Major Emergency Management Initial Response (OPITO)

The MEM training is directed towards individuals who (1) are designated as being in charge or, (2) are members of or (3) provide support to an EMT in an emergency. This training program will introduce management principles as the first stage of development for emergency managers.

General Course Objectives:
Individuals should have gained an understanding and have used the following in the training scenarios:

• Review, manage and assess the information available in an emergency situation in a timely manner
• Establish priorities and take effective action
• Implement predetermined emergency plans and procedures in the context of the current emergency
• Efficiently communicate information and instructions
• Keeping appropriate agencies informed through the support ERT
• Monitor and control resources
• Evaluate progress and communicate changes in plans and priorities
• Effectively delegate authority and manage individuals and teams
• Recognize and deal with stress in themselves and others

Course Modules and Competency:
The following modules and elements will be delivered:

• Module 1 Theory of Major Emergency Management
  • Element 1.1 Major Emergencies that can Occur
  • Element 1.2 The Emergency Manager
  • Element 1.3 The Emergency Command Centre facilities and Information Management
  • Element 1.4 Pre-Planning and Maintaining a State of Readiness
  • Element 1.5 Dealing with Stress
• Module 2 Practical Elements of Major Emergency Management
  • Element 2.1 Assessing the Situation
  • Element 2.2 Taking Effective Action
  • Element 2.3 Maintaining Communications
  • Element 2.4 Delegating Authority
  • Element 2.5 Managing Self and Team

Course Outline:

• Type A – a major emergency that is readily controllable if managed appropriately
• Type B – a major emergency which could escalate if not controlled
• Type C – a major emergency that the EM is unable to control leading to a full evacuation of the facility

Which should include all of the following events across the range of Type A/B/C scenarios:

• Injured Personnel
• Multiple Casualties
• Loss of Containment
• Loss of Communications
• Loss of evacuation, muster points or temporary refuge
• Stressed Personnel
• Missing Personnel
• Extreme weather conditions
• Loss of essential facilities
• Rapidly developing situations
• Evacuation of the facility
• Environmental concerns and effects
• Loss of key personnel

The Course Format:
Following a short period of classroom study, the delegates enter a command center simulator in which they will each experience, at least once in the role of emergency manager (EM), the Realism of several major events. Table top discussions of some of the generic emergency scenarios will prepare the delegates for the exercises; in other cases they are given an emergency scenari without any prior knowledge. A post-exercise debrief will be held where an appraiser will comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the individual and the team performance.

Following the training and validation the delegates will received an Major Emergency Management Initial Response training certificate and a written analysis of any gaps that exist in the delegates current managerial knowledge and capabilities for commanding the response to a major emergency.

Prerequisites:
There are no specific pre-requisites for the MEM training programme. However, the delegate must be able to demonstrate suitable exposure within his/her sphere of influence. There is no expiry date for Major Emergency Management Training Certificate.