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Emergency Preparedness Section
by Bri Dazio
12.1 - Emergency Preparedness Plan
12.2 - Automated External Defibrillator
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12.3 - Certified First Responders
12.4 - Emergency Address Notification
Rounding out the Fitwel Workplace Scorecard is the Emergency Preparedness Section. Similar to many other sections, this one combines policy and design for a total of 7.83 points available.
In the case of an emergency, it is important for projects to be prepared. The building itself, along with the occupants, must be properly equipped to respond. One strategy pushes projects to implement a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan. As part of this strategy, teams should create a framework to be shared with occupants. This framework should outline resources, protective actions, and gathering spaces in the case of an emergency. One aspect of the Emergency Preparedness Plan relates to notifying occupants. This Fitwel strategy asks projects to provide an automated emergency address notification system. This system should broadcast information to all occupants during emergencies.
Another resource as outlined in that strategy relates to the AED strategy. Per Fitwel, projects should install AEDs on each occupied floor that are tested regularly. AEDs can improve response time for negative cardiac events in those situations. The last Fitwel strategy includes humans as a resource. Projects should include full time Certified First Responders, at least one per every 100 occupants. These first responders can decrease response time during an emergency, and properly handle the AED and other equipment on site.
While emergencies are hopefully not part of the daily life of a project, it is important to prepare for them. By having a system and structure in place, projects will be well equipped in those scenarios.
