The State of Healthcare Disaster Plans in New Zealand and the Sultanate of Oman: An International Comparative Analysis

Advances in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/758728 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Sultan Al-Shaqsi ◽

Robin Gauld ◽

David McBride ◽

Ammar Al-Kashmiri ◽

Abdullah Al-Harthy

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

Hazard Analysis ◽

Command And Control ◽

District Health ◽

Emergency Plans ◽

Content Analysis Method ◽

Tertiary Hospitals ◽

International Comparative ◽

And Control

Aim. The aim of this study was to carry out an audit of healthcare plans in New Zealand and Oman. Methods. The study utilizes a deductive content analysis method. Written plans from New Zealand District Health Boards (DHBs) and the Omani secondary and tertiary hospitals were analyzed. A checklist was used to score the plans against twelve elements which are command and control, hazard analysis, surge capability, communication, standard operating procedures (SOPs), life-line backups, public and media, training, welfare, coordination, and recovery. Results. There were 14 plans from New Zealand and 7 plans from Oman analysed. The overall coverage of New Zealand plans was 67.5% compared to 53.3% in Oman. Plans from both countries scored similarly in “command and control,” “hazard analysis,” “surge,” and “communication” elements. Omani plans scored lower than those of New Zealand in “media and the publicv” “training,” “coordination,” and “recovery.” Both countries scored very low in addressing the welfare of responders. Conclusion. This study highlighted the value of health emergency plans in New Zealand as reflected by the high score of DHBs’ coordination. Therefore, a similar approach in Oman will enhance emergency preparedness. Responders’ welfare is an issue that needs to be addressed by emergency preparedness plans in both countries.

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Cultural factors in livestock emergency management

Australian Journal of Emergency Management - October 2021 ◽

10.47389/36.3.69 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10.47389/36 (36.3) ◽

pp. 69-77

Author(s):

Marjan Leneman ◽

Eva Jordans ◽

Katinka de Balogh de Balogh

Keyword(s):

Emergency Management ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

Cultural Beliefs ◽

Volcanic Eruptions ◽

Emergency Plans ◽

Scientific Disciplines ◽

People Orientation ◽

Response Systems ◽

Media Reports ◽

And Control

Despite the institutionalisation of volcanic eruption early warning and response systems, casualties are still seen among local farmers who are reluctant to evacuate. Farmers may also prematurely return to their farms to save livelihoods and take care of animals. Case studies and media reports show the importance of understanding the cultural beliefs of residents when developing emergency plans. By reviewing literature from different scientific disciplines in relation to volcanic eruptions and livestock emergency preparedness, differences can be identified in the underlying risk and control paradigms, including the meaning given to volcanoes and livestock. Concurrently, livestock emergency preparedness approaches fall short of people-orientation. Using selected studies that consider these aspects, a people-centred and culture-sensitive framework to improve local learning and participation in emergency preparedness is offered. With disaster events becoming more frequent, participatory learning is useful to strengthen emergency management and preparedness programs.

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