1. Purpose

This Emergency & Disaster Management Plan outlines the procedures for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies or disasters that may impact clients, families, staff, visitors, or business operations at Little Birds Allied Health.

2. Scope

This plan applies to all staff, contractors, students, volunteers, clients, families, and visitors across clinic-based, telehealth, and community services.

3. Key Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services: 000
Police: 000
Fire Brigade: 000
Ambulance: 000
Poisons Information: 13 11 26
Director: Sarah Yeung
Office Manager: Katie Lai
IT Support: Roger Lee

4. Roles & Responsibilities

Director:
- Overall emergency oversight and decision-making

Practice Manager:
- Coordinate communication and operations

Clinicians:
- Support safe evacuation and client wellbeing

Administration Team:
- Maintain attendance records and family contact

All Staff:
- Follow emergency procedures and report hazards

5. Emergency Procedures

Fire or Smoke:
- Evacuate immediately using nearest safe exit
- Assist children and families
- Move to designated assembly point
- Call 000 if required

Medical Emergency:
- Call 000 if urgent
- Provide first aid within scope
- Notify parent/caregiver
- Complete incident report

Aggressive Behaviour or Security Threat:
- Prioritise safety
- Remove children from danger
- Contact police if required

Missing Child:
- Alert all staff immediately
- Search clinic and immediate surroundings
- Contact parent/caregiver and police if necessary

Natural Disaster:
- Monitor emergency warnings
- Transition to telehealth where possible
- Notify families and staff promptly

Power or Internet Outage:
- Contact IT support
- Use backup systems where possible

Infectious Disease Outbreak:
- Follow infection control procedures
- Exclude unwell staff or clients as appropriate

Cybersecurity/Data Breach:
- Notify leadership immediately
- Contact IT support
- Follow privacy breach procedures

6. Evacuation Procedures

1. Stop sessions immediately
2. Escort clients and families outside calmly
3. Proceed to assembly point
4. Conduct headcount
5. Await emergency services clearance

7. Communication Plan

Communication methods may include:
- Phone calls
- SMS
- Email
- Website updates
- Social media announcements

The Director or Practice Manager will oversee major communications.

8. Business Continuity Plan

To maintain service delivery where possible:
- Telehealth services may be implemented
- Remote work arrangements may be used
- Digital records are securely backed up
- Alternative scheduling arrangements may occur

9. Training & Preparedness

Little Birds Allied Health will:
- Conduct emergency orientation for new staff
- Maintain first aid training
- Review evacuation procedures regularly
- Encourage incident reporting
- Review this plan annually

10. Incident Reporting

All incidents, emergencies, injuries, or near misses must be documented using the clinic incident reporting process.

11. Review Schedule

This Emergency & Disaster Management Plan will be reviewed annually and updated following major incidents or operational changes.

12. Approval

Approved By: Sarah Yeung
Position: Director
Date: 11.5.2026