Enhancing Earthquake Preparedness at Events: Effectively Leveraging EMTs and Medical Teams

We are grateful to Jonathan Panarello, who is a contributing author to this blogpost. Jonathan Panarello is an Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in malignant hematology at UCLA. Originally from Montreal, Canada, he earned his master's in nursing at the University of Toronto and has extensive experience working in critical care and code response teams. After relocating to California in 2020, Jonathan developed a strong interest in disaster and earthquake preparedness, recognizing the need for healthcare professionals to be equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves, their patients, and the public during emergencies.

The Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill, provides a unique opportunity for venues and event teams to elevate their earthquake preparedness. While “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” remains a core safety practice, event safety managers can go further by integrating more comprehensive strategies that account for the complexities of managing large, diverse crowds. Especially in earthquake-prone regions like California, it’s vital to use the ShakeOut as a launching point for improved emergency planning.

Jonathan Panarello, a nurse practitioner in California, emphasizes the need for better education and preparedness. “In my four years here, I’ve noticed a gap in earthquake readiness among medical teams,” he shares. “We need to ask ourselves: how do we protect both our patients and ourselves during an earthquake?” Panarello encourages medical personnel to actively lead in preparedness efforts, noting that they can “educate new staff, organize drills, create action plans, and conduct risk assessments to ensure a safe environment.”

Key Strategies to Enhance Earthquake Preparedness at Events

• Scenario-Based Drills: Simulate real-world challenges such as blocked exits, power outages, or injured attendees to test your team’s ability to respond effectively.
• Leverage EMTs as Leaders: EMTs are invaluable assets during an earthquake, not just for immediate response but also for preparedness. Their role in leading drills, demonstrating life-saving techniques, and coordinating with security teams ensures a more robust response plan.
• Test Communications and Technology: Earthquake drills should include tests of emergency notification systems (ENS) to keep attendees and staff informed. Mass notifications, guest alerts, and real-time reporting tools can help identify gaps in communication.
• Post-Earthquake Protocols: Plan for safe evacuations in collaboration with EMTs and security staff. Defining evacuation zones and practicing clear, orderly exits can make all the difference when time is critical.

Panarello underscores the importance of involving medical teams in preparedness: “EMTs and other medical staff are uniquely positioned to lead by example. Their expertise in handling injuries and coordinating with hospitals during emergencies makes them key players in both preparation and response.”

Is your event team ready for an earthquake? Contact us today to learn how we can support your preparedness efforts, from running earthquake drills to strengthening your emergency action plans. Let’s work together to ensure your venue and staff are ready for anything.