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International Journal of Emergency Services
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.201  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 22  Hybrid journal * Containing 3  Open Access article(s) in this issue *ISSN (Print) 2047-0894 - ISSN (Online) 2047-0908 Published by Emerald  [362 journals]
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- Building sustainable community resilience and business preparedness
through stakeholder perspective-
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Authors: Shuaib Ahmed Soomro
Abstract: The paper aims to examine business and community-based organizations’ efforts to increase engagement in building resilience to violent acts of terrorism in the community. Businesses and community-based organizations are now being called upon to join the wider preparedness, response and recovery efforts in response to terrorist violence. A qualitative approach is used to explore the study. Data collection includes observation, analysis and interviews with practitioners and local stakeholders to document lessons learnt from all perspectives. Further to understand the role of private sector business and NGOs in building resilience to violent acts of terrorism in the community, 21 businesses were selected in the two cities of Shikarpur and Sukkur in the province of Sindh in Pakistan, during a period of high stress from terrorist violence between November and December 2020. Community-based organizations in study areas contribute to resilience to violent acts of terrorism through making financial or material donations to local resilience to violent acts of terrorism programmes and by contributing supplies to affected people. Findings indicate that the implementation of a wide spectrum of community engagement initiatives has increased awareness of terrorist violence amongst various segments of societies. The study provides a combination of practical data along with review of literature. A practical approach to the data collection from organizations operating in terrorist-ridden areas and consequently developing and implementing strategies to resilience to violent acts of terrorism in the community.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-02-28
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2022-0039
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- The evaluation of Safe and Well visits as part of the prevention
activities of fire and Rescue Services in England-
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Authors: Katarzyna Lakoma, Peter Murphy
Abstract: Safe and Well visits are the primary preventative vehicle now used by all Fire and Rescue Services in England. The purpose of this paper is to examine their recent development to identify notable practice and potential improvements. A literature review and archival document analysis have been supplemented by data and information from the evaluation of a case study at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. There is considerable scope to improve Safe and Well visits, although individual services and the sector are not yet able to implement effective benchmarking across services or commission a more appropriate evaluation methodology such as a social return on investment. The research is situationally bound to England, although there may be transferable lessons to other services and jurisdictions. Potential future improvements are identified and recommended at local and national levels, both in the data and information available, and for policy, operationalisation and public assurance. Although a small number of professional reviews have been undertaken, the authors are not aware of any academic evaluation of Safe and Well visits since they superseded the previous Home Fire Safety Checks.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-02-28
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-09-2022-0053
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- From EAP to BHAP: a conceptual framework to develop and implement a
comprehensive behavioral health access program within the fire service-
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Authors: Kellie ODare, Chris Bator, Lance Butler, Jeffrey Orrange, Lauren Porter, Michelle Rehbein, John Dilks, Dana R. Dillard, Erin King, Joseph Herzog, Robert Rotunda
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to articulate the results of a comprehensive literature review and grassroots outreach with first responder organizations to present an operationalized framework for organizations to utilize as a blueprint in developing customized behavioral health access program (BHAP) programs. Historically, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)over fire service organizations have primarily offered behavioral health interventions through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or commercial insurance carriers. These programs are necessary but may prove insufficient to meet the scope and needs of trauma-exposed firefighters and the firefighters' families. A BHAP is a comprehensive and operationalized plan which clearly specifies the mental health services fire department members and families need, where those services are available within their communities and levels and standards of care that are expected in the provision of these services. The BHAP is becoming a world standard of behavioral health care for first responders. While some fire service agencies are beginning to create BHAP guides, developing and implementing a BHAP can be time consuming and overwhelming, particularly for departments with limited internal and external resources. While the results of this review focus on BHAP within the fire service, this framework is applicable across all first responder professions.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-02-07
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-11-2021-0078
