GEM Canada Services

 
Accreditation and Assessment 

We work with organizations to develop programs, policies and frameworks that meet due diligence, complying to legislation, regulation, standards, leading practices including Accreditation Canada standards.. Organizations use our service to identify what they do well and where they could do better and make improvements based on results.

We provide an assessment report that identifies strengths and areas of improvement. Organizations use this report to create and implement an action plan going forward. << Back

Advisory Services

We are pleased to offer Advisory Services to help your organizations advance their governance and emergency management programs.  We facilitate for you, we will guide you to assess, implement and monitor the state of your program ensuring resilience.  The service is customized to the need.  We tailor the support that you need, provide mentoring and coaching both on-site and off-site ensuring your state of readiness above and beyond legislation and standards. << Back

Audit

Call us to audit the full design and implementation of your programs and plans to ensure they are complying with all necessary standards and regulations.

We work with organizations to complete performance evaluations based indicators, benchmarks and targets developed through existing national and international standards to provide a basis of assessment of core programs. Compliance analysis is done using an array of tools developed through our expertise that will help your organization to assess and improve emergency management and business continuity plans evaluating the current level of readiness and immediately improve quality. Action plans are developed accordingly.

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Business Continuity Plan

 

Business continuity means maintaining the uninterrupted availability of all key mission critical services and resources required to support essential business and or organization activities.

The creation of (and maintenance of) a sound business continuity and or a disaster recovery plan, is a complex undertaking, involving a series of steps specific to your organization.

We have the experts available to work with you and your team developing such plan customized to your requirements.  We can help you develop and implement a full program, plan or review of the existing program, including a business impact analysis, program and plan implementation, training and exercise.

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Coaching and Mentoring

We provide corporate and individual mentoring and coaching programs; work one-on-one, or with groups of any size designing the best leadership program for your personnel, board and organization. 

Conference, seminar, symposium and workshop

From half-day to multiple day events, we design, plan, facilitate, and deliver these conference, seminar, symposium and or workshop for your organization and groups.

Debriefing Session and Report

During this critical phase of an emergency and after any exercise, iti is important that you have expert guidance.  We will work with you to organize and facilitate a debriefing session or hotwash.

Debriefing Report or hotwash is the "after-action" discussions and evaluations of an organization (or multiple agencies') performance following an exercise, training session, or major event.

The main purpose of a hotwash session is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the response to a given event, which then leads to another governmental phase known as "lessons learned," which is intended to guide future response and recovery direction in order to avoid repeating errors made in the past. A hotwash normally includes all the parties that participated in the exercise or response activities. These events are used to create After Action Review.

Hotwash is a term picked up in recent years by the Emergency Preparedness Community (likely as a result of Homeland Security and other government agencies' involvement in disaster planning). It serves as a form of after-disaster briefings for all parties involved to analyze what worked well, what needs improvement, what person or agency needs to be responsible for said improvements, and the assignments and timelines for the noted corrective and proactive improvements to be in place.

 

 

 

 

Education and Training

We customize and delivery education sessions within all areas of our expertise. Our experts have extensive experience as a professor / instructor in course design, delivery and evaluation. GEM Canada provides in-house staff training, in-class and online teaching at colleges and university, and will develop educational events such as conferences, seminars, symposiums, and workshops. We will build the confidence and foundation in your workforce and community.

Our Approach but not limited to:

 

• Course and or training curriculum design
• Participant manual and all other related documentation
• As Guest Lecturer and Speakers, presentations by subject experts
• Audiovisual aids, e.g. videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
• Group discussions, breakout sessions and assignments
• Handouts that include implementation guidelines and checklists
• Exercise
• Seminar, workshop
• Mentoring and Coaching Program

 

Emergency Operation Centre (EOC)

 

 

GEM Canada provides Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) design, review and assessment services.  We will assess and determine with you the best location, its physical size, telecommunication and social media requirements and equipment to ensure, it is adequately physically located and operational.  We can write your operations manual, develop staff job actions sheets (guides) or checklist for each EOC Position.  We can help you also with training,software selection and EOC design services.

An emergency operations center, or EOC, is a central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions at a strategic level in an emergency situation, and ensuring the continuity of operation of an organization.

 

 

AnEOC is responsible for the strategic overview, or "big picture", of the disaster, and does not normally directly control field assets, instead making operational decisions and leaving tactical decisions to site command and or operational units. The common functions of all EOC's is to collect, gather and analyze data; make decisions that protect life and property, maintain continuity of the organization, within the scope of applicable laws; and disseminate those decisions to all concerned agencies and individuals. In most EOC's there is one individual in charge.

