Emergency Procedures

Contents (In order)

       9-1-1 procedures

    How to call 911

    When to call 911

    What to report

    Introduction

    Contact caretaker or arena staff if:

    Contact school authorities (Principal, etc.) if:

    Security procedures

    Reporting an emergency

    Utility emergency procedures

                   Power failure occurs

                   Gas leak occurs

    Emergency evacuation procedures

    Medical and first aid procedures

    Medical emergency  

    Concussion

    Tornado warning

    Violent or criminal behaviour

   Bomb threat

   Explosion

   Hazardous materials spill

   Fire

   Child Abuse

   Property damage or vandalism

   Theft or burglary

   Suspicious behaviour

   Assaults

   Sexual assaults

   Visitors or trespassers

   Hostage situations

   Armed intruder comes into the gym

Emergency Procedures– Erin Hoops

911 – Emergency # for Ambulance, Fire, Police

9-1-1 PROCEDURES

On any telephone where it is necessary to dial 9 before 911, it is imperative that you immediately state your name, location, and address to the emergency personnel as these lines cannot be traced in the event that the telephone connection is broken.

HOW TO CALL 9-1-1:

• Dial 9-1-1 (No money is required from a pay phone. There is no charge to your cellular phone bill).

• Give the operator the nature of your emergency.

• Give your exact address and nearest cross street.

• Give the phone number from which you are calling.

Give your name.

• DO NOT HANG UP! There may be additional information needed by the operator.

WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1: (if incidents like the following occur:)

• Call 9-1-1 when life and/or property are in immediate danger;

• When you see smoke or a fire;

• When a crime is or has been committed.

• When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed

• physical assault causing bodily harm requiring medical attention;

• sexual assault;

• sexual exposure;

• robbery;

• criminal harassment;

• weapons offences;

• drug offences (e.g., trafficking)

• hate- and/or bias-motivated incidents;

• gang-related incidents;

• extortion;

• threats of serious physical injury;

• incidents of vandalism;

• trespassing incidents; and

• unwanted/unruly visitor or player refuses to leave

The senior Erin Hoops Gym Supervisor (charge person) present at the time the incident is reported/observed is responsible for placing the 911 call.

What to report: REPORT TO CARETAKERS OR ARENA PERSONNEL, ANYTHING YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH, INCLUDING:

* Threats or harassment;

* Persons who ask unusual questions or show unnatural interest in the      organization or an employee;

* Persons asking questions about building layout or design, security measures, staffing, or institutional procedures, and anyone tampering with building equipment or fixtures;

* Any deviation from normal procedures in the building, i.e., open doorways that are usually closed, people wandering about, etc.;

* Unattended packages.

O.P.P. Erin Community Office 833-9113 – some one may not be at this number.

The OPP direct 1-800 number is 1-888-310-1122.

Or you can always use 911, if appropriate.

Poison Control Centre – 1-800-268-9017

Introduction

Erin Hoops has an inherent responsibility for minimizing danger to life and school property arising from emergency situations.  In order to meet these responsibilities Erin Hoops has developed this material.

Contact Caretakers or Arena Staff if:

-         unwanted/unruly visitor or player refuses to leave

-         damage to gym area occurs (Report to Hoops Pres. also)

-         damage to gym area is discovered that has been done by others (Report to Hoops Pres. also)

Contact School Authorities (Principal, etc.) if:

-         student in school has become a problem

-         unauthorized visitors come into gym area

-         student horseplay, swearing etc. is observed

-         police were called for any reason

Security Procedures

-         follow closing procedures fully, report any deviations to caretakers or arena personnel

-         contact caretakers or arena personnel on any building related issue that develops, such as a light has burn out, the floor has been damaged (pop spilt on it), snow drifts in the east gym doors, ceiling fixtures are hanging on emergency chains, etc.

Reporting an Emergency

1. Start by repeating the word “emergency”

2. Identify yourself and your location

3. Describe the nature of the emergency

4. State the location of the emergency

5. Clearly describe the assistance required

6. Remain alert to receive emergency procedures information

7. Do not hang up until instructed to do so.

Utility Emergency Procedures

Power Failure Occurs

Emergency lighting is installed in strategic locations throughout the premises. In the

event of failure of the mains power supply, the emergency lights will activate almost

instantaneously and last for approximately 2 hours.

