Emergency drills play a critical role in building emergency preparedness in schools. They help students and staff familiarise themselves with evacuation procedures, emergency response plans, and critical incident management protocols. But what happens when a real emergency unfolds in the middle of a planned drill?

This unexpected scenario presents unique challenges that could compromise safety, disrupt emergency response procedures, and trigger widespread confusion. Schools must ensure they are equipped to handle such an event by implementing best-practice emergency management strategies.

The Challenges of a Real Emergency During a Drill

When a real emergency strikes during a scheduled drill, several key risks emerge:

1. Confusion and Disruption
In high-stress situations, distinguishing between a planned drill and an actual emergency can be difficult. Staff and students may hesitate, thinking it is still part of the drill, which could delay an appropriate response.

2. Safety Concerns
Standard drill assembly areas might not be safe in a real emergency. For instance, if a bushfire or an active threat arises, gathering in an open area could put students and staff at greater risk.

3. Emotional and Psychological Impact
The sudden switch from a simulated exercise to a real-life crisis can induce panic and stress. Students and staff may struggle to adapt quickly, potentially leading to an ineffective response.

How Schools Can Prepare for This Scenario

To mitigate risks, schools should integrate resilience-building measures into their emergency management planning, ensuring that emergency response plans are adaptable to unforeseen situations.

1. Clear Communication Protocols

Schools must have a clear system to differentiate between drills and real emergencies. This can include:

• Coded Announcements – Using specific phrases such as “NO DUFF” to indicate a real emergency.
• Multi-Channel Alerts – Sending notifications through school communication apps or PA systems.
• Leadership Signals – Equipping staff with protocols for verifying and escalating incidents quickly.

2. Realistic Scenario-Based Drills

Implementing drill within a drill exercises helps schools test response adaptability. These simulations train staff and students to react to evolving situations, reinforcing real-time decision-making skills. This may include different inclusions such as conducting the drill at different times of the day including lunch times, including role play casualties, missing persons, and refusals.

3. Rapid Threat Assessment & Decision-Making

Emergency management teams, wardens, and school leadership must be equipped to:

• Assess incoming information in real-time.
• Make quick, informed decisions about evacuation, lockdowns, or shelter-in-place procedures.
• Coordinate with emergency response services to ensure an aligned response.

4. Psychological Resilience & Training

Handling a real emergency requires both procedural knowledge and emotional resilience. Schools can:

• Train staff in psychological first aid to manage stress and support students and staff.
• Implement debriefing sessions after drills to refine response plans.
• Educate students on staying calm and following instructions in high-pressure situations.

Building a Stronger Emergency Response Plan

A comprehensive emergency response plan aligned with Australian Standard 3745 is essential for effective preparedness. Schools should review their critical incident management procedures, business continuity plans, and emergency response strategies regularly to ensure they remain robust and adaptive.

Key Elements to Review:

• Evacuation plans, lockdown plans and designated assembly areas – Are they safe for all emergency types?
• Critical Incident management team roles and responsibilities – Do all staff understand their duties?
• Emergency response plans – Are they clear, rehearsed, and adaptable?
• Business continuity planning – How will operations continue after a major incident?

Is Your School Ready to Adapt Mid-Drill?

The ability to swiftly transition from a drill to a real emergency is a critical aspect of a school’s business continuity planning, critical incident management planning and emergency readiness. By strengthening communication, making drills more adaptable, and training leadership teams in incident management, schools can ensure that students and staff are safe and prepared for any incident.

Would your school know what to do if a real emergency happened during a drill? If not, it’s time to review your emergency response plan and ensure your team is ready to handle the unexpected.

At Bounce Readiness, we support schools in developing resilient emergency response plans, critical incident management procedures, and business continuity strategies to ensure seamless incident response.

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Contact Bounce Readiness today to strengthen your school’s emergency response capabilities.