 

 

 

Exercise, Drill and Simulation

We customize, design, plan, facilitate and conduct exercises locally, regionally, and at the provincial and/or national level.

By working with GEM Canada organizations can be assured they will have a valid exercise program that will identify strengths and weaknesses in plans and strategies, while also providing staff with the opportunity to utilize response resources and rehearse their roles during an emergency situation.

To help you develop an exercise program, we can provide the following services:

 

 

 

• Discussion-based facilitating introductory orientation tabletop exercise or seminar to familiarize staff with response roles, plans, procedures, and/or equipment.
• Hospital Emergency Codes Exercises
• Mass Casualty Exercises.
• Curriculum design (scenario), leading / facilitation:                        
  • Tabletop exercises, which are facilitated reviews of emergency situations in an informal and stress-free environment
  • Functional exercises, which are simulated interactive exercises that test the capability of an organization to respond to a simulated event.
  • Mock Simulated Full-scale exercises, which are designed to evaluate the operational capability of emergency management systems in a realistic environment that simulates actual response conditions to an emergency/security situation.
• Delivering in-house staff training to build internal capacity to regularly facilitate your own exercises through an exercise design workshop or mentoring program.

 

Governance, Risk Management, Compliance

Working with all levels of government (municipal, provincial, and federal), corporations and organizations of all sizes, GEM Canada will help you develop a solid robust resilient organization inspiring the people and community you serve. 

 A disciplined approach to managing risk can help your organization be risk resilient — avoiding unanticipated losses, managing uncertainty and capitalizing on opportunity.

An effective enterprise risk management capability enables management to drive greater clarity throughout the uncertainity and make better informed decisions with confidence — transforming risk into opportunity.

We can help you solve complex risk and compliance challenges providing lasting and positive solutions for your organization. Effective risk management also provides powerful insights about organizations driving high level of quality assurance and resilience.  Our risk assessment, analysis framework can be applied at any level of an organization at the strategic, environmental and operational levels.

Enterprise Risk Management is a critical component as it provides the transition between problem identification (the all-hazards assessment step) and the appropriate mitigation and/preparedness measures. Internal and external factors from strategic to operational to environmental must be considered in the enterprise risk assessment process. It contributes to the workforce awareness and allows for their involvement in decision-making.

Compliance, we work with organizations to complete performance evaluations based on indicators, benchmarks and targets developed through existing national and international standards to provide a basis of assessment of core programs. Compliance analysis is done using an array of tools developed through our expertise that will help your organization to assess and improve emergency management and business continuity plans evaluating the current level of readiness and immediately improved quality. Action plans are developed accordingly.

 

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Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA)

GEM Canada

A core challenge faced by organizations is how to prevent, prepare, mitigate, respond and recover from a myriad of hazards. We can help your organization through a systematic risk assessment process tool that can be used to assess the risks of various hazards.

The HIRA is a structured process for identifying those hazards which exist within a selected area and defining their causes and characteristics. Emergency Management Programs entered a new phase which focused on a risk-based approach. In Ontario legislation, the first step outlined to reduce risks is to identify the hazards and assess their associated risks to determine which hazards are most likely to result in an emergency. In order to do this in a successful manner, systematic risk assessments (such as a HIRA) can be used to shift the focus of emergency management programs away from being merely reactive to also being pro-active. The addition of a pro-active approach to emergency management through a stronger focus on prevention, preparedness, mitigation, in addition to response and recovery can result in a more disaster-resilient organization and community.

The adoption of a risk management approach in the legislation shifts the focus to include the causes of risk rather than only responding to the emergencies that may result from risk. This will allow your resources to be allocated more effectively in order to prevent or minimizes losses.

The implementation of emergency management programs, based upon risk management principles, will ultimately save lives and money, protect property and the environment, maintain economic stability and help assure the continuation of critical infrastructures.

At GEM Canada, we have the tool to assist and guide you in the process.

Incident Management System (IMS)

GEM Canada will assist you to customize, develop, implement an Incident Management System (IMS) framework for your organization providing training and education for senior management, staff and appropriate key stakeholders.

Consistent with internationally recommended practices, the Incident Management System (IMS) provides standardized organizational structures, functions, processes and terminology for use at all levels of emergency response and recovery. IMS addresses the need for coordinated responses to all types of incidents and has been developed with input from more than 30 emergency response organizations.