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- A systematic review of the factors that contribute towards mental health
in the fire service-
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Authors: Lydia Garmon-Jones, Paul Hanna, Mary John
Abstract: Concerns have been raised regarding the mental health of firefighters. In response to this, existing literature reviews have highlighted the significant role of trauma in influencing mental health and the experience of post-traumatic stress within firefighters. This paper builds on the existing reviews and makes an original contribution to knowledge by systematically reviewing research exploring additional factors that contribute to poor mental health in firefighters. This review finds that factors such as sleep, occupational stress, length of service, coping style and social support all influence negative mental health within firefighters. However, this paper also suggests there are challenges to distinguishing the nature of these relationships, due to the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships and study limitations. Finally, we conclude by suggesting a clear need for further research to explore the biological, psychological and social factors influencing mental health outcomes in firefighters and the direction of these relationships, in order to inform effective intervention and support.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-01-17
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-02-2021-0005
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- The impact of COVID-19 on first responders in the United States of America
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Authors: Andrea M. Headley, Christa Remington, Kaila Witkowski, Santina L. Contreras, Nazife Emel Ganapati
Abstract: This project specifically aims to examine (1) the individual impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on first responders, (2) the organizational impact of COVID-19 on first response agencies and (3) policy and organizational response and support efforts to mitigate potentially harmful effects of the pandemic. The authors' conducted a mixed-methods analysis, including a review of secondary sources (e.g. government documents, organizational policies and news pieces), state-level policies, encompassing surveys, in-depth semi-structured interviews and PhotoVoice focus groups. COVID-19 compounded many of the inherent risks facing first responders and added new stressors. First responders assumed added responsibilities during the pandemic which increased workloads, job-related stress, burnout, distance from the community and first responders' feelings of frustration. Even with personal protective equipment (PPE), first responders faced greater exposure to individuals with COVID-19 and were primarily concerned with transmitting the virus to family members, or other members of the first responders' support networks. State-level COVID-19 policies that were geared toward first responders aimed to improve the first responders' personal lives outside of work and mitigate burnout within the profession. First response agencies adapted to the pandemic by implementing a wide range of measures. First responders also identified several weaknesses in the first responders' agencies' approach to the pandemic. To prepare for the next public health emergency, first response agencies should proactively train employees, build up the first responders' supplies of equipment and PPE, implement policies to strengthen their workforce (e.g. increase hiring for understaffed positions, reduce turnover and mitigate role abandonment), allow for greater employee autonomy, improve communication between leaders and employees and prioritize employees' mental health, as well as other factors relating to departments' informal culture. This is one of the largest studies conducted on three types of first responders (police officers, fire firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics) across the United States of America during a public health crisis.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-01-16
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-12-2022-0071
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- Participation of pre-hospital emergency physicians at ambulance missions
in Germany's federal states-
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Authors: Thomas Hofmann, Luis Möckel
Abstract: This study aims to determine the differences in the involvement of pre-hospital emergency physicians (PHEPs) within the ambulance service over time and between the federal states and identify possible reasons for the differences. The federal state-specific PHEP rates from 2012 to 2017 were analysed using publicly available data or data provided by the responsible state ministries. In addition, various correlations between PHEP rates and sociodemographic and health data were calculated. The PHEP rates differ significantly between the 16 federal states. In 2017, Schleswig–Holstein had a PHEP participation rate of 19.00%, while in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the rate was 41.08%. In all surveyed states, the rate fell over time. Only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the rate increased from 37.68% in 2012 to 41.08% in 2017 (OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.14; 1.17]). Federal state-specific PHEP rates indicated strong deviations from the overall PHEP rate of all included federal states with ORs ranging from 0.61 (95% CI: 0,61; 0,62) for Schleswig–Holstein to 1.82 (95% CI: 1.81; 1.84) for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Socioeconomic factors indicated (inverse) correlations with the federal state-specific PHEP rate. The PHEP rates differ significantly between the federal states. The correlations indicate possible connections but do not show clear causes within state-specific characteristics. Consequently, the occupational autonomy of paramedics differs between the states.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2023-01-03
