Emergency Managers: Busy in Silence - Opportunities for Growth and Community Involvement
Many emergency responders would say, "When does that happen?" For the last two decades and more, emergency services have continually seen an increase in calls for service and an erosion of resources due to budget measures. However, when emergency responders aren't busy responding, there is always plenty to do. Cleaning and checking equipment is routine. Catching up on paperwork. Training and in-services. Community service events. More training. More cleaning.
Community Mindedness and Program Development
Emergency responders tend to be very community-minded. Many are involved in developing or maintaining programs. For instance, there may be a group developing a safe graduation demonstration for the local high schools. Others may be involved in providing peer support resources for PTSD. Still others may be organizing a demonstration sports event with another agency or organizing a drive for a local charity.
It's not uncommon for responders to manage to squeeze in a meal or a snack during their downtime. This time away from direct response allows them to focus on other aspects of their roles and build stronger connections within their community.
Insights from Personal Experience
One such instance was during a nocturnal investigation at a fire station with my paranormal investigation team. The crew could have "a shout" at any time, and they would have to be ready to go at literally a second's notice. Despite it being a Friday night, there was no shout that evening. The crew spent their time doing physical workouts, as the staffroom was full of gym equipment. They were also drinking tea or coffee, watching YouTube, and even taking the time to show us around for our investigation.
They even fed us their emergency MRE self-heating meals, which they kept in their stores and the fire engines in case someone needed one. These meals are extremely high in calories, necessary for an injured incapacitated casualty. In the UK, ambulances do not generally carry MREs, which is a stark contrast to the US.
Additionally, we investigated an ambulance station, although it was a disused one. It was located in the same area as the fire station. At the ambulance station, we found an opportunity to observe and understand the readiness and preparedness of the backup vehicles and resources.
One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to sit in the cab of one of their fire engines. We played with the lights and sirens while the external rolling door was closed, including the bullhorn. This experience provided a unique glimpse into the equipment and preparations made by emergency crews for potential emergencies.
Community Engagement and Ghost Hunting
The investigation itself was not just about paranormal activities. It was also an opportunity to engage with the emergency management team and understand their roles in community safety. We encountered and even found a couple of ghosts, which was the primary reason for our presence, adding an element of fun and adventure to the evening.
While these moments may seem unusual, they highlight the versatility and dedication of emergency managers. They are always prepared and ready to respond, even during their downtime. This preparedness extends beyond just physical readiness to include community engagement, program development, and personal well-being.