How to Set Up a First-Side Response Team

Some buildings, businesses, communities or schools use first-side response teams to deal with an immediate crisis. While waiting for emergency personnel to respond to an incident, the first-side response team follows documented procedures to maintain safety. During natural disasters, response teams may help to educate the community about resources or procedures along with providing manpower for local law enforcement. Local emergency services or the fire department may help you to set up a response team for your business.

Things You'll Need

• Volunteers
• Procedures

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose the members for your first-side response team. If you are setting up a response team at your business or school, pick people with specialized training or knowledge to participate in the team. For larger response teams, such as in the community, ask for volunteers.

• 2

  Set up a system for notifying the response team during an incident. You may use a paging system, text messages or an instant message. For paging or intercom notification, choose an appropriate code word if necessary.

• 3

  Establish clear documented procedures for the duties of the response team. Try to think of all possible scenarios and appropriate ways to handle them. Assign someone to be the leader of the group. You also need someone to call emergency personnel when needed.

• 4

  Provide training for your first-side response team. Local Red Cross chapters often offer CPR and first aid classes for a nominal fee. Other helpful training may include crisis intervention or conflict resolution.

• 5

  Practice with your first-side response team before an actual emergency. Hold drills so that every member can feel comfortable with the procedures. Ensure that you have the appropriate emergency equipment, like a first-aid kit or a fire extinguisher, if necessary for your response team.