How to create an emergency action plan (eap)

The bottom line is that you need a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to ensure you can respond instantly to medical emergencies, accidents, or fires. In a high-stress situation, having a pre-defined checklist eliminates panic and ensures student safety, which is your primary responsibility as an instructor.

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An EAP is a simple, clear document that outlines exactly what to do when something goes wrong during a class. Whether it is a student fainting, a fire alarm sounding, or a physical injury during a pose, this plan tells you (and any assistants) who to call, where to go, and how to help.

Key components of your EAP

Your plan should be concise and easy to read at a glance. It should include the following sections:

• Location Information: The full address and postcode of your teaching space, including specific directions for emergency services (e.g., "Enter via the side gate on Church Street").
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 999 for emergencies. Also list the building manager’s number and your own emergency contact.
• First Aid Kit Location: Specify exactly where the kit is kept in the room or building.
• Evacuation Protocol: Clear steps on how to exit the building, where the assembly point is, and how to ensure all students are accounted for.
• Incident Reporting: A reminder to record details in an accident book as soon as possible after the event.

Steps to create your plan

Creating your EAP doesn't have to be a daunting task. Follow these steps to get it documented:

1. Survey your space: Walk through your teaching location. Identify the nearest fire exits, the location of fire extinguishers, and where the first aid kit is stored.
2. Identify the 'Person in Charge': Usually, this is you. If you have an assistant or a regular student who is first-aid trained, note how you will coordinate.
3. Write the 'If/Then' scenarios: For example: "If a fire starts, I will immediately stop the music and direct students to Exit A." or "If a student is seriously injured, I will call 999 and designate another student to meet the ambulance at the door."
4. Test the plan: Visualise a scenario and ensure your instructions make sense in reality. Can you reach the fire exit easily? Is the phone signal strong enough to call for help?

Best practices for yoga teachers

Once your document is ready, don't just hide it in a drawer. Keep a printed copy in your kit bag or pinned to the wall of your studio space. If you are teaching in a hired hall, ensure you know their specific building procedures as these will form the core of your own plan.

Keep your EAP on a single side of A4 paper. In an emergency, no one has time to flip through a manual; they need clear, bulleted instructions that can be read in seconds.

Finally, remember to review your plan every six months or whenever you change locations. Different venues have different layouts, so your plan must be tailored to the specific environment where you are teaching.