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-09-2021-0057
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- Determination of health workers' perceptions of the disaster management
process and gender inequality: the case of a state hospital in Turkey-
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Authors: Büşra Nur Çoban, Ebru İnal Önal
Abstract: This study aims to identify levels of gender perception specific to disaster management process and gender-related factors among the health workers employed at Çan State Hospital, Turkey. The study was carried out with a survey form consisting of 41 questions created by researchers with 207 health workers working at Çan State Hospital and by means of face-to-face interview technique. SPSS ver. 19.0 statistics software package was used in the research for analysis of data. Of the participants, 70.24% had experienced a disaster before; 88.03% reported that women and men were equally affected by disasters and 72.94% reported that women and men were equally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the participants (70.29%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected health workers of both genders equally. The health workers who consider that the disaster legislation is gender-sensitive, who have attended any disaster response training and who consider that women are included in the fragile/vulnerable group in disaster response activities have been found out to have significantly higher gender perception scores specific to disaster management process (p
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-10-25
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2022-0044
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Building “common knowledge” when responding to major road tunnel
incidents: an inter-organisational focus group study
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Annika Eklund, Sofia Karlsson, Lina Gyllencreutz
Abstract: Major incidents in tunnel environment will pose several challenges for the emergency service organisations in terms of heat, visibility and lack of experiences from working in confined environments. These aspects, in turn, could pose challenges to establish collaboration. This study aims to contribute to the field of collaborative tunnel responses by exploring how “common knowledge” (Edwards, 2011) is built by the emergency services organisations, that is, what the organisations consider important while working on a potentially common problem, and their motives for the interpretations and actions if a major tunnel incident occurs. Participants from the road traffic control centre, emergency dispatch centre, emergency medical service, rescue service and police were included in the study. Data from four focus group sessions was analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that the tunnel environment presents specific aspects of how common knowledge was produced related to lifesaving and safety. The themes structuring mechanisms to reduce uncertainty, managing information for initial priorities, aligning responsibilities without hampering each other's work and adjusting actions to manage distance, illustrated how common knowledge was produced as crucial aspects to a collaborative response. Organising management sites, grasping and communicating risks, accessing the injury victims, was challenged by the confined environment, physical distances and imbalance in access to information and preparedness activities in tunnel environments. This study offers new insights of common knowledge, by illustrating a motive perspective on collaborative responses in tunnel incidents. Creating interoperability calls not just for readiness for action and tunnel safety, but also training activities acknowledging different interpretations and motives to further develop tunnel responses.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-10-24
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-02-2022-0006
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- A qualitative analysis of stressors affecting 999 ambulance call handlers'
mental health and well-being-
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Authors: Catherine Powell, Beth Fylan, Kathryn Lord, Fiona Bell, Liz Breen
Abstract: The 999 ambulance call handler is critical in responding to emergency patient treatment; however, the call handlers are often a hidden component of the healthcare workforce and an under-researched group. The objective of this study is to understand stress triggers experienced by 999 ambulance call handlers that could lead to burnout and examine personal and organisational mechanisms and strategies which reduced the risk of burnout. A single interview case study approach applying qualitative methods was undertaken. Participants were identified through a purposive sample of 999 ambulance call handlers with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust (UK). Participants were interviewed via telephone between July 2019 and September 2019. In total, 18 staff participated in this study. Societal factors including public incivility and media representation and organisational factors, such as a demanding environment, lack of appreciation and career progression, training issues and protocols were key stressors. Organisational well-being services were helpful for some, but for others lacked accessibility and appropriateness. Positive public feedback and speaking with peers bolstered well-being. 999 ambulance call handlers suggested that sufficient breaks, co-design or feeding back on training and protocols and creating more informal opportunities to discuss ongoing everyday stressors as methods to reduce stress and burnout. This paper explores a previously under researched area on stressors and potential burnout in 999 call handlers. This paper highlights the need for improved organisational support services and appropriate public and sector peer recognition of the role of ambulance 999 ambulance call handlers.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-09-28