-         No player movement should take place until directed to do so by an administrator or other person in authority.

-         prolonged power failure – evacuate the gym to the outside (See Evacuation Procedures)

-         lights go off and on again in a flash, because lights take about 5 minutes to resume full illumination, play MUST be stopped completely until lighting is sufficient to see properly.  This takes about 3 minutes.  Flicking the light switches only lengthens the process.

-         Notify caretakers or arena personnel in the building about the power failure.  (Failure may be localized to the gym only.)

Gas Leak Occurs:

Call - 911

1.   If you smell gas and suspect a leak, cease all activities.

2.   DO NOT SWITCH ON OR OFF LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

3.   Immediately evacuate the building by the nearest exit.  Tell people to get out.

4.   Close door to area if possible or applicable as you leave as the last person out.

5.   DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

6.   DO NOT PANIC.

7.   Contact caretakers or arena personnel who will determine if school is to be evacuated and notify the authorities calling 911

8.   Once outside, move away from the building to south west corner of the tennis courts. Keep roadways clear for emergency crews.

9.   DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless authorized to do so by the Fire Department or the Police.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

-          on alarm sounding, DO NOT QUESTION IT, get everyone in gym out east or west emergency exit doorway.  Tell the people where you want them to gather in issuing this direction

-         proceed to an area at the far south-west corner of the tennis court fence. People/players should report to and remain at the nominated assembly area until the situation is stabilized.

-         ensure everyone is off all roadways and walkways

-         check that everyone is out – ask, “Is everyone out?” – “Is everyone you know out?”  If you have a listing of people, do a roll call

-         wait for all clear information to reach you or circle outside building to find out from others what is happening.  Before circling instruct everyone to stay where they are and inform them what you are doing

-         take first aid kit if possible

-         take water bottle(s) if possible

-         take cell phone if possible

-         in a fire situation evacuate with a minimum of personal material. In a bomb threat situation take all your personal material

-         where it is possible in a fire situation, close all doors and windows on departure

-         in a bomb threat situation open all doors and windows

-         prevention of panic is of paramount importance

-         obey directions given by emergency services personnel and security

-         keep all exits / entrances clear at all times

-         do not allow anyone except Emergency Services personnel to re-enter the building while the alarm is sounding.

-         under no circumstances should coaches or players be permitted to go back into the building for any reason.

Person refusing to comply with your directions in an emergency:

Should a person refuse to comply with the directions given by you:

1.  Ensure the person has been clearly advised they are required to evacuate the building.

2.  Notify the Officer-in-Charge of the Emergency whom, at their discretion, may take the appropriate action under law to remove the person.

NB.   It is advisable to have a witness to confirm any refusals. Document any such

incidents. Don’t start an argument.

Medical and First Aid Procedures

-         know where First Aid Kit is located

-         know contents of First Aid Kit

Provide first aid or find someone with the necessary skills who is readily accessible and

willing to manage the situation. Use extreme caution in the administration of first aid.

Preferably, only personnel certified in first aid procedures should administer first aid.

Call for Medical Assistance - 911

1. If serious injury or illness occurs immediately dial 911 for medical assistance. Give your name; describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and the location of the victim. Do not hang up unless released by the emergency operator.

                                  i.             If victim is conscious and oriented, the individual has the right to determine his/her own health care needs and the response to those needs. Under such circumstances, coaches should refrain from forcing unwanted attention on the person

                                 ii.             In circumstances involving a person who is unconscious and/or disoriented, calling 911 is the appropriate response.

2.      Keep the victim still and comfortable until help arrives. Do not move the victim.

3.      In case of a minor injury or illness, player should be provided appropriate first aid.

4.      First Aid and CPR training is available through many agencies, including the local Red Cross.

5.      Parents of players with serious or unusual medical problems/injuries should be notified.  Use alternate emergency number if necessary.