IMS is a standardized approach to emergency management encompassing personnel, facilities, equipment, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure. The IMS is predicated on the understanding that in any and every incident there are certain management functions that must be carried out regardless of the number of persons who are available or involved in the emergency response and recovery.   

 

 

 

 

Hospital Emergency Management Sustainable Program

 

 

 

 

At GEM Canada we have the expertise to assist you and guide in the process of developing or reviewing your Hospital Emergency Management Program.  We provide Emergency Preparedness Lead, Education and Training and Exercises Consulting and Advisory Services.  We will guide you in the development of a Sustainable Hospital Emergency Management Program

To ensure the safety and protection of staff, patients and visitors, being prepared is essential, particularly in ensuring the most efficient and effective use of resources. There are increased risk associated for not being prepared such that when an emergency do occur.  Preparedness is the broader term for program, policies, plans and procedures, education, training and exercises.

We are committed to work with you.  Much of the pertinent legislation and standards guiding emergency management planning, preparedness are in place, hospitals are influenced by and operate within their framework.

The hospital Emergency Management Program consists of: establishing ownership; Conducting HIRA; Develop and Implementing IMS Framework – Emergency Colour Codes Overlay; Emergency Colour Codes policies, procedures, education and training and exercises; plan development and implementation, exercise, evaluation and update.

 

 

 

Hospital Incident Management System (IMS)

Integrating the IMS and Hospital Emergency Colour Codes: the speed with which an organization can return to normal operations after an emergency occurs is an indicator of the organization's overall ability to manage an emergency. HIRA is the chosen framework to identify hazards and potential risks, IMS is the framework on how to plan, prepare, respond and recover when emergencies occur.

Adopt the Incident Management System (IMS) Framework overlay with each Hospital Emergency Codes, Surge Capacity, Pandemic Planning, Flue Outbreak and Blood Shortage.  the develop your emergency preparedness program, response plan and policy.

We will work with you on how to activate the plan and connect it to IMS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IT Disaster Recovery Plan

 

Information management and IT Disaster Recovery are a core component of all organizations infrastructure; it is the intellectual capital of responsible governance, vital to each organization. Best practice policies and standards result in efficient, accountable and cost-effective use of resources. Information technology constitutes the full spectrum of technologies and services that support information management. Organizations are responsible to ensure planning for redundancy and recovery, protecting and mitigating against any form of threats including cyber.

A corporate IT Disaster Recovery Plan ensures the continuum of mission critical services by providing the ability to successfully recover hardware and software applications in the event of a disaster emergency.

• Information is a vital asset that must be managed and, where appropriate, protected and secured

• Information and technology are key components in delivering essential services ensuring redundancy and recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Aid Agreement

When partnering with an another agency, it is critical to ensure that mutual aid agreements are in place. We works with you to develop appropriate agreements in supporting your emergency/disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in conjunction with your key stakeholders.

 

 

Pandemic Planning, Training and Exercises

GEM Canada customizes Pandemic Influenza Plan specific to each organization and sector.

Working with your Pandemic Planning Team we will:

In an influenza pandemic, employers have a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential. All Healthcare sectors must be prepared to maintain critical essential patient care, exercising ethical-decisions making.

The federal government and all provincial government have developed plans, guidelines, including checklists, to assist all sectors, businesses, industries, and other employers in planning for a pandemic outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes.

As a leader, you are a valuable partner in our community against natural and man-made threats. Preparedness is the best method to defend against the impacts of all threats and all hazards, including public health threats.

As we face the possibility of a severe influenza outbreak, it is difficult to predict how virus may or may not change. However, we know that all organizations, regardless of size and sectors must be prepared to respond appropriately and to recovery.

We work with you to ensure you have the necessary plan, tools, training and exercises.

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Plan Development and Implementation

GEM Canada  works with you to customize, develop, implement, and design your strategic plan, emergency response plan, business continuity, communication and pandemic plan, guidelines, and operational procedures.

Your plans will assist you in managing disaster and emergencies including but not limited to communications, contingency, emergency response, business continuity, and hospital emergency codes procedures.

Policies, Procedures and Implementation

We provide research, development, implementation, management, and review of your policies, systems, guiding principles, guidelines, and procedures. We will also develop and deliver orientation and training to your staff and key stakeholders.