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-12-2021-0080
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Extinguishing injustice: growing equity, diversity and inclusion in
Canadian fire departments-
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Authors: Keith A. Fredin
Abstract: This paper evaluates the value and necessity of greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Canadian fire departments. Rather than focussing on changing hiring practices, the paper seeks to highlight how leadership can implement a culture of EDI that will encourage all people to participate. From a leadership perspective, this paper aims to show how EDI can improve firefighter teamwork and job performance whilst satisfying moral obligations to better represent Canadian communities. Strategies and their limitations for communication and culture change are discussed. Leaders of Canadian fire departments can utilise organisational change models focussing on improved communication techniques and models to implement cultural changes needed to allow for more EDI. Specific recommendations based on business research into culture change, communication and EDI are outlined. Recommendations to fire department leadership for cultural changes and communication are provided. Further, strategies and reasoning for why inclusive departments are more effective are given. Creating a more inclusive culture in fire departments will lead to an increase in applications from people who have not typically applied in the past. There has been little research or recommendations on increasing EDI in Canadian fire departments through cultural changes. Most existing literature is vague and tends to focus on hiring practices over an analysis of internal culture. This article provides analysis of best business practices and applies those to the cultural context of fire departments to promote culture change.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-09-27
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-03-2022-0016
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Rapid intervention vehicles' impact on fire departments' response time
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Authors: Maria Køber Guldvik, Anders Helseth, Gjermund Grimsby
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to estimate the effect of rapid intervention vehicles (RIVs)’ impact on fire department (FDs)' response time. The study employed multivariate regression analysis of changes in response times before and after introducing RIVs into the FD task force, controlling for expected travel time. Response time analysis based on the database of all emergency fire responses in Norway from 2016 to 2021 was carried out. Introducing RIVs into the FDs' task force reduced response times by 53 s on average for every call where an RIV is being deployed, given an average driving length of an emergency call of 6.4 kilometers. The response time is reduced to approximately 37 s independently of driving length, and this effect increases with 2.5 s per km. Precise estimation of the expected reduced response time was calculated by introducing the first RIV into the FD's task force based on advanced statistical analysis on complete emergency register data. The analysis shows that RIVs have a positive impact on response time in both urban and rural areas, while particularly strong for urban areas.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-09-27
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-05-2022-0022
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Emergency medical services on the frontlines of the opioid overdose
crisis: the role of mental health, substance use, and burnout-
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Authors: Corinne A. Beaugard, Valerie Hruschak, Christina S. Lee, Jenifer Swab, Sheila Roth, Daniel Rosen
Abstract: Emergency medical service (EMS) workers are at risk for burnout related to the opioid overdose crisis because they are frequently present during overdose events. The study’s aims were twofold: 1) to determine whether variables related to the opioid crisis were associated with burnout and 2) to explore the relationship between mental health, sleep, substance use, social support, and attitudes about working during the opioid overdose crisis with burnout. In a cross-sectional web-based study, surveys were distributed by supervisors to EMS workers in Pennsylvania (winter 2018). Participants (n = 214) completed measures on burnout, social support, mental health, substance use, and sleep quality and reported their frequency of naloxone administration and their attitudes about working during the opioid overdose crisis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were run to determine correlates of burnout. The sample was 65.4% male, 91.5% white, and 43% were between 36–55 years old. In the regression model (n = 177), depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep, attitudes about working during the opioid crisis, cannabis use, social support, age, hours worked each week, and frequency of naloxone administration were significantly correlated with burnout. This study contributes to the emergent literature on burnout and EMS professionals during the opioid overdose crisis by finding that attitudes about working during the opioid overdose crisis are correlated with burnout. While the relationship should be explored in future research, the authors believe that interventions to prevent EMS burnout could incorporate training to improve attitudes about supporting individuals during overdose events.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-08-24
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-11-2021-0073
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Motivational regulation and physical activity in future emergency
responders – staying fit, healthy and safe in a demanding occupational
context-