6.      If you need to assist someone, use universal precautions (latex gloves) to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids during and after administration of first aid procedures.   Use a special face mask if you have one, to perform rescue breathing.  Use a barrier, such as a glove, clean cloth, or dressing between your skin and the victim's blood.   Wash your hands immediately after providing first aid.   Clean contaminated surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

1. Check patient for "medic- alert" tags or other identification.

2. Notify the office, request 911 assistance if appropriate and give location.

3. Render emergency first aid if you are trained to do so.

4. Do not leave the patient unattended.

5. Accompany patient to hospital if necessary.

First Aid for Ankle Injuries

• Help player over to side lines.

• Rest ankle by not walking on it

• Elevate injured ankle above the heart level to help prevent swelling

• Do not take of shoe – in fact tighten the shoe laces so shoe helps reduce swelling

• Apply ice as and if appropriate.

Rescue Breathing

• Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.

• Pinch the nose closed.

• Adjust tongue  position, if necessary, to clear throat

• Give two slow breaths into the mouth.

• Breathe into an adult once every five seconds, and for children or infants breathe gently once every three seconds.

• If you are doing the procedure correctly you should see the chest rise and fall.

To Stop Bleeding

• Apply direct pressure to the wound. Always wear latex or rubber gloves when exposed to blood.

• Maintain the pressure until the bleeding stops.

• If bleeding is from an arm or leg, and if the limb is not broken, elevate it above the level of the heart.

Treatment for Shock

• Do whatever is necessary to keep the person's body temperature as close to normal as possible.

• Attempt to rule out a broken neck or back.

• If no back or neck injury is present, slightly elevate the legs.

Choking

• Stand behind the person.

• Place the thumb side of one of your fists against the person's abdomen, just above the navel and well below the end of the breastbone.

• Grasp one fist with the other hand and give an abdominal thrust.

• Repeat until the object comes out.

Dislocated Knee / Shoulder, etc.

Provide first aid. If medical personnel are not on hand at the time of the injury, you should provide first aid care to the extent of your qualifications. Although your CPR and first aid training will guide you here, the following are important notes:

• Do not move the injured player if the injury is to the head, neck, or back; if a large joint (ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder) is dislocated; or if the pelvis, a rib, or an arm or leg is fractured.
• Calm the injured player and keep others away from him or her as much as possible.
• Evaluate whether the player's breathing is stopped or irregular, and if necessary, clear the airway with your fingers.
• Administer artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Administer CPR if the player's circulation has stopped.
• Call 911, asking for ambulance
• Remain with the player until medical personnel arrive

Your emergency plan should follow this sequence:

1. Check the player's level of consciousness.
2. Send a contact person to call the appropriate medical personnel and to call the player's parents.
3. Send someone to wait for the rescue team and direct them to the injured player.
4. Assess the injury.
5. Administer first aid.
6. Assist emergency medical personnel in preparing the player for transportation to a medical facility.
7. Appoint someone to go with the player if the parents are not available. This person should be responsible, calm, and familiar with the player. Assistant coaches or parents are best for this job.
8. Complete an injury report form while the incident is fresh in your mind.

In all cases of injury, do not leave the person unattended, until everything has stabilized or a more qualified person has taken over treatment.

CONCUSSION

Never move an unconscious person.

Symptoms of concussion include:

• Headache
• Irritability
• Confusion/disorientation
• Hyperexcitability
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Visual disturbance
• Amnesia/post traumatic or retrograde
• Concentration difficulty

A athlete rendered unconscious for any period of time OR SUSPECTED OF HAVING A CONCUSSION should not be permitted to return to practice or game in which the head injury occurred. In addition, athlete not should be allowed to return to athletic activities while symptomatic.

Guidelines for players and coaches during a serious player injury LIKE A CONCUSSION are:

• Go to the bench area once medical assistance arrives.
• Keep adequate lines of vision established and maintained between the medical staffs and all available emergency personnel.
• Keep players, parents and unauthorized personnel a significant distance away from the seriously injured player(s).
• Do not touch, move or roll an injured player.
• Do not try to remove the helmet or chin strap or elevate player lying on the field.
• Do not pull an injured teammate or opponent from a pile-up.
• Once the medical staff begins to work on an injured player, allow them to perform services without interruption or interference.

