Welcome to my World!

This is what I do. Although I'm a paramedic, my day job is an emergency planner in the NHS ambulance service. (South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust).

It's fair to say that the World has never been the same since September 11th 2001. We live in a climate of continual threat of terrorist attacks. The national threat level remains at SEVERE - An attack is highly likely. Because we've been at this level for so long, the danger is that people start acceting this as the new normality. But we have to continue to remember that the threat is real, the threat is extreme and the threat is right here, right now.

Something I teach ambulance staff is STEPs 1-2-3.

Standing for "Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel" STEPs 1-2-3 describes what you should do if you come across collapsed casualties (for no obvious reasons).

STEP 1

If you come across 1 collapsed person (for no obvious reason) then approach with caution but use normal procedures.

STEP 2

If you come across 2 collapsed persons (for no obvious reason) then approach with caution. Report your location and keep your control room up to date with what is going on. (METHANE or SAD CHALET situation reports).

STEP 3

If you come across 3 or more collapsed persons (for no obvious reason) then you should:

• Withdraw to an uphill and upwind position
• Give your control room a METHANE sitrep.
• Try and prevent others from entering the area. (Under UK law, ambulance staff are not permitted to forcebly prevent others from entering such an area).
• Await further and specialist help.
  

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has this and other advice here.

If you would like furhter help and assistance then please email me at john.dyer@hantsam.nhs.uk