When you’re a Berlin walking tour guide, you’re more than just showing your guests the city’s history and landmarks. You take on the responsibility to maintain the safety and well being of your tour participants also. There always come unexpected & emergencies when we’re not prepared for them. It’s why all Berlin walking tour guides need crisis management skills. It is to learn about all you can learn on crisis management in general to make sure that if something happens, you would know what to do on the event.
1. Safe and ready prepares
So, when taking your walking tours, safety should be top on your mind. First, you should do a very thorough risk assessment of your tour route, identifying potential hazards, and what you would do to mitigate those hazards. So be prepared of different scenarios and have on hand a kit of first aid during your tours.
Tips:
Check location and emergency contact numbers for areas you’ll be covering in tour.
Make an emergency response plan and have all participants on board that.
2. Be clear and calm with your communication.
During a crisis or emergency, your ability to speak to your tour group confidently and clearly is critical. This will keep your participants calm, giving them the confidence that they need and reducing panic. Let your group know you’re in control and give them direction as to what they should do.
Tips:
Be loud and clear when providing instructions so everyone hears you.
Be slow when you talk and use jargon or complicated words that may confuse your participants.
3. Know What is Around You and What May Be Hazardous to You.
When I was a tour guide I had to be on aware, on the ball all the time. Always remain vigilant for any risk(s) or any signs of trouble – such as crowded areas, suspicious behavior, etc. If you figure these risks out early, you’ll suggest that you and your group be careful.
Tips:
Scan the area regularly and look out for a potential dangers.
To be prepared for sudden changes, keep on eye on the weather forecast.
4. Be in relationship with the local authorities.
In times of crisis building connections with local authority and emergency services is immensely beneficial. Relationship building with them gives you access to Information, Resources and Support to help you manage any unforeseen event, well.
Tips:
Contact local police stations and emergency services to be introduced to yourself and your business.
Exchange contact information with the appropriate authorities should you have any need to contact them.
5. Training and Continuous Learning
Procure up to date information about relevant current safety protocols as well as crisis management procedures on training sessions or workshops. You can benefit with more continuous learning to increase your skills so you can better deal with crises or emergencies.
Tips:
Get enrolled in first aid and CPR courses so you do not run scared when it comes to dealing with a medical emergency.
Take part in crisis management workshops getting to learn from the field experts and from other tour guides experiences.
Conclusion
When a walking tour guide in Berlin, you have great responsibility, being in crisis management absolutely included. When you measure safety first, communicate clearly, pay attention to what’s going on around you, make local connections, and keep on rising in your skill set, you can be sure you’re keeping your participants safe. But remember, crisis management skills are just a necessary part of a tour guides daily work. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are the less you’ll need to worry about the unexpected.
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