Emergency Response Plan

 PURPOSE

The Emergency Response Plan guides our actions and response to atypical and emergency situations that may arise around the normal activity of our events, ceremonies and gatherings.

Due to the nature of certain ceremonial gatherings that Our Sacred Sanctuary coordinates, facilitates, or sponsors it is imperative that all facilitators be familiar with the contents of the Emergency Response Plan for Ceremony. At least one facilitator must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by an accredited training organization and be present at all ceremonies.

Whenever there is loss of consciousness or a life-threatening event the Emergency Response Plan will be activated, and auxiliary assistance contacted.

Emergency numbers are made available to all facilitators at any ceremonial gathering. Facilitators should lead communication with any auxiliary assistance when an emergency call is made. If an emergency call is made, the emergency contact person indicated on their intake form will be notified.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the Emergency Response Plan is to establish, promote, implement, and maintain safety practices for ceremony participants.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Auxiliary Assistance – includes Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Fire Department personnel, and health care professionals. These individuals will provide first aid and additional medical services as appropriate.

Facilitators are responsible for implementing the Emergency Response Plan, and to perform emergency procedures when deemed necessary. 

SUPPLIES

At a minimum the following should be readily available:

A standard first aid kit

A portable fire extinguisher

A working flashlight

A charged cell phone or accessible landline phone

POTENTIAL CEREMONIAL HAZARDS

There are potential hazards that Facilitators and participants should be mindful of. In a ceremony some of the most typical challenges that participants encounter have to do with the emotional states they may experience. Alterations in emotional state can generally be aided with supportive presence and empathic care.

Facilitators in Ceremonies are experienced in recognizing when a participant is going through a challenging ceremonial experience. It is the responsibility of all ceremonial participants to be mindful of their own ceremonial countenance and to be vigilant of those in their immediate surroundings. This ensures personal safety and the safety of all participants.

Participants are encouraged to seek help at any time that they need assistance. If loss of consciousness occurs during a Ceremony, BLS trained individuals will respond appropriately according to protocols established in their training. Auxiliary Assistance will be called as deemed necessary.

If someone experiences a medical or mental health emergency, facilitators will contact 911 or the nearest medical or mental health service provider. In settings where cell service is limited, the facilitators are responsible for driving the participant to the nearest medical care.