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Authors: Ole Ragnar Norheim Jenssen, Thomas Dillern
Abstract: To meet physically demanding occupational tasks, reduce occupational stress and work-related injuries and to uphold general health, emergency responders need to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. However, among emergency responders a career-long decreasing physical fitness constitutes a challenge. Based on the self-determination theory (SDT), this study aims to explore if there is any relationship between motivational regulation and physical activity patterns among future emergency responders. The study used a survey design including two questionnaires: Sport Motivation Scale-2 (SMS-2) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ–SF), and 258 students at the Norwegian Police University College (NPUC) participated. The authors’ findings revealed a significant relationship between motivational regulation and physical activity patterns amongst police students. The study reveals the value of the SDT in understanding exercise behaviour and physical activity adherence amongst emergency responders, and moreover, the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation, in the educational institutions, to increase physical activity and physical activity adherence throughout their career. To the authors’ knowledge, there is limited research which uses the motivation theory to explain the development of physical fitness and health amongst emergency responders. With this approach, this study is something new to this discussion and should be of interest for both educational institutions and authorities managing emergency responders.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-08-19
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-09-2021-0060
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Serving the community while balancing multiple responsibilities –
experiences of working as a paid part-time firefighter
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Emelie Lantz, Bengt Nilsson, Carina Elmqvist, Bengt Fridlund, Anders Svensson
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of working as a paid part-time firefighter (PTF) in Swedish rural areas. An inductive explorative design was used, based on interviews with 18 paid PTFs in Sweden. Data were analyzed using qualitative latent content analysis. Three themes emerged from the interviews and describe paid PTFs’ experiences. The findings provide insights into how firefighters share a strong commitment, how support plays a crucial role, and how training and call-outs contribute to their experiences. Paid PTFs’ experiences are nuanced, ranging from personal limitations and challenges to satisfaction and the contrast with ordinary life. The implications for fire and rescue service organizations are that they can encourage firefighters’ commitment and pride, as well as the commitment and support of their families and main employers. Further, highlighting the importance of support and facilitating flexibility when on call is crucial. Finally, acknowledging and promoting personal development and facilitating an inclusive culture are important factors for both motivation and satisfaction. Paid PTFs are under-represented in the literature, despite the reliance on them in Sweden, and this study begins to address the knowledge gap. To improve retention, it is vital to understand paid PTFs work situation: what motivates them, what barriers they face, and how those challenges influence their experiences.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-08-16
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-03-2022-0018
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- How did fire and rescue services (and HMICFRS) in England respond to the
COVID-19 pandemic'-
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Authors: Peter Murphy, Katarzyna Lakoma
Abstract: This paper explores how fire and rescue services in England responded to the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the form and nature of fire and rescue services’ collaborations with the ambulance, police and other services and how effective their emergency planning arrangements prepared them for the pandemic. The authors briefly set out the background to the emergency services response to recent events of national significance in the UK and North America, focussing on the collaborative aspects of the emergency services response. The authors then examine three sets of secondary sources, namely documents specifically related to Fire and Rescue Services’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. All three investigations found that the pandemic had provided an opportunity for issues relating to planning and collaboration to be re-examined and for the emergence of new innovations (both technological and organisational) to provide new responses and solutions. Although the Inspectorate found that the services had generally responded well, it controversially criticised the role of the Fire Brigades Union in the national and local response to the pandemic. The research is situationally bound to England although there may be transferable lessons to other services and jurisdictions. Potential future improvements are identified at national and local levels for policy and for the operational response to widespread and long-term emergencies. England has had very few contemporary public health emergencies on the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic; this research presents an important opportunity for seeking to understand what is working well and where improvements are required to improve both the local and national response in relation to such a complex and dynamic environment.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-07-25
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-10-2021-0070
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Emergency responders’ moral sensemaking: the influence of
compartmentalization-
