Emergency Response and Crisis Management

**ABCDE approach #

** A systematic method for assessing and prioritizing the treatment of multiple casualties in an emergency situation. ABCDE stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.

**Active shooter #

** An individual who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. Active shooter situations are a type of emergency that require a specific response plan.

**Area of Refuge (AOR) #

** A location in a building where people can go during an emergency to await assistance or further instructions. AORs are typically designated areas that are easily accessible, have communication capabilities, and are located away from danger.

**Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) materials #

** Hazardous substances that can cause harm to people, the environment, and property. CBRNE materials include chemicals, biological agents, radiological materials, nuclear materials, and explosives.

**Command and Control (C2) #

** The process of directing and coordinating the response to an emergency. C2 involves establishing a clear chain of command, providing clear and concise instructions, and ensuring that all response teams are working together effectively.

**Communications plan #

** A plan that outlines how information will be shared during an emergency. A communications plan should include details on how to contact response teams, how to communicate with the public, and how to share information with other response organizations.

**Crisis Management Team (CMT) #

** A team of individuals responsible for managing the response to a crisis or emergency. The CMT typically includes representatives from various departments and organizations, and is responsible for coordinating the response, making decisions, and communicating with stakeholders.

**Crowd management plan #

** A plan that outlines how to manage large groups of people during an emergency. A crowd management plan should include details on how to direct people to safety, how to communicate with crowds, and how to manage evacuations.

**Decontamination #

** The process of removing hazardous substances from people, equipment, or buildings. Decontamination is an important part of the response to emergencies involving CBRNE materials.

**Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) #

** A plan that outlines how an organization will recover from a disaster or emergency. A DRP should include details on how to restore operations, how to recover data, and how to communicate with stakeholders.

**Emergency Action Plan (EAP) #

** A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency. An EAP should include details on how to respond to different types of emergencies, how to communicate with response teams, and how to evacuate the building.

**Emergency Operations Center (EOC) #

** A central location where response teams can coordinate their efforts during an emergency. The EOC typically includes communication equipment, maps, and other resources needed to manage the response.

**Emergency Response Plan (ERP) #

** A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency. An ERP should include details on how to respond to different types of emergencies, how to communicate with response teams, and how to evacuate the building.

**Exposure Control Plan (ECP) #

** A plan that outlines how to prevent or minimize exposure to hazardous substances. An ECP should include details on how to handle CBRNE materials, how to protect responders, and how to decontaminate equipment and buildings.

**First aid #

** The initial care given to a person who has been injured or become ill. First aid may include cleaning wounds, applying bandages, and administering medication.

**Hazardous materials #

** Substances that can cause harm to people, the environment, or property. Hazardous materials include chemicals, biological agents, radiological materials, nuclear materials, and explosives.

**Incident Command System (ICS) #

** A standardized management system used to respond to emergencies. ICS establishes a clear chain of command, defines roles and responsibilities, and ensures that all response teams are working together effectively.

**Mass casualty incident (MCI) #

** An emergency situation in which a large number of people are injured or killed. MCIs require a coordinated response from multiple response teams.

**Medical emergency #

** An emergency situation in which a person requires immediate medical attention. Medical emergencies can include heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries.

**National Incident Management System (NIMS) #

** A nationwide system for managing emergencies. NIMS provides a standardized approach to incident management, ensuring that response teams from different organizations can work together effectively.

**Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) #

** A federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. OSHA sets and enforces safety standards, provides training and education, and conducts research and investigations.

**Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) #

** Equipment worn to protect against hazards. PPE can include gloves, masks, respirators, and protective clothing.

**Rehabilitation #

** The process of restoring a person to normal physical and mental health after an injury or illness. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.

**Rescue #

** The act of freeing a person from a dangerous situation. Rescue may include removing debris, providing medical care, and transporting the person to safety.

**Risk assessment #

** The process of identifying and evaluating potential risks. A risk assessment should include details on the likelihood and potential impact of different risks, as well as strategies for mitigating those risks.

**Safety Data Sheet (SDS) #

** A document that provides information on a hazardous chemical, including its physical and chemical properties, potential hazards, and safety measures. SDSs are required by OSHA for all hazardous chemicals.

**Shelter #

in-place:** A protective action taken during an emergency to remain indoors and protect oneself from outside hazards. Shelter-in-place may be necessary during chemical, biological, or radiological emergencies.

**Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) #

** Written procedures that outline how to perform specific tasks or functions. SOPs ensure that tasks are performed consistently and safely.

**Terrorism #

** The use of violence or threats of violence to achieve a political or ideological goal. Terrorism is a form of emergency that requires a specific response plan.

**Unified Command (UC) #

** A management structure used during complex emergencies involving multiple response organizations. UC establishes a single command structure for all response teams, ensuring that everyone is working together effectively.

**Violence in the Workplace Prevention Program (VWWPP) #

** A program that outlines how to prevent and respond to workplace violence. A VWWPP should include details on how to identify potential threats, how to de-escalate situations, and how to report incidents.

**Volunteer Management Plan (VMP) #

** A plan that outlines how to manage volunteers during an emergency. A VMP should include details on how to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, as well as how to recognize and reward their contributions.

**Warning System #

** A system for alerting people to an emergency or potential emergency. Warning systems can include sirens, public address systems, and emergency alert messages.

**Workplace Emergency Response Team (WERT) #

** A team of employees trained to respond to emergencies in the workplace. WERT members are responsible for evacuating the building, providing first aid, and communicating with response teams.