Procedure

Medical Emergency

Call medical emergency phone number 911

• Kootenay Lake District Hospital – Emergency 250-352-3111
• Ambulance 250-352-2112
• Nelson Police: Emergency 911, Non-emergency: 250-354-3919

Provide the following information:

• nature of medical emergency;
• location of the emergency (address, building, room number); and
• your name and phone number from which you are calling.

Do not move victim unless absolutely necessary.

Call the following personnel trained in CPR and First Aid to provide the required assistance prior to the arrival of the professional medical help.

If personnel trained in First Aid are not available, as a minimum, attempt to provide the following assistance:

• Stop the bleeding with firm pressure on the wounds (note: avoid contact with blood or other bodily fluids); and
• Clear the air passages using the Heimlich Maneuver in case of choking.

In case of rendering assistance to personnel exposed to hazardous materials, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Attempt first aid ONLY if trained and qualified.

Fire Emergency

When fire is discovered:

• activate the nearest fire alarm; and
• notify the local Fire Department by calling Nelson Fire Hall at 250-352-3103

Fight the fire ONLY if:

• the Fire Department has been notified;
• the fire is small and is not spreading to other areas;
• you can leave easily by the nearest exit;
• the fire extinguisher is in working condition and personnel are trained to use it.

Upon being notified about the fire emergency, occupants must:

• leave the building using the designated escape routes;
• assemble outside KATI and check that everyone has left the building;
• remain outside until the fire department announces that it is safe to reenter.

Severe Weather and Natural Disaster

Tornado

• When a warning is issued by sirens or other means, seek shelter in:
  • small interior rooms on the lowest floor and without windows,
  • hallways on the lowest floor away from doors and windows, and
  • rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows.
• Stay away from outside walls and windows.
• Use arms to protect head and neck.
• Remain sheltered until the tornado threat is announced to be over.

Earthquake

• Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the designated official.
• Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, filing cabinets, and electrical power.
• Assist people with disabilities in finding a safe place.
• Evacuate as instructed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the designated official.

Flood

If indoors:

• be ready to evacuate as directed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the designated official.
• follow the recommended primary or secondary evacuation routes.

If outdoors:

• climb to high ground and stay there.
• avoid walking or driving through flood water.
• if car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Blizzard

If indoors:

• stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the designated official.
• if there is no heat:
  • Close off unneeded rooms or areas.
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
  • Cover windows at night.
  • Eat and drink; food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.
  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, if available.

If outdoors:

• find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body.
• if shelter is not available:
  • Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow cave for protection from the wind.
  • Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
  • Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

If stranded in a car or truck:

• stay in the vehicle!
• run the motor about ten minutes each hour. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
• make yourself visible to rescuers:
  • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
  • Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door.
  • Raise the hood after the snow stops falling.
• exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.