TORNADO WARNING

A Tornado Watch or Severe Weather Warning means tornadoes are likely to develop. Be alert to changing weather conditions and be prepared to take action if the weather situation is upgraded to a Warning. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area. Immediate action may be the difference between life and death.

1.  If you receive notification of a TORNADO WARNING…All people in gym retire to change rooms until all clear is announced.  Use one room rather than both if only one adult is present.  Use GIRLS change room as there are more structures to crawl under. Take first aid kit with you and water bottles if possible.

2.  Once in change room, move players away from doors.

      Initiate DUCK and COVER position…

                   - DUCK - drop to the floor.

      - COVER - in a bent, crouched-over position, bury your face in the crook of your elbow, and place the other hand over the back of the neck.

3.   Avoid gymnasium with its large free-span roof.

4.   Protect your head and face. If possible, get under a benches in change room.

5.   Wait for all clear announcement.

General Tornado Information

Where to Take Cover and Other Precautions

• Know your local emergency numbers.

• If possible, take shelter immediately.

• When swimming or boating, head to shore at the first sign of a storm.

• Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.

• In a house, go to the basement and stay under the stairway or a sturdy work table.

• If the house has no basement, stay on the ground floor in a hallway, small room, closet, or bathroom located in the centre of the house.

• In a high rise building, stay out of elevators, move to lower levels, and seek shelter in a small interior room.

• In a vehicle, if time permits, drive away from the funnel cloud at a right angle.

• In a mobile home, leave and take shelter in a sturdy structure.

• If shelter cannot be found, protect your head with your arms and seek and find safety in a ditch, ravine, culvert or an overpass.

VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

Call Police ­-  911

Everyone on campus is asked to assist in providing a safe environment by being alert to suspicious behavior and promptly reporting the situation to Police at 911.

1.   If you are the victim, observe a criminal act, or observe a suspicious person on campus, immediately notify Police at 911 and report the incident, including the following:

a. Your name.

b. Nature of the incident.

c. Location, date, and time of the incident.

d. Description of person(s) involved.

e. Description of property involved.

2.   Assist the officers when they arrive. Provide additional information upon request.

3.   What to do if you are the victim of a property crime:

a. Go to a safe place and notify Police.

b. Do not touch anything.

c. Meet with the officer at the location the officer requests.

d. Explain to the officer everything you observed, including telling the officer if you touched or moved anything. Follow the officer’s instructions.

4.   What to do if you are the victim of a violent/ personal crime:

a. Be observant, as the more information you can provide, the better the chance the criminal will be apprehended.

b. While a crime is being committed, you have two options:

1. Passive resistance (talking or reasoning with suspect).

2. Active resistance (physical intervention). Remember, whatever you decide to do, you must be prepared both mentally and physically. Your safety is the most important thing to remember during any attack.

c. As soon as possible get to a safe place and notify the Police at 911.  Advise the police of the nature of the incident, location, if medical assistance is needed, and a description of the person(s) involved.

d. Meet with the officer, follow his/her instructions.

BOMB THREAT

Call Police (Fire Department) - 911

Until proven otherwise, all threats are to be treated as real.

1.   If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb.

DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE THE OBJECT!

2.   Clear the area and immediately call Police at 911.

3.   Any person receiving a bomb threat should ask the caller:

a. Exact location of the bomb (building, floor, room, etc.).

b. Time bomb is set to go off.

c. Kind of bomb, timing device, etc.

BOMB THREAT-CALL CHECKLIST:

1. WHEN?  (WILL IT GO OFF)

2. WHERE?  (IS IT LOCATED)

3. WHAT?  (TYPE OF BOMB IS IT)

4. WHAT?  (TYPE OF EXPLOSIVE IS IT)

5. WHY?  (ARE YOU DOING THIS)

6. WHO?  (ARE YOU)

4.   Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following:

a. Date and time of call.

b. Location of alleged bomb.

c. Detonation time of alleged bomb.

d. Type of bomb.

e. Speech pattern, accent, lisp, distinguishing characteristics, etc.

f. Background noises.

g. Critical statements made by caller.

