In the vast and remote landscape of rural areas, where help is miles away and resources limited, the reason why first responders are important cannot be overemphasized.
First responders are often the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency or disaster. They are the first reach out to disaster survivors, offering both emotional and physical support. With their presence and expertise, they provide services crucial to both the immediate response and the wellbeing of the community.
The major groups of first responders include emergency medical services (EMS), firefighters, and police officers. First responders are important in rural emergencies because they play a tripartite role of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.
The Role of First Responders in Rural Emergencies
1. Planning
In the planning stage, it is important to take into consideration and make preparations for addressing the needs of first responders. These needs include training, staffing, volunteer support and overall first responder preparedness.
- Training: In the planning phase, identifying first responders and ensuring they complete proper training is essential. This training and education includes formal training, professional certifications, as well as a deep understanding of emergency response protocols, including communication procedures and specific roles and responsibilities. Different groups of first responders are better suited to respond to certain kinds of emergencies. For instance, firefighters would most likely be the most qualified responder in a fire outbreak. In rural areas, the number of first responders available is limited, which means that they occasionally confront emergencies beyond their customary jurisdiction and skillset. As a result, it becomes necessary for these responders to have a general understanding of the potential types of emergencies and disasters that could occur within their community and its environs as well as the immediate priorities when initiating response efforts. The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) offers a range of training programs and resources tailored specifically for rural and tribal emergency responders. First responders are important in rural emergencies because they play an important role in ensuring response is equitable and culturally responsive.
- Staffing and Volunteers: In rural communities, it’s common for local residents to step up as volunteer first responders. These individuals may require extra training since being a first responder is not their primary profession. However, they may have limited time available for comprehensive training. Some rural communities may need to establish contingency plans for situations where first responders are limited. In such instances, it is important to identify available resources and devise a response strategy that account for the absence of first responders. First responder organizations can establish partnerships with schools, religious organizations, and individuals with transferrable skills to contribute to response efforts. Furthermore, retired or inactive first responders may be engaged to fill in staffing gaps.
- First Responder Preparedness: It is crucial that individual first responders and their families are prepared for a response. The following are steps they can take to reduce stress in anticipation of a disaster:
- Build an emergency supply kit
- Make a family emergency plan
- Stay informed about the kinds of emergencies to which they can be called and educate family members about any precautionary measures they should take
- Identify alternate caregivers for children in cases where parents and guardians are actively responding to a disaster.
- Identify alternate care for adults in cases where adult caregivers are actively responding to or affected by a disaster.
- Make preparations for individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, medical and social needs and those with limited English language proficiency.
2. Response
In the response stage, it is highly important to prioritize the safety and well-being of first responders. Emphasis should be placed on refining communication protocols, safeguarding mental health, access to protective gears, and implementing a buddy system for their safety. EMS providers serve as volunteers in many rural areas, and they may not have access to health insurance through their jurisdiction. This absence of health insurance could limit their access to healthcare services or workers’ compensation coverage for issues related to their volunteer EMS roles.
Effective communication and coordination are paramount for both the safety of first responders and the success of their response actions. First responders should maintain an updated contact list of supervisors, response teams, and fellow first responders. They should also establish diverse communication channels, such as radios, mobile phones, and other relevant means. It is worth noting that the choice of communication methods can vary depending on the kind of emergency. Sometimes, communication might be impossible.
First responders contend with various risk factors during a response, such as proximity to and duration of exposure to the disaster, emotions, lack of adequate information, poor leadership support, low sense of safety, and mental and physical injuries on the job. It is crucial to mitigate mental health risks for first responders, and implement strategies like establishing clear communication procedures, instituting a buddy system, and assessing the team’s well-being.
3. Recovery
The mental well-being of first responders is particularly vulnerable during and after a disaster due to their frontline roles. According to the 2018 SAMHSA Supplemental Research Bulletin, a significant 30% of first responders experience behavioral health issues, like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance misuse, and thoughts of suicide. It’s important to recognize and address the mental health concerns of first responders throughout every stage of emergency preparedness.
In the recovery phase, it is important to promote protective factors such as access to professional mental healthcare and peer support. Simultaneously, efforts should be made to diminish factors that pose risks, such as excessive watching of television, avoidant coping mechanisms, and not receiving appreciation for response efforts.
What qualities do First Responders have?
The ideal qualities of a first responder on an emergency scene are as follows:
- Good Communication Skills: Communicating with sick and injured individuals can be a challenge. A good first aider must possess excellent communication skills and a natural ability to talk to people.
- Ability to work in a team: First aiders frequently collaborate with emergency services personnel, especially the ambulance service.
- Ability to work under pressure: A first aider should maintain composure under pressure and be able to handle tasks whilst maintaining awareness of the overall situation.
- Leadership: A first aider might find themselves in a position where they need to assume control of a potentially volatile situation
- Knowledge of their own limits: A first aider should know the limits of their skills and knowledge and be prepared to request further help when required.
- Empathetic: It is the responsibility of a first aider to reassure the victims that everything will be just fine.
- Fitness: Possessing a good level of physical fitness is essential for first aiders to reach the victim timely, pull them out of the situation when needed, and transport them to the emergency services.
- Quick Thinker: First aiders must manage their time efficiently when confronted with an emergency, taking the initiative to assess the situation and quickly come up with a plan.
- Vigilance: A first aider must possess the ability to quickly assess the situation and establish the potential risks to both themselves and the victim.
What are the four steps of a first responder in an emergency situation?
- Assess the situation: This is the paramount initial step any first responder should take. Assessing the situation entails gathering crucial information to gain clear understanding of the nature and scope of the crisis. By taking the time to assess the situation carefully, responders can make informed decisions, prioritize actions, and deploy resources effectively to mitigate the impact of the emergency and ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
- Call emergency services: Calling the emergency services in your region promptly is essential. This initial communication sets the wheels of emergency assistance in motion, ensuring that help arrives as quickly as possible to address the situation.
- Loosen any tight clothing: This action helps improve circulation and ease breathing difficulties, allowing for better assessment and potentially reducing the severity of the situation. It’s a simple yet important measure to ensure the comfort and well-being of the affected individual until professional medical assistance arrives.
- Comfort and communicate: Providing reassurance, staying calm, and offering support helps alleviate anxiety and fear during a crisis. Effective communication is equally essential to relay information, gather details about the situation, and coordinate assistance if needed.
Final Words
In rural emergencies, the importance of first responders cannot be overstated. Their dedication, versatility, and local knowledge are the cornerstones of effective disaster management in remote areas. As the unsung heroes on the frontlines, first responders play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives, property, and communities. Their commitment to training, readiness, and rapid response exemplifies the resilience and strength of rural regions in the face of adversity. In every rural emergency, they stand as beacons of hope and support, embodying the true essence of community and collaboration