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Authors: Jori Pascal Kalkman, Eric-Hans Kramer
Abstract: Emergency organizations allocate specific tasks to responders in an attempt to resolve increasingly complex incidents. Many studies take a pragmatic perspective by studying how emergency organizations can more effectively compartmentalize response tasks. Yet, the effects of compartmentalization on responders' sensemaking of moral issues (i.e. moral sensemaking) has received almost no attention. Based on existing research, the authors bring together different insights on the relation between compartmentalization and emergency responders’ sensemaking of moral issues. The authors demonstrate that emergency organizations may undermine the moral sensemaking of responders through introducing moral blind spots and moral dissociation or, instead, enable moral sensemaking through enhancing moral agency and awareness. The authors argue that emergency organizations need to induce moral sense-discrediting among responders to enhance their moral sensemaking. Finally, the authors conclude with discussing two types of compartmentalizing tasks, functional concentration and the holographic metaphor, to show that the latter is most likely to enhance moral sensemaking among emergency responders. This study introduces moral sensemaking to the emergency management literature and investigates how organizational design influences it.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-07-15
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-10-2021-0069
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Voices from the frontline: a review of EMS first responders' experience of
COVID-19 in Ireland
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Gavin David Brown, Ann Largey, Caroline McMullan, Gráinne O'Shea, Niamh Reilly
Abstract: This study explored the experiences of Irish emergency medical services (EMS) first responders during the first nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. A systematic literature review (SLR) of research into healthcare workers' and first responders' experiences during the COVID-19 and 2003 SARS pandemics was performed. The SLR informed the content of an online questionnaire distributed via the Irish Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council to 2,092 first responders on its live register. Data analysis used both descriptive and content analysis. EMS first responders faced many challenges including PPE quality, training on its use, issues with decontamination facilities, and organisational effectiveness. Emotional challenges included the anxiety experienced, the impact on families, and ethical dilemmas confronted related to patient care. Positive findings also emerged, such as first responders' dedication to working through the pandemic, collegiality, and the community goodwill displayed. While investigations of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers have been undertaken globally, studies focussing exclusively on the experiences of EMS first responders have been rare. This study addressed this knowledge gap, providing an insight into the challenges and successes experienced by first responders and identifying opportunities for learning that can be applied to future public health emergencies.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-06-21
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-11-2021-0074
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Use of social media for information seeking and sharing during floods in
rural Sarawak-
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Authors: Ching Seng Yap, William Keling, Shamsul Kamariah Abdullah
Abstract: This study aims to examine the information acquired and shared by floods victims in Sarawak, Malaysia, and the individuals’ perception of social media information quality and awareness of social media emergency services. The research data were gathered from 118 victims in two flood-ravaged villages with a researcher-administered questionnaire survey. Meanwhile, the research instrument was adopted from Reuter and Spielhofer (2017). Resultantly, 93% of the respondents employed social media for information-seeking and sharing during floods. For example, Facebook was the most extensively employed digital platform. The most highly sought and exchanged information involved eyewitness pictures or videos, road or traffic conditions and weather conditions or warnings. Although social media information quality reflected faster obtainability, higher accessibility and enriched content, respondents’ viewpoints of social media information quality regarding accuracy and reliability proved negative. Notably, over half of the respondents were unaware of the two social media emergency services: Twitter Alerts and Facebook Safety Check. This study denoted one of the rare empirical works that explored social media usage for information-seeking and sharing by the flood victims in Sarawak based on the boundary object perspective.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-06-08
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-07-2020-0042
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Visions of improvement: a thematic analysis of executive leadership
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Authors: Bryan Rodgers, Jiju Anthony
