Vision Tactical – 

Private security company Vision Tactical has launched its COVID-19 ‘Strategic Preparedness Unit’ in collaboration with its emergency medical partners ER24. The unique vehicle will be deployed to support risk communication, community engagement and internal staff training in relation to the pandemic.

Partnerships with law enforcement, provincial departments and health authorities will develop, monitor and implement an effective plan for communicating with the public and creating a better awareness of the risks associated with COVID-19.

The non – operational EMS vehicle will be coordinated by medics from ER24 and trained members of the Vision Tactical team, that will dedicate their skill to dawning and doffing of PPE and supporting scenes during the pandemic.

This critical function will extend to preparing venues when essential services, law enforcement, health workers and burial societies need to engage.

In addition to the COVID-19 strategic preparedness and response plan and the COVID-19 strategy update, there are four key areas that local authorities of cities and urban settlements should focus on in ensuring preparedness for a robust response to COVID-19:

• Coordinated local plans in preparation for effective responses to health risks and impacts;

• Risk and crisis communication and community engagement that encourage compliance with measures;

• Contextually appropriate approaches to public health measures, especially physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette;

• Access to health care services for COVID-19 and the continuation of essential services.

Director of Vision Tactical, Yaseen Theba says that optimal preparedness in cities and urban settlements is critical for effective national, regional and global response to COVID-19.

“To be effective, the units public measures are implementable and designed in a way that will promote willingness to comply,” Theba says.

Theba adds that slowing the transmission of COVID-19 and protecting communities will require the participation of every member in various communities  to prevent infection and transmission.

“Understanding knowledge, behaviours, perceptions, and identifying the right channels and community-based networks and influencers to promote scientific and public health messages will be a key determinant of the effectiveness of the response.”

Programmes will be targeted to individual facilities equipping them with the knowledge, procedures and preventative measures to mitigate the risks of contracting COVID-19.

Community engagement will include accurate information on risks, what is still unknown, what is being done to find answers, what actions are being taken by health authorities, and what actions people can take to protect themselves.