 

 

Program Development and Implementation

At GEM Canada we will work with you for the development, implementation or review of your emergency management and business continuity program, determine the action plan, project outlines, initiatives and requirement. We will conduct a complete review and assessment of your program. An Integrated Emergency Management and Business Continuity Program is the overarching process 

An integrated comprehensive risk-based emergency management and business continuity program encompasses all hazards and all related planning areas including hazard identification, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response plan, recovery, business continuity, IT Disaster Recovery Plan, communication plan, education, training and exercise.

Emergency Management and Business Continuity Program

An integrated comprehensive risk-based emergency management and business continuity program provide leading-edge practices (as those provided by CSA Z1600-14 Standard, Accreditation Canada, OHA Emergency Management Toolkit and the National Framework for Health Emergency Management), adaptable to all business and organizations of every sectors and all size. 

Build organizational resilience in this ever-changing world! Adopt and adapt to an "all hazards comprehensive risk-based approach”.  A comprehensive resilient and sustainable program refers to the management of emergencies concerning all hazards, including all activities and risk management measures related to prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.  An emergency refers to an immediate event, including cyber threats, IT incidents and loss of critical infrastructures that prompts coordination of actions concerning persons or property to protect the health, safety or welfare of people, protect confidentiality and to limit damage of property or the environment and assets.

A comprehensive Integrated Emergency Management and Business Continuity Program must be:

1. Comprehensive– consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts relevant to disasters;

2. Progressive– anticipate future emergencies and take preventive and prepara­tory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities;

3. Risk-driven– use sound risk management principles (hazard  identifica­tion, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources;

4. Integrated– ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community;

5. Collaborative– create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication;

6. Coordinated– synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose;

7. Adaptable, Flexible – use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges; 

8. Professional– value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improve­ment.

    

 

Program Evaluation and Updating

We work with organizations to complete performance evaluations based indicators, benchmarks and targets developed through existing national and international standards to provide a basis of assessment of core programs. Compliance analysis is done using an array of tools developed through our expertise that will help your organization to assess and improve emergency management and business continuity plans evaluating the current level of readiness and immediately improve quality. Action plans are developed accordingly.

 

 

Project Management

From the mundane to the complex, we look for the perfect or best options, paths, and partnerships to providing complete development, management and implementation of all projects. We confront the unexpected, and handle all situations professionally.

 

 

 

 

Recruitment 

We will assist you in your search and recruitment for emergency management and business continuity planning professional or staff positions; helping you to finding the best people for the job.

 

 

 

 

Research and Innovation

Gem Canada embrace research and innovation with a focus on emerging trends to emergency management evolution, resilience, sustainability, vulnerable populations.  All the work undertaken by GEM Canada is research in the establishment of new program, education, training, workshop, symposium and public speaking. We provide educational, professional development and training curriculum development and research services to all levels of government, academia and corporations.

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Risk Management

GEM Canada we and promote an integrated approach to  risk management working with personnel, partners and key stakeholders.  Our integrated approach to risk management is to build security, safety, and resilience across the organization and community you serve by connecting efforts to ensure resilience to disasters, emergencies, and providing essential support .

Risk management will not preclude adverse events from occurring; it will enable you to focus on those things that are likely to bring the greatest harm and apply this integrated approach that are likely to mitigate or prevent those incidents.  A safe and secure organisation must mean more than environmental risk, it must also ensure that all staff, clients, patients and visitors are protected that all mission critical operations are , all operational preventing.

Make your organization more resilient by anticipating, communicating, and preparing for hazards, both internal and external through a comprehensive and deliberate integrated risk management from hazards, to strategic to operational. < Back

 

Supply Chain

 

GEM Canada can help you to review, plan and build your supply chain model and process helping you to enhance resiliency and sustainability.

Supply Chain is the flow of people, products, information, food, transportation, resource management, supplies and furniture including medical supplies, providers and money to the end user.  A disaster or emergency management supply chain is not static; it may change overtime and over the timeline of an emergency.

Pre-planning and mitigation before emergencies are essential and critical including training exercise. The importance of incorporating community resources is part of your resource management, extending mutual aid concept beyond materials, equipment and personnel; and leveraging data and experiences gained from previous incident will help to better understand the context and bring improvement to your response, recovery processes and plans which will help to remain resilient.

 

 

 

 

Survey Design and Analysis

We design and develop surveys to assess your level of preparedness, and  provide complete analysis of these surveys. All work is done to ensure your organization compliance meeting all national and international standards and accreditation standards.

Tool Kit and Template

We design and provide tool kits and templates such as customized Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA) templates, communication, emergency response, recovery, business continuity plan and for all other aspects of disaster/emergency management.