METHODS: An effective disaster response requires competent responders and leaders. The purpose of this study was to ask experts to identify attributes that distinguish effective from ineffective responders and leaders in a disaster. In this qualitative study, focus groups were held with jurisdictional medical directors for the 9-1-1 emergency medical services systems of the majority of the nation's largest cities. These sessions were recorded with audio equipment and later transcribed. RESULTS: The researchers identified themes within the transcriptions, created categories, and coded passages into these categories. Overall interrater reliability was excellent (κ = .8). The focus group transcripts yielded 138 codable passages. Ten categories were developed from analysis of the content: Incident Command System/Disaster Training/Experience, General Training/Experience, Teamwork/Interpersonal, Communication, Cognition, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Adaptable/Flexible, Calm/Cool, Character, and Performs Role. The contents of these categories included knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and personal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Experts in focus groups identified a variety of competencies for disaster responders and leaders. These competencies will require validation through further research that involves input from the disaster response community at large.
METHODS: An effective disaster response requires competent responders and leaders. The purpose of this study was to ask experts to identify attributes that distinguish effective from ineffective responders and leaders in a disaster. In this qualitative study, focus groups were held with jurisdictional medical directors for the 9-1-1 emergency medical services systems of the majority of the nation's largest cities. These sessions were recorded with audio equipment and later transcribed. RESULTS: The researchers identified themes within the transcriptions, created categories, and coded passages into these categories. Overall interrater reliability was excellent (κ = .8). The focus group transcripts yielded 138 codable passages. Ten categories were developed from analysis of the content: Incident Command System/Disaster Training/Experience, General Training/Experience, Teamwork/Interpersonal, Communication, Cognition, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Adaptable/Flexible, Calm/Cool, Character, and Performs Role. The contents of these categories included knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and personal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Experts in focus groups identified a variety of competencies for disaster responders and leaders. These competencies will require validation through further research that involves input from the disaster response community at large.
Authors: M Gabrielle O'Meara; Robyn K Sobelson; Silvia M Trigoso; Rachel E Kramer; Christina McNaughton; Rebecca J Smartis; Joan P Cioffi Journal: J Emerg Manag Date: 2019 May/Jun
Authors: Whitney Meagan; Emine R Ayvaci; Saira M Bhatti; Duong Karen; Lindsay E Page; Patel Tulsie; Rachel E Zettl; Dykema John; Sonis Jeffrey; David E Pollio; Carol S North Journal: Peace Confl Date: 2018-12-13
Authors: Krzysztof Goniewicz; Mariusz Goniewicz; Anna Włoszczak-Szubzda; Frederick M Burkle; Attila J Hertelendy; Ahmed Al-Wathinani; Michael Sean Molloy; Amir Khorram-Manesh Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-01-09 Impact factor: 3.295