Emergency Support Services provides short-term assistance to individuals and families affected by emergencies, from single incidents to large-scale evacuations. Support helps people stabilize and begin recovery.

Services include:

• Registration
• Emotional support
• Basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, incidentals)

Level One responses involve small-scale incidents (typically 12 or fewer people displaced) due to events such as fire, flood, or similar emergencies.

Support is provided for up to 72 hours, particularly when insurance or immediate resources are unavailable.

Volunteer responsibilities may include:

• Meeting and assisting evacuees
• Registration and referrals
• Distributing basic supplies
• Providing emotional support
• Documentation and coordination

Volunteers work with emergency services and municipal partners and must follow confidentiality, safety protocols, and media restrictions.

Responses may involve distressing situations such as injuries, fatalities, or loss of homes, pets, and livelihoods.

Safety expectations:

• Assess personal readiness before responding
• Work in pairs
• Follow safety procedures and laws
• Dress appropriately for conditions
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Avoid unsafe situations

Roles:

• Level One Lead (On-call)
• Level One Responder (On-call)

Schedule:

• One 7-day on-call rotation every 5-8 weeks (24/7 availability)
• Response time: within 30 minutes
• Two monthly meetings (~3 hours total)

Compensation: Volunteer position

Key qualities:

• Calm, professional, and compassionate
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Organized and comfortable with documentation and technology

Requirements:

• Personal vehicle, valid driver’s licence, clean driving record
• Criminal record check (vulnerable sector)
• Cell phone
• Ability to work on-site outdoors
• Commitment to confidentiality and cultural competency

Language:

• English required; additional languages are an asset

Training is provided at no cost through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and the City of Kamloops. Most training is offered online and self-paced, with some courses requiring prerequisites.

Required courses include:

• Introduction to Emergency Support Services (3 hours)
• Evacuee Registration & Supports (7 hours)
• Level One Emergency Support Services (5 hours)
• Introduction to Reception Centres (3.5 hours)
• Privacy training (2.5 hours)
• Around 16 hours of Kamloops-specific training and orientation

There are several additional training opportunities available for volunteers providing valuable skills in:

• Psychological First Aid
• Incident Command System (ICS)
• Emergency management courses
• Advanced Emergency Support Services and interview skills