Emergencies and unforeseen incidents can occur at any time in workplaces, industries, commercial complexes, educational institutions, or public spaces. The ability to respond quickly, confidently, and effectively determines the difference between safety and catastrophe. This is where Emergency Response Team (ERT) Training becomes invaluable.

At The Safe Talk Academy, we provide specialized ERT Training programs designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and leadership qualities required to handle fire, medical, environmental, and workplace emergencies. With years of expertise in industrial safety, firefighting, first aid, and emergency preparedness, our academy ensures that organizations build highly capable response teams ready to act under pressure.

Our ERT Training is more than just a compliance requirement – it is a strategic investment in workforce safety, organizational resilience, and risk management.

What is an Emergency Response Team (ERT)?

An Emergency Response Team (ERT) is a trained group of employees or designated personnel within an organization responsible for managing and responding to different types of emergencies. Their role is to:

• Identify and assess risks in the workplace.
• Act swiftly during emergencies like fires, chemical leaks, accidents, or medical crises.
• Provide first aid and immediate rescue support before professional responders arrive.
• Assist in evacuation and crowd control during critical situations.
• Coordinate with external emergency services** such as fire brigades, hospitals, or disaster management authorities.

An effective ERT reduces downtime, minimizes injury, prevents property damage, and most importantly, saves lives.

Why ERT Training is Essential

1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Many industries are required under local and international safety laws to establish an emergency response framework. ERT training ensures compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

2. Preparedness and Prevention – Emergencies escalate when people panic. Training develops calm, disciplined responders who know exactly what to do in high-stress conditions.

3. Minimizing Losses – Quick intervention reduces damage to assets, machinery, and infrastructure, while protecting employees and visitors.

4. Boosting Organizational Reputation – Companies with proactive emergency planning demonstrate responsibility and attract trust from clients, stakeholders, and employees.

5. Saving Lives – Above all, a trained Emergency Response Team can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Course Objectives

The Safe Talk Academy’s ERT Training program has clear, practical objectives:

• To provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of fire safety, evacuation procedures, and first aid.
• To train employees in search, rescue, and casualty management techniques.
• To develop decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills during crises.
• To ensure participants understand the use of **firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and safety gear.
• To promote a culture of safety awareness and risk reduction across the organization.

Key Training Modules

Our ERT Training curriculum is structured to cover all critical aspects of emergency preparedness and response. Modules are customized according to industry type, risk level, and client requirements.

1. Introduction to Emergency Preparedness

• Understanding emergencies and disasters.
• Types of workplace emergencies: fire, chemical, natural, medical, and electrical.
• Roles and responsibilities of ERT members.

2. Fire Safety & Firefighting Techniques

• Fire science and behavior.
• Classes of fire and extinguishing methods.
• Identification and use of fire extinguishers.
• Practical firefighting drills using hydrants, hoses, and extinguishers.

3. Evacuation and Emergency Communication

• Evacuation planning and route mapping.
• Assembly points and headcount management.
• Communication skills during crises.
• Handling panic and crowd control.

4. Search & Rescue Operations

• Rescue planning in confined spaces and hazardous environments.
• Lifting and moving casualties safely.
• Using ropes, stretchers, and other rescue tools.
• Safe entry using Breathing Apparatus (BA).

5. First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (DRABC) is the primary survey.
• CPR and AED usage.
• Wound management, fractures, burns, and bleeding control.
• Medical emergencies: heart attack, stroke, shock, and choking.

6. Chemical Spill and Hazardous Material Response

• Identification of hazardous substances.
• Containment and neutralization techniques.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• Decontamination procedures.

7. Incident Command System (ICS) & Leadership Skills

• Structure of emergency command and communication.
• Roles of Incident Commander, Team Leaders, and Responders.
• Decision-making under stress.
• Coordination with external emergency services.

8. Mock Drills & Scenario-Based Training

• Simulated fire and evacuation drills.
• Industrial accident scenarios.
• Medical emergency role plays.
• Assessment and improvement feedback sessions.

Training Methodology

We follow a practical, hands-on training approach that combines theory with real-life scenarios. Our methods include:

• Classroom sessions with presentations, videos, and case studies.
• Live demonstrations of firefighting equipment and rescue tools.
• Mock drills simulating actual emergencies.
• Group discussions and team-building exercises.
• Evaluation through written tests, practical drills, and scenario response.

This interactive methodology ensures participants not only learn concepts but also develop the confidence to apply them effectively.

General Guideline for ERT Ratio 

The ratio of Emergency Response Team (ERT) members isn’t the same everywhere — it depends on local regulations, type of industry, risk level, and workforce size. But here are the standard benchmarks most organizations and safety codes follow: 

• High-risk industries (oil & gas, chemical, mining, etc.): 

👉 1 ERT member for every 20–25 employees.

