Disaster- it can strike anywhere, anytime. It takes many forms from earthquakes to floods and can build over days and weeks, or hit suddenly without warning. BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) staff actively participate in emergency planning, mock disaster exercises and other joint training initiatives to ensure disaster preparedness and response capabilities are identified and deployed quickly and effectively when they are needed most.
Another way BCAS works to ensure that paramedics are prepared to respond to and recover from major emergencies, is the Emergency Management Office (EMO). Based in Vancouver, BC, the EMO provides provincial oversight and direction in the planning of multi-casualty incidents, major emergency situations that involve multiple patients at one scene. The team also provides guidance in the areas of hazard recognition and risk assessment, by identifying and documenting the hazards that pose the greatest threat at the station, regional and provincial levels and developing strategies to manage these risks. In addition, the EMO provides direction and advice regarding major incident support and hazardous substance and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive response.
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