Ontario Emergency Disaster Services Volunteers Practice Response Skills

A major flood caused by heavy rain affected the community of Jackson’s Point, trapping hundreds of residents in the town on Lake Simcoe. Dozens of homes lost power in the storm, and families were evacuated from their homes to a nearby community centre. The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) response team travelled through the flood to bring in much needed food and supplies to assist affected residents.

While this weather event could happen in real life, this scenario was a practice disaster response for EDS volunteers, held at The Salvation Army Camp at Jackson’s Point, Ontario. When disasters happen across province, the situation is all too real for those affected, and EDS volunteers must know how to respond quickly and safely in an emergency.

Exercise ‘Damp Campers’ simulated a flood in a city that left people homeless and without power, with Salvation Army campers playing the role of affected residents. Twenty-two EDS volunteers took part in the scenario by preparing and serving food, providing emotional and spiritual care, and practicing working as part of an incident response team.

“This is an opportunity for our team members to practice their skills together and to interact with people in a safe team environment,” said Trevor McLellan, Salvation Army Ontario EDS Coordinator.

“When people have been displaced from their homes, they need food. When people are eating, that’s an opportunity to open a conversation with the person if they need someone to talk with and share their feelings. That’s what The Salvation Army does in a disaster.”

Disasters can happen at any time across Ontario and the EDS volunteer team is trained, prepared and ready to respond on short notice to help wherever they are needed. More volunteers are always needed, and training is provided by The Salvation Army in many areas.

Courses include an introduction to EDS, first aid, emotional and spiritual care, canteen operation, food service preparation and delivery and more advanced courses include safety logistics and incident command. The EDS response team is made up of current or former police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics, a Scout leader, and even someone from the insurance industry.

Anyone interested in volunteering in EDS training can contact Trevor McLellan or Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator Theresa Antonietti at on.eds@salvationarmy.ca. Volunteers are needed to assist in communities across Ontario right now and in future larger emergency deployments.

Theresa says her goal at the exercise is ensure all EDS volunteers feel supportive and effectively trained in their roles, so they are comfortable and prepared in the event of an actual emergency.

“As incident commander, my role is to make sure this exercise runs smoothly. We know there will be unknowns that arise, but now is the time for us to work through these challenges, so volunteers can be confident in their skills and effective in helping others,” Theresa said.

More information about EDS can be found at salvationarmy.ca/eds/.