• Moderate/low-risk workplaces (offices, warehouses, schools, etc.): 

👉 1 ERT member for every 30–40 employees. 

• Fire Safety Norms (many countries, including India): 

👉 Minimum 10% of total employees trained as ERT members. 

• Shift Operations: 

👉 Ensure the ratio applies per shift, so each shift has full ERT coverage.¥

Duration and Certification

• Training Duration: The program is available in flexible modules ranging from 1-day basic workshops to 5-day advanced certification courses, depending on the level of preparedness required.
• Certification: Participants who complete the course receive a The Safe Talk Academy Emergency Response Team Certificate, recognized across industries and valued by safety authorities.

Who Should Attend?

ERT Training is recommended for:

• Safety officers and security personnel.
• Designated ERT members in organizations.
• Plant and factory supervisors.
• Office managers and administrative staff.
• Educational institution staff.
• Healthcare, hospitality, and retail employees.
• Any employee entrusted with workplace safety responsibilities.

Benefits of Training with The Safe Talk Academy

• Expert Trainers: Our instructors are certified professionals with years of experience in firefighting, occupational health, and emergency management.
• Customized Programs: Tailored modules as per industry needs (manufacturing, construction, oil & gas, corporate offices, schools, etc.).
• Hands-On Practice: Realistic drills that replicate workplace hazards.
• Compliance Support: Training aligned with OSHA, NFPA, ISO, and local safety regulations.
• Trusted Brand: The Safe Talk Academy is recognized for high-quality safety training across industries.

What an ERT / Emergency Preparedness Program Needs to Satisfy (Legally)

To be compliant, your ERT program should address or integrate the following:

• Legal Identification & Register

You must identify all applicable laws, rules, and regulations that govern your operations, safety, environment, and emergencies, and maintain a “legal register” that is periodically updated. 

• Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis

You must assess potential hazards (fire, chemical spill, structural collapse, medical emergencies, etc.), determine vulnerabilities, and define mitigation/control measures.

• Emergency / Response Plan

Create documented plans: activation procedure, roles, communication, resource mobilization, evacuation, rescue, and medical response. For chemical units, on-site and off-site plans. 

• Formation of ERT / Incident Command Structure

Define roles: Incident Commander, response team, communication team, evacuation marshals, medical responders. Document responsibilities.

• Training & Drills / Mock Exercises

Periodic training for ERT members, regular drills for the entire workforce. Under the Factories Act, periodic mock drills may be mandated. 

• First Aid & Medical Support

Provision of first aid boxes, ensuring trained first aiders are present. Under the Factories Act (Section 45) and in the OHS code. 

• Fire Safety Infrastructure

Fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, safe egress paths, emergency lighting, fire doors, etc. Inspect, maintain, test. Comply with building code & fire safety norms. 

• Communication & Coordination with External Agencies

Connect with local fire department, police, and medical services. For chemical accidents, coordinate with the State Crisis Group and authorities. 

• Monitoring, Auditing & Review

Regular internal audits and inspections, track deviations, and take corrective action. Top management is to review compliance periodically.

• Record-keeping & Reporting

Keep records of drills, training, incidents, and compliance checks. Report to authorities as required under law

Outcomes of ERT Training

Upon completion, participants will:

• Possess life-saving first aid and firefighting skills.
• Respond confidently to emergencies with clear procedures and teamwork.
• Reduce panic and chaos during incidents through effective communication.
• Manage evacuations, rescue operations, and incident command roles.
• Serve as the first line of defense until professional responders arrive.

Why Choose The Safe Talk Academy?

Choosing the right training partner ensures your investment in safety is worthwhile. At The Safe Talk Academy:

• We combine global safety standards with localized risk solutions.
• We emphasize practical training over just theoretical knowledge.
• We provide post-training support and refresher sessions.
• We aim to build a strong safety culture within organizations.

Our mission is not only to train but also to empower individuals and organizations to create safer environments for everyone.

Conclusion

An emergency can strike at any moment, and the consequences of being unprepared can be devastating. Building a trained, confident, and efficient Emergency Response Team is a vital step towards organizational safety and resilience.

At The Safe Talk Academy, our ERT Training program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities to handle emergencies of any scale. Whether it’s a fire breakout, medical emergency, or industrial accident, your workforce will have the expertise to respond swiftly and effectively.

By investing in ERT Training with us, you are not just complying with regulations – you are ensuring the safety of your people, the protection of your assets, and the continuity of your operations. Empower your team. Prepare for the unexpected. Choose The Safe Talk Academy for your Emergency Response Team Training.