Describe the "buddy system" in emergency response.

The "buddy system" in emergency response is fundamentally about establishing a method to pair individuals—typically staff members or responders—for accountability and support during emergencies. This system enhances communication and ensures that everyone is accounted for, which is critical in high-stress situations. By partnering individuals, it provides an additional layer of safety, encourages collaboration, and allows for more effective response actions. Each buddy can help assess situations, monitor each other’s safety, and ensure that no one is left alone or unaccounted for in times of crisis. This pairing of personnel contributes to an organized and efficient emergency response.

Other options, while related to various organizational practices, do not accurately describe the buddy system in the context of emergency response. For instance, monitoring academic performance or individual student assessments focuses on academic settings, and the practice being restricted to staff training overlooks its application in real-time emergencies.