Response phase: Rescue 1122 solicited for emergency preparedness plans

Over a dozen schools from the provincial capital seek the force’s help.

PESHAWAR: In a bid to supplement security and meet standards set by the district administration, educational institutes have approached Rescue 1122 to devise emergency preparedness plans and train their staffers in first aid and rapid-response measures.

Rescue 1122 Emergency Officer Dr Shoaib told The Express Tribune over a dozen schools from the provincial capital have asked the force to share contingency plans and emergency management drills with their security personnel and administration, adding one school system has already been helped.



“We survey the facility, map the floor plan, identify spots for the placement of emergency equipment and demarcate exit and entry points,” he said, adding the procedure is time-consuming and challenging—given the infrastructural standard of most educational institutions.

Dr Shoaib said two exit points in each building and an assembly area for students and staff is imperative.

“It is a comprehensive plan where roles are assigned to different people. One is responsible for closing down the main entrance; one has to ensure exit gates are open for students while others have to evacuate students to the assembly area. Additionally, those trained in first aid have to administer medical assistance until help arrives. Evacuation is a vital component of the preparation,” he maintained, saying a centralised alarm system is crucial for mobilising the students.

“Each plan is made according to the facility’s design, hence, the process is painstaking,” said Dr Shoaib.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi said 22 institutes have been provided with first aid and fire fighting training so far. Over 200 educational institutes and industrial units have benefited from the regimes in the past two years, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2015.