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Responding to an emergency or major incident

An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) contains framework consisting of action cards that can be followed for responding to and recovering from an emergency or major incident.

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    Find an action card within an ERP category


JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles)

ERPs refer to the national framework for joint working set out in the JESIP.

M/ETHANE

The first responder on the scene should relay an initial report using the JESIP M/ETHANE model. This is a structure for responders and their control rooms to share incident information.

Major incident

Is this a major incident – yes or no?

Decide whether the situation should be declared a major incident. It may be a major incident for your service but not others.

If no, continue complete an “ETHANE” message but regularly review the situation in case the incident escalates and becomes a major incident at a later stage.

Exact location

Be as accurate as possible, use street names, landmarks, building numbers and post codes. You may also consider using GPS coordinates, latitude and longitude or what3words where these are accepted and understood by your organisation.

Type of incident

Define the exact nature of the incident, for example, road traffic collision, explosion or building collapse.

Hazards

Include the hazards that are known to be present or suspected, and those that could potentially arise.

Access

Describe the routes that are safe to use and provide access to the incident. This should also include access to any relevant Rendezvous Point (RvP). In the case of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incident, it may also include areas to avoid. Consider egress routes as some organisations will come and go from the incident such as the ambulance service transporting casualties.

Number of casualties

Determine the number of casualties and if possible the level and severity of injuries.

Emergency services

Which, and how many, emergency responder agencies are required or are already on-scene?


MIPP (Major Incident Public Portal)

Some ERPs may require us to record survivor and casualty details through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).