position and functional
Custodial equipment stored
First Aid equipment complete
Slide undamaged an operating
Water is clear and free of debris
Drinking fountain clean and functional
Plugs undamaged/covered/GFI working
Doors operating
Locker Rooms/Restrooms
Floor clean
Soap dispensers functioning
Mirrors undamaged
Lights operating
Stall doors operating