As activity increases across clubs and training centres during the busy summer season, it is important to ensure that emergency access arrangements are reviewed and clearly understood by staff, instructors, volunteers and members.
In the event of an incident requiring external assistance, rapid access for emergency services can make a significant difference. Planning ahead helps ensure that emergency responders can reach the scene quickly and safely when required.
The Principal Emergency Services in Ireland include An Garda Síochána, the Ambulance Service, Fire Service and the Irish Coast Guard. In the event of a Major Emergency, the designated Principal Response Agencies are An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities.
It is important to remember that once an external emergency service arrives on site and assumes responsibility for the incident, operational control transfers to that service. The role of the club or training centre representative is then to provide a clear briefing, assist where requested and support the response effort.
Every club and training centre should identify and maintain a designated emergency access route. This route should be agreed in advance, documented where appropriate, and kept clear at all times.
Consider the following:
• Is there a clear route for ambulances, fire appliances or Coast Guard vehicles to reach the site?
• Are gates, barriers or access controls easily opened in an emergency?
• Is there a clear corridor from the entrance of the facility to the water's edge?
• Do key personnel know how to direct emergency services upon arrival?
Emergency planning should also consider how responders can access the location from the water. Clubs and training centres should ensure that launch areas, pontoons, slipways and shoreline access points are clearly identified and understood by those responsible for managing activities afloat.
A well-considered emergency access plan is a simple but essential part of safe operations. Taking the time to review access arrangements now can help ensure a faster and more effective response should assistance ever be required.