Sometimes, the worst happens even on a Sunday morning. In the event of an emergency, these are our “Need to Know” facts and Standard Operating Procedures.

<aside> <img src="/icons/asterisk_red.svg" alt="/icons/asterisk_red.svg" width="40px" /> Here’s what to do if there is an emergency: (1) Notify the atrium police officer and Pastor Brian as quickly and calmly as possible, (2) Bring the two medical bags from the Tech Booth to first responders, and (3) Update the team calmly and clearly what Pastor Brian says to do.

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Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency, the first action is always to alert Pastor Brian Saunders and the police officer stationed by the Point. Pastor Brian will make the decision whether or not we need to stop the service. Communicate calmly with the team about what is happening and listen to Brian. Brian may decide:

To continue the service with no interruptions, because the person is okay or there is no barrier to first responders giving care or the majority of the congregation doesn’t even realize something is wrong, or
To pause the service so pastors can pray from the stage and/or give instructions to make room for medical professionals to give aid.

If CPR needs to be administered in an emergency or the path for first responders is blocked, we will stop the service and clear the Worship Center in an orderly fashion through the hallway wings.

<aside> ⚠️ Example Case

On April 2, 2023, one of our pastors fainted in the congregation during the message time and was unconscious for at least 30 seconds. A doctor sat near him and immediately responded along with two EMTs also in the service. A volunteer firefighter reported this to the producer and asked what he could do. The producer sent him to find Pastor Brian in the lobby. Pastor Brian grabbed the medical bags and brought them to first responders, as well as bringing the AED in case it was needed. Brian decided not to stop the service because the incident was contained and accessible to first responders and out of sight of 60% of the congregation. The producer then informed the service host to go up right after the message and dismiss everyone instead of playing the last song—and informed the band as well over their in-ear monitors just to play out as people left.

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Important Reminders

We have multiple first responders in our congregation—firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, doctors, and police officers.
There are two brightly-colored medical bags in the sound booth under the counter. Immediately bring these to first responders.
There is an AED located by the family restroom. It is good practice in a medical emergency to go ahead and locate this and bring it to first responders if no one has already done so.
As producer, your job is only to direct traffic, not make decisions. Communicate calmly with the pastors (especially Pastor Brian) and then communicate with our team so they know what to do.
The goal is to not interrupt our gathering—we value it that much!—but the most important consideration is safety.