Survey of Emergency Management Professionals to Assess Ideal Characteristics of a Photographic-Based Family Reunification Tool

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarita Chung ◽  
Stephen Monteiro ◽  
Sonja I. Ziniel ◽  
Leslie A. Kalish ◽  
Paula Klaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Facial Trauma ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Emotional Difficulty ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Missing Children ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
Living Children

ABSTRACTObjective: A reunification tool that captures images of children at the time of the disaster would enable parents to locate their missing children, particularly if the children are unable to communicate their identity. This study assessed the ideal features and parameters of a photographic-based reunification tool.Methods: A convenience sample of federal, state, and hospital-based emergency management professionals were surveyed to elicit their preferences regarding an image-based reunification algorithm, to assess the parents' level of difficulty in viewing images with facial trauma, and to determine the minimum percentage of successful reunifications needed to justify adoption of a reunification tool.Results: Of 322 emergency management professionals surveyed, 129 (40%) responded. Only 18% favored a photographic-based tool that would display images in which only the categories of age, gender, and facial features (eye, hair, and skin color) would exactly match the parent's description of the child. However, 72% preferred a broader, less-rigid system in which the images displayed would match all or most features in the parents’ description of the missing child, allowing parents to view more of the image database. Most (85%) preferred a tool showing unedited images of living children, allowing parents to view facial trauma. However, more respondents reported that parents would find viewing unedited images with facial trauma somewhat or very difficult emotionally compared with edited images for both living (77% vs 20%, P <. 001) and deceased children (91% vs 70%, P <. 001.) In a disaster involving 1000 children, a tool that reunites a minimum of 10% of families would be adopted by over 50% of the participants. Participants were willing to accept a lower percentage of reunifications in a disaster involving 1000 children compared with disasters involving 10 (P <. 001) or 100 children. (P <. 001).Conclusions: Emergency management professionals identified desirable characteristics of a photographic-based reunification tool, including an algorithm displaying unedited photographs of missing children that loosely matches the parents' description, acknowledging the parents' emotional difficulty in viewing photographs with facial trauma. Participants were also willing to accept a lower percentage of successful reunifications as the scale of the disaster size increased.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:156–162)

Sustainability and the local emergency manager

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Jensen, PhD ◽  
Regine Laurence Chauvet, MS
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
North Dakota ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Emergency Managers ◽  
Emergency Manager ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Management Professionals

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how local county emergency managers conceptualize sustainability and apply the concept within their jobs.Design: Qualitative, semistructured telephone and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from a purposive and convenience sample of local county emergency managers.Setting: Interviews were conducted with Florida and North Dakota emergency managers.Subjects, Participants: Twenty-five local county emergency managers participated in this study. Results: The study demonstrated that there is a lack of definitional clarity in emergency manager conceptualizations of sustainability. Nevertheless, emergency managers apply the concept to their jobs in important ways.Conclusions: Emergency management has the opportunity to further define its role vis-à-vis sustainability and how it does so will have implications for the communities it serves, the professionals who will be tasked with it, and the educators who will support the development of future generations of emergency management professionals.

More than technology: Experiences of Virtual Emergency Operations Centers (VEOCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic response in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 109-126
Author(s):  
Sarah Delisle, MA ◽  
Carolyn Dumbeck, MEmergMgt ◽  
Alison Poste, BA ◽  
Amy Romanas, BDEM
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Emergency Operations ◽  
Emergency Operations Center ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
Technology Processes ◽  
Operations Center

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated emergency management offices and organizations across Canada to activate their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a virtual capacity due to government restrictions limiting in-person activities and with the goal of reducing the spread of the virus. The aim of this exploratory research paper is to document the personal experiences of Canadian emergency management professionals working in a Virtual EOC (VEOC) environment during the COVID-19 response, including challenges and benefits they experienced, as well as lessons identified. Based on a sample of 81 emergency management professionals and using an inductive coding approach, the survey results illustrate both technological and nontechnological challenges and benefits. The findings highlight the need to incorporate three main elements into VEOC planning and operations: technology, processes, and people.

The Library as Lifeboat

2016 ◽  
pp. 494-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Mabe
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Hurricane Irene ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
Chesterfield County ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Effective Reaction

According to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned (2006), emergency management professionals realized first-hand that preplanning and coordination is essential when mounting an effective reaction to natural disasters. This chapter describes how leaders in Chesterfield County, VA learned similar lessons in 2001 during Hurricane Irene. In comparison to Katrina the amount of damage caused by Irene was minimal but the impact on county leaders was severe. Based on lessons learned during Irene and an unexpected wind storm nine months later, Chesterfield County leaders now include the Chesterfield County Public (CCPL) in their official disaster relief plans. When activated, CCPL will serve as an information hub, double as a daytime relief shelter and participate in mass feeding if necessary. Selected library branches are available to be used as overnight relief shelters for mass care when the activation of a standard sized shelter facility is not warranted. These changes have made a notable difference.

scholarly journals Are There Adequate Policies and Programmes in Place to Protect Infants and Young Children During Emergencies?