5.   Immediately notify Police (Fire Department) at 911

6.   If the threat of an explosion is imminent, evacuate the building. Activate fire alarm.

7.   Evacuate the building by the nearest available exit.

8.   DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

9.   DO NOT PANIC.

10.  Let Police and Fire Department personnel conduct search for bomb.

11.  Instruct coaches and players not to use cellular phones, pagers and two-way radios during bomb threats.

12.   Once outside, move to south west corner of the tennis courts, away from the affected building.  Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

13.   DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless authorized by the

Fire Department or the Police.

EXPLOSION

Call Police (Fire Department) ­ 911

In the event of an explosion, take the following actions:

Assess the situation, being wary of fallen live wires, spilt flammable/corrosive

liquids, the release of hazardous materials or flammable or toxic gases.

Building will be evacuated unless coaches and players will be in greater danger as a result of the evacuation. The fire alarm can be used to give the evacuation signal to the rest of the building.

1.   Immediately take cover under tables, desks, or under objects which will give protection against falling glass and debris

2.   Activate the building fire alarm

3.   Evacuate the building by the nearest exit. If disabled personnel cannot safely evacuate the building, assist them to the nearest stairwell away from damaged area. Alert emergency personnel of their location

4.   DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. DO NOT PANIC

5.   Once outside, move to the south west corner of the tennis courts, away from the affected building. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. 6.   After the initial effects of the explosion have subsided, call 911.  Give your name, tell them if there is a fire and describe the location and nature of the emergency

7.   Send someone to meet emergency vehicles

8.   DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless authorized by the

Fire Department or the Police.

9.   Provide first aid to the injured.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL

Call Police (Fire Department) ­ 911

In the event of a hazardous material spill, the charge person will:

1.   Evacuate from the affected area. Assist injured personnel.

2.   Proceed to the designated assembly area for the building.  The gym’s designated area is the south west corner of the tennis courts, clear of all roadways and walkways.

3.   Do not allow any person to re-enter an area affected by hazardous material.

4.   Do not allow any person to eat or smoke until decontamination has taken place.

5.   If safe to do so, identify the hazardous material for correct response purposes. Report the location and if known, the identity off the hazardous material released.

If you can:

1. Get chemical name and/or UN number (a four digit number)

2. Get correct spelling of the chemical

3. Move patient and anyone in the hazard zone to an isolated area away from the hazard. Still in the hot zone until decontaminated.

4. There are three zones in a hazardous Materials incident, Hot zone where the spill is; the warm zone where emergency services perform and location of emergency equipment; cold zone where on lookers, news media. And other emergency services are located.

FIRE

Call Fire Department/ Police - 911

Coaches should be familiar with where the fire extinguishers are and their type, as well as where the fire alarms are located.

Immediately stop whatever you are doing. Don't take time for anything but directing people outside through the two exit doors in the gym.  Direct people to south west corner of tennis courts.  Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

1.  In case of fire starting in the gym area:

a.  Clear people away form the fire location.

b.  Activate the nearest fire alarm. Take appropriate precautions to ensure your personal safety.

c.  Call the Fire Department. Dial 911. Give your name and the exact location of the fire (building, room, etc.). Be sure to stay on the phone until released by the emergency operator.

d.  If a fire is small, use a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire. Do not risk personal injury or the safety of players to fight a fire.  Keep an exit point behind you, for a quick exit. Don’t get trapped.

2. When alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the gym by the east and west emergency exits from the gym. If disabled personnel can not safely evacuate the building, assist to the nearest uninvolved stairwell. Alert emergency personnel of their location.

3.  DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

4.  DO NOT PANIC

5.  If door or door handle is hot to touch, do not open door. Seek alternate exit route or

remain in room. If there is no smoke, or if door or handle is cool, then open door

cautiously and proceed along evacuation route staying as low as possible -- crawl if

necessary -- to get cleanest/coolest air.

6.  Close doors as last person exits gym. Charge person should be last out ensuring that gym area is clear of people.  Check Washrooms.  (Don’t just yell, check stalls.)

7.  Once outside, go to the south west corner of the tennis courts. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.

