If the Disaster Response Plan is activated, what is the first action you should take?

When the Disaster Response Plan is activated, the first action you should take is to review the Mass Casualty or Safety manual for procedures. This step is essential because it provides vital guidelines and protocols that need to be followed during an emergency situation. The manual typically includes specific steps to ensure safety and effective response, detailing how to manage the situation according to established procedures.

By reviewing these guidelines first, you ensure that you are acting within the framework of your organization’s response plan, which helps to facilitate a coordinated and systematic approach to the incident. It encourages the organization to prioritize documented safety measures, as these are designed to protect both staff and patients effectively.

Taking actions such as evacuating the building, notifying staff to cease operations, or calling emergency services may be necessary steps, but they should follow a careful review of the established procedures to ensure that you are responding correctly to the specific circumstances of the disaster.