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s58-s58
Author(s):  
Tracey Dale ◽  
Foster Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Infants And Young Children ◽  
State Territory

Introduction:In emergencies, infants and young children are disproportionately affected due to specific food and fluid requirements, immature immune system, susceptibility to dehydration, and dependence on others. Provision of safe food and water to infants and young children is critical. However, it is challenging in the emergency context. Specific planning is vital to support infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E).Aim:To identify the extent to which Australian emergency management plans and guidance account for the needs of infants and young children.Methods:An audit of Australian emergency management plans and guidance was conducted as a part of the 2018 World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative assessment of Australian infant feeding policies. All national and state/territory emergency preparedness plans, and a sample of local government area preparedness plans, response plans, and other guidance were identified and searched for content related to the needs of infants and young children. Plans and guidance were searched for content related to the needs of animals as a comparison.Results:Vulnerability of infants and young children was commonly noted. However, content related to supporting the specific needs of infants and young children through appropriate IYCF-E was almost totally absent. In some cases, the guidance that did exist was misleading or dangerous. No agency at the federal, state/territory, or local government level was identified as having met the responsibility for ensuring the needs of infants and young children. The absence of any coordinated response for the needs of infants and young children is in stark contrast to consideration of animal needs, which have a delegated authority, plans, and guidance at all levels of government.Discussion:Planning for the needs of infants and young children in emergencies in Australia is dangerously inadequate. Action should be taken to ensure that appropriate plans exist at all levels of government.

Emergency management and homeland security: Exploring the relationship

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 483
Author(s):  
Jerome H. Kahan, BA, BS, MSEE
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Homeland Security ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
The United States ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Public And Private Stakeholders

In the years after the 9/11 tragedy, the United States continues to face risks from all forms of major disasters, from potentially dangerous terrorist attacks to catastrophic acts of nature. Professionals in the fields of emergency management and homeland security have responsibilities for ensuring that all levels of government, urban areas and communities, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and individual citizens are prepared to deal with such hazards though actions that reduce risks to lives and property. Regrettably, the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's ability to deal with disasters is unnecessarily challenged by the absence of a common understanding on how these fields are related in the workforce and educational arenas. Complicating matters further is the fact that neither of these fields has developed agreed definitions. In many ways, homeland security and emergency management have come to represent two different worlds and cultures. These conditions can have a deleterious effect on preparedness planning for public and private stakeholders across the nation when coordinated responses among federal, state, and local activities are essential for dealing with consequential hazards. This article demonstrates that the fields of emergency management and homeland security share many responsibilities but are not identical in scope or skills. It argues that emergency management should be considered a critical subset of the far broader and more strategic field of homeland security. From analytically based conclusions, it recommends five steps that be taken to bring these fields closer together to benefit more from their synergist relationship as well as from their individual contributions.

The Mental Health, Self-efficacy, and Satisfaction Outcomes of a Community Counseling Demonstration Project for Multiple Sclerosis Clients

2000 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki W. Wingerson ◽  
N. Margaret Wineman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Unexpected Finding ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Counseling Intervention

This demonstration project examined the effectiveness of a community-based, short-term counseling intervention for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Data were collected about identified goals, mental health status, perception of self-efficacy, and satisfaction with counseling. A convenience sample of 12 persons with MS was studied pre- and post-counseling. Disturbances in mood was the most frequently identified problem, followed by dlsturbances in roles and relationships, and in symptom management. A higher percentage of goals achieved or in progress was associated with a higher perceived self-efficacy, a greater satisfaction with counseling, and a greater sense of being helped. when a lower percentage of goals was achieved, individuals tended to rate the quality of counseling lower. There was no significant change in clients mental health at the end of counseling, but there was significant improvement in their self-efficacy. An unexpected finding was that mental health and self-efficacy were not significantly correlated.

scholarly journals Information and Communication Technology Deployment, Policies and Use in Emergency Management among Lagos State Government Agencies

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruqayat Oyetinuoye Uthman ◽  
Kemi Ogunsola
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
State Government ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Information And Communication

This study examined the factors affecting use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management of emergency situations in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted the qualitative approach in data gathering. Face-to-face interview was conducted with 15 key informants at 12 emergency management agencies which were selected out of a total of 43 agencies through multistage sampling. The agencies were first stratified into federal, state and non-governmental agencies and the selection of agencies as well as respondents was done using purposive sampling method. The selected respondents consisted of ICT personnel, risk management officers and other top management officers, such as directors, assistant directors/heads of department, and supervisors. The result showed that there were no suitable organisational or operational structures that could assist the deployment of ICT in emergency situations at the selected agencies; however, there was a high level of basic appreciation of simple ICT tools and facilities. The study recommended that agencies with no presence on the social media should create accounts through which they can share information and also interact with citizens as well as other agencies. Furthermore, there is a need to have additional policies at the state government level with regards to emergency management. It was also recommended that government agencies should acquire and use sophisticated technology equipments which can promote emergency management.