8.  DO NOT RETURN TO EVACUATED BUILDING unless authorized by the Fire Department or the Police.

Someone should meet the fire department at the main entrance of the building and pass on any information that is pertinent. Is everyone accounted for, location of fire or smoke

CHILD ABUSE

Some types of abuse: verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, excessive physical discipline, child neglect, etc.

Actually occurring in the gym - Talk to abuser to eliminate behaviour.  Talk to abusing adult to get attention away from the child.  Be friendly.  Say something like, “Children can really wear you out, can’t they?” or “My child has done the same thing.”

Report to senior coach present.  If Senior Coach is abuser, report incident to Hoops President, or when you are in doubt, you can always call the Family & Children's Services at 1-800-863-0794 Ex. 401 with the scenario you are dealing with. After hours and weekends use 1-800-265-8300.  In such calls it is not necessary to share identifying information, such as name of child or parent.  Let the CAS advise you on the abuse situation, which they may want to investigate. Guelph number - 519-824-2410.  Fergus number - 519-787-6659.

After gym activities are over - Coaches can unintentionally cause child abuse by leaving a child at Erin Centre 2000 waiting for their parent to pick them up.  Coaches MUST wait to see that the last player is properly picked up and not left loose and unattended, i.e., if you see a player waiting, unattended, stay with the player till the “parent” arrives.  Your care/concern for the player’s welfare will be appreciated.

Generally – Intervening in child abuse situations in not recommended without the back up training and advise from the local CAS.

Also - If you observe abuse that appears criminal in nature contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or use 911 if the offense is sexual and/or physical abuse.

And - if a child reports sexual and/or physical abuse to you, report it to the senior coach on hand who can then contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  If no senior coach is at hand, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Post Police/CAS Visit - contact reporting authority if child is no show at next session if you expected the child to be there as child may have run into further trouble at home due to contact you initiated with authorities.

More information - see the Ont. Ministry of Tourism and Recreation's pages on Making It SafeR whose link is http://www.tourism.gov.on.ca/english/sportdiv/sport/mis.htm. The PDF booklet on child abuse on this web site is excellent, its link is Making It SafeR (PDF Version - 508K)

PROPERTY DAMAGE OR VANDALISM

1.   When accidental or intentional damage to any school property is observed or identified, notify the caretakers or arena personnel promptly providing the following information:

·        The type and nature of damage or vandalism.

·        Location.

·        If you know the individual(s) responsible, identify by name.

2.   Assess damage and hazards with caretakers or arena staff. 

3.   Jointly determine if gym is still safe to continue to use.

4.   Make a set of notes on your report, including date, time, place, extent of damage, witnesses, etc., for later reference as needed.

Note:  Erin Hoops is responsible for all costs associated with damage done by us.

THEFT OR BURGLARY

1. Immediately notify the police no matter how minor the incident.  Watchful and knowledgeable persons will occasionally be able to notify the police in time for them to apprehend an offender in the act or shortly thereafter.

2. An accurate inventory of any stolen or otherwise missing articles can materially aid the police in their investigation.

3. If there is physical damage - defacing, spray-painting, etc. - take photographs. As soon as the police have viewed damage and photographs have been taken, have the damage reported to the proper building personnel.

4. Apprise the police as to anything out of the ordinary in the conditions of the premises no matter how insignificant.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR

Contact the caretakers or arena personnel if you see suspicious behavior. Be prepared to give the following information:

Your name.

The location of the suspicious person.

A description of the person and the behaviour.

It is up to the caretakers or arena personnel to assess the situation and determine whether police should be called.

ASSAULTS:

The person observing an assault should use the following procedures:

1.      Defuse the situation and seek to protect others, but avoid risk of physical injury to anyone; such avoidance may include physical restraint of a person.

2.      Deal with immediate medical emergencies by offering first aid or summoning an aid unit and police as appropriate.

