If you are a Berlin tour guide, you need to be ready for all kinds of unexpected situations as they may happen with you. In order to do so safely, calmly and efficiently, it is important that you deal with emergencies. In this blog post, we share with you with necessary tips and guidelines on how to take care of an emergency and be prepared for anything unexpected.
1. Be Knowledgeable About Emergency Services
The emergency services in Berlin have to be familiarized. Keep the phone numbers for statistics like how to call 911 or some other similar emergency services. Have a list of important contacts at your fingertips: in your phone and in print for extra convenience in times of emergency.
2. Create a Comprehensive Emergency Plan
It is necessary to have emergency plan developed so as to achieve a systematic responses in critical situations. At different scenarios explain what steps need to be to perform, as for example, how to evacuate your guests in a safe way, where to look for the assembly points to be at and with whom to communicate (with the local authorities) in case needed. All your team member should be aware of emergency plan and be trained to follow.
2.1 Identify Potential Risks and Hazards
But taking the time to identify potential risks and hazards particular for your location is time well spent. For example, these streets could be busy, the paths could be uneven, or the whole area may be a higher crime area. Knowing these risks will allow you to put the measures in place and make the right decisions so that emergencies don’t arise.
2.2 Communicate the Emergency Plan to Your Guests
Communicating your emergency plan to your guests when you start every tour is very important. Tell them what the emergency procedures, assembly points, and anything they need to follow. Make sure to ask them any questions they may have and create a comfortable environment for them to think that you’re capable of handling emergencies.
3. Carry an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit with the right equipment can save your life during emergencies. Have a bag or backpack that contains basic first aid supplies, flashlight, phone charger, map to the area and whatever else you need. You do this all the time, checking in to make sure everything is kept up to date and is in working order.
3.1 First Aid Training
If your guests need first aid, consider getting first aid training, to be able to help them in the immediate. Basic first aid knowledge can be very helpful knowing help is on its way. It is local Red Cross chapters or other organizations that provide first aid courses that teach you important skills.
4. Remain Calm But Reassure Your Guests
During a crisis situation, your guests expect you to be calm and composed to set a good example. Panic can take over and make an already stressful situation that much worse. Talke to your guests to try to reassure them that you are doing everything you are supposed to be and following emergency plan. Just keep your instructions clear and you’ll be ready to explain anything or address concerns.
5. Be Informed with Local Events and Conditions
If now is the time to stay up on local news and events, you may possibly be up to date with potential emergencies. Be informed of the weather conditions, protests, demonstrations or exibitions that could affect your tour. Listen to local authority updates, as well as tourism office updates, or those of fellow tour guides to stay up to date with any current safety and related relevant information.
5.1 Use Technology to Stay Updated
Get the latest real time information about Berlin out of the smartphone apps or websites. Some possible contents of these would be weather apps, traffic updates and news sources local to your area. While you may not enjoy the weather, technology can be a valuable tool to use to keep you informed and change your plans to keep your guests safe.
6. Learn and Debrief on Each Single Emergency Situation
After resolving an emergency, it’s time to debrief with your team and get feedback. Think about what you did well, what could have been better, and what wasn’t in your emergency plan. Every emergency situation will teach you to improve your procedures so they continuously prepare you for emergencies.
6.1 Update and Adapt Your Emergency Plan
Then, constantly take the feedback, and the lessons you learn from it, and update your emergency plan regularly. Add any new information, revise communication strategies and reinvent procedures to make guestss safer. Think though, emergencies can happen anywhere, so your emergency plan needs regular updating.
Finally, Berlin tour guides have to be well prepared and beat with know how how to deal with emergencies. If you follow these guidelines, check your emergency plan often and keep track of the latest news, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience for your guests. The most important thing to remember is that during an emergency, you are in control, you should act responsibly, focus on safety and well being of your guests, remain calm.
Table of Contents