scholarly journals Ludwig's Angina: Report of 40 Cases and Review of Current Concepts in Emergency Management in a Rural Tertiary Facility Teaching Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Author(s):  
S Kumar ◽  
M Ambikavathy
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Facial Trauma ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Submandibular Duct ◽  
Ludwig’S Angina ◽  
Ludwig's Angina

ABSTRACT Objective To review the current protocols and assess their efficacy in the emergency management of cases presenting with Ludwig's angina. Materials and methods A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with Ludwig's angina, admitted and treated in our institution between November 2007 and December 2012. Results There were 40 cases with 24 males (60%) and 16 females (40%), ages ranged between 16 and 80 years. Duration of symptoms was between 3 days and 2 weeks. The most common cause was dental infections seen in 23 cases (57.5%), one of them was a pregnant lady. Six were due to habitual tooth pricking with a broom stick (15%). In 3 patients it was due to submandibular duct stenosis secondary to calculi (7.5%). Five patients had diabetes as underlying disease (12.5%). Facial trauma contributed in 2 patients (5%) and in 1 patient it was due to carcinoma buccal mucosa (2.5%). All the patients were treated with systemic broad spectrum antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and analgesics. Twenty patients (50%) underwent tracheostomy with surgical decompression through small incisions under local/ general anesthesia. Ten patients (25%) were subjected to incision and drainage with subsequent removal of the diseased teeth. Ten patients (25%) were managed conservatively with antibiotics, analgesics, and under close supervision for airway compromise. There were no complications recorded and no mortality. Conclusion Ludwig's angina is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention can save lives. The appropriate use of parenteral antibiotics complemented with airway protection and surgical decompression remains the standard treatment protocol in advanced cases of Ludwig's angina. How to cite this article Ambikavathy M, Kumar S. Ludwig's Angina: Report of 40 Cases and Review of Current Concepts in Emergency Management in a Rural Tertiary Facility Teaching Hospital. Int J Head Neck Surg 2017;8(1):11-14.

The Library as Lifeboat

2019 ◽  
pp. 1513-1535
Author(s):  
Michael R. Mabe
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Hurricane Irene ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
Chesterfield County ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Effective Reaction

According to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned (2006), emergency management professionals realized first-hand that preplanning and coordination is essential when mounting an effective reaction to natural disasters. This chapter describes how leaders in Chesterfield County, VA learned similar lessons in 2001 during Hurricane Irene. In comparison to Katrina the amount of damage caused by Irene was minimal but the impact on county leaders was severe. Based on lessons learned during Irene and an unexpected wind storm nine months later, Chesterfield County leaders now include the Chesterfield County Public (CCPL) in their official disaster relief plans. When activated, CCPL will serve as an information hub, double as a daytime relief shelter and participate in mass feeding if necessary. Selected library branches are available to be used as overnight relief shelters for mass care when the activation of a standard sized shelter facility is not warranted. These changes have made a notable difference.

scholarly journals Experiences of Canadian oncologists with difficult patient deaths and coping strategies used

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Granek ◽  
L. Barbera ◽  
O. Nakash ◽  
M. Cohen ◽  
M.K. Krzyzanowska
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Patient Death ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Difficult Patient ◽  
Emotional Difficulty ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Relationship Identification

Objectives We aimed to explore and identify what makes patient death more emotionally difficult for oncologists and how oncologists cope with patient death.Methods A convenience sample of 98 Canadian oncologists (50 men, 48 women) completed an online survey that included a demographics section and a section about patient death.Results More than 80% of oncologists reported that patient age, long-term management of a patient, and unexpected disease outcomes contributed to difficult patient loss. Other factors included the doctor–patient relationship, identification with the patient, caregiver-related factors, oncologist-related factors, and “bad deaths.” Oncologists reported varying strategies to cope with patient death. Most prevalent was peer support from colleagues, including nurses and other oncologists. Additional strategies included social support, exercise and meditation, faith, vacations, and use of alcohol and medications.Conclusions Oncologists listed a number of interpersonal and structural factors that make patient death challenging for them to cope with. Oncologists reported a number of coping strategies in responding to patient death, including peer support, particularly from nursing colleagues. No single intervention will be suitable for all oncologists, and institutions wishing to help their staff cope with the emotional difficulty of patient loss should offer a variety of interventions to maximize the likelihood of oncologist participation.

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