3.      Do not leave assailants or victims by themselves.

4.      Report the incident to the main office in the most expeditious manner

5.      Determine if it is appropriate to maintain custody of participants.

6.      Take, and write down the names of all parties, including bystanders or witnesses.

7.      Report all assaults occurring on district properties immediately to the Administration.  All assaults will be reported to the police.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

1. Provide aid and comfort to the victim.

2. Call 911.

3. Protect any evidence of sexual assault.  Do not clean the victim wash or allow them to bathe.

4. Accompany the victim to the hospital and stay with victim until reunion with parents.

5. Document all steps taken and assist with the collection of as much information as possible.

VISITORS OR TRESPASSERS

 A trespasser is any person found on premises whom you do not recognize.

• Greet visitor in a polite and non-threatening manner.

• Identify yourself as a Erin Hoops Coach.

• Inquire as to purpose of his/her presence. If the person has a legitimate reason for being in gym, help them in courteous, friendly manner.

• If visitor/trespasser gives no apparently valid reason for being in gym, politely ask them to leave.

• If visitor gives no indication of voluntarily leaving once asked, notify police by calling 911.

• Observe the person's size, weight, clothing, age and location to relay to the emergency operator.

• DO NOT GET IN AN ARGUMENT OR ATTEMPT TO CHALLENGE THE TRESPASSER.

HOSTAGE SITUATIONS

Hostage Crisis Prevention Plan: Hostage-taking is a criminal offense that must be reported. Once reported, the police take over the investigation and resolution of the situation. It is important for coaches to be aware of this fact, for once the police arrive on the scene, coaches must work under their authority.

If you and players are taken hostage:

·         Stay calm.

·         Do not be a hero.

·         Follow instructions of captor. Do everything a captor says to do.

·       Go slow and attempt to develop a relationship.

·       Speak only when spoken to and never make wisecracks.

·       Try not to show emotions openly. Hostage-takers like to play on emotional weaknesses.

·       Sit down, if possible, to avoid appearing aggressive.

·        Act relaxed as this posture may relax the captor.

·         Cooperate, be friendly if possible; do not argue with or antagonize captor or other hostages.

·         Inform captors of medical or other needs.

·         Be prepared to wait; elapsed time is a good sign.

·         Do not try to escape; do not try to resolve situation by force.

·        Be observant and remember everything you see and hear.

·        Weigh carefully any chance to escape to be sure that escape is certain and will not endanger anyone else.

·        Have faith in fellow workers and negotiators.

·         Do not make any suggestions to the hostage-taker(s). If the victim's suggestions go wrong, the hostage-taker may think that the victim tried to create problems.

·         Do not turn away from the captor unless ordered to do so and try to keep eye contact without staring.  People are less likely to harm someone they are looking at.

·         If a rescue takes place, lie on the floor and listen for instructions from rescuers.

·         Be patient.

ARMED INTRUDER COMES INTO THE GYM  

Call 911 – if you can.  Stay on line with 911 to explain the current situation and update status.

Everyone is asked to assist in providing a safe environment by being alert to suspicious

behavior and promptly reporting the situation to caretakers, arena personnel or Police via 911.

In such situations there may be little action one can take without risking one's own or another innocent life.

• If possible, notify the caretakers or arena staff of the situation.

• Do not place yourself or players at risk to notify anyone of the situation.

• If you can gather everyone into the larger girls’ change rooms and lock the door

• Lock all doors you can do safely if fleeing situation

• Do as the gunman demands.

• Do not make sudden moves which could frighten the subject (ask permission to move).

• Follow instructions.  DO NOT ARGUE.

• Take your time.

• Don’t make suggestions

• Keep your players as calm as possible.

• Physical force should not be used unless someone's life is in imminent danger.

• Talk to the gunman.

• Learn as much as you can about the gunman.

• Keep the gunman's attention on you, not on your players.

• If more than one person is involved, concentrate on only the one person.

• Be observant.

• Do not stare at the gunman in observing him/her.

• Mentally record a detailed description of the individual and the weapon.

• Identify a distinctive feature and continue to concentrate on that one item.

• Remember what objects the intruder touches and preserve them carefully for law enforcement.

• It is critically important to preserve the crime scene and never touch or move or disturb any possible evidence or objects at that site.

• If the gunman starts shooting, tell the players to get down and lie on the floor.

• Take cover on the floor and/or behind equipment.

These Emergency Procedures are a continuing work

 as better and better procedures are developed.