Abstract: This article explores the themes and gaps around the embedding of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies within public sector organisations and in particular the emergency services. The article is structured around three case studies of national emergency service organisations in Scotland, UK, and is based on 23 interviews with executive members of these organisations as well as of their oversight and inspection bodies and staff associations or unions. The findings narrow the gaps in the existing literature around the more holistic and organisation wide approaches to CI and evidence internal challenges around shared understanding, explicit commitment to CI through executive leaders and corporate documents as well as a need for a broader organisational culture of trust and empowerment in order to sustain CI. The research identifies clear priorities for sustaining CI within the emergency services as well as the opportunities and challenges to doing so. These inform internal CI activities as well as intra-agency development and external influences such as the role of government. While leadership is long established as a critical success factor in the success of CI initiatives, this is the first research to explore and analyse the existing understanding and commitment of executive leaders in emergency services.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-06-02
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-01-2022-0002
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Guest editorial: Green finance for support emergency services strategies
and sustainable development goals (SDGs)-
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Authors: Faris Alshubiri, Mansour Alraja
Abstract: Guest editorial: Green finance for support emergency services strategies and sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-09-29
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-10-2022-087
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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- Sustainability disclosure and its impact on telecommunication and
information technology sectors' performance: worldwide evidence-
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Authors: Amina Buallay, Meera Al Marri
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between the level of sustainability disclosure and telecommunication and information technology (IT) sectors' performance (operational, financial and market). Using data culled from 4,458 observations from 60 different countries for 10 years (2008–2017), an independent variable derived from environmental, social and governance (ESG) score are regressed against dependent manufacture performance indicator variables [return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and Tobin's Q (TQ)]. Two types of control variables complete the regression analysis in this study: firm-specific and macroeconomic. The findings elicited from the empirical results demonstrate that there is a significant negative relationship between ESG and market performance (TQ). However, there is no significant effect of ESG on both operational (ROA) and financial performance (ROE). Moreover, the findings elicited from the partial least square structural equation modeling the relationship between ESG and ROA is stronger in emerging than in developed economies. The authors' opinion for policy makers is that it is essential to promote and implement the appropriate legislative framework for sustainability reporting, which should enhance both the sustainability practices as well the profitability of IT firms. The model in this study presents a valuable analytical framework for exploring sustainability disclosure as a driver of performance in telecommunication and IT sectors' economies. In addition, this study highlights telecommunication and IT sectors' management lacunae manifesting in terms of the weak nexus between each component of ESG and IT sectors' performance.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-08-12
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2021-0054
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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- Is trade, energy consumption and economic growth threat to environmental
quality in Bahrain–evidence from VECM and ARDL bound test approach-
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Authors: Md Shabbir Alam
Abstract: The Kingdom of Bahrain has had tremendous development in various areas in the last decade. As a result of this, increasing energy consumption in Bahrain puts a strain on the country's energy supplies and increased CO2 emissions. This study investigates the determinants of carbon emissions in Bahrain. This study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and vector error correction model (VECM) Granger causality cointegration methods for empirical analysis during 1980-2020. The unit root test and residual diagnosis have been applied to see the stationarity and normality of the model. The analysis suggests no short run causality amid carbon emission, international trade, capital formation, economic development and energy consumption, but a long-run association jointly exist from the exogenous variables toward endogenous variables. The results of the study also revealed that trade and economic growth in Bahrain react negatively to environmental deterioration. This research study’s outcome will help the policymakers to build sound external and environmental policies to sustain economic growth and suggested policymakers to emphasize on sustainable usage of energy, alternatives of energy supply, and creation of renewable energy to mitigate the impact of CO2 emission. The alternatives of energy supply and creation of renewable energy can positively influence the socio-economic state of the nation, like new job opportunities, revenue generation. This study is unique as no other study till now has covered this period. The findings are also different as the past studies found short-run causality with the control variables, but the study found a long-run causality jointly.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-08-04
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-12-2021-0084
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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- Android-based Mobile Panic Button UI application design development in
responding to emergency situations in Universitas Indonesia (UI)-
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Authors: Nida Hanifah Nasir, Fatma Lestari, Abdul Kadir
Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop and redesign the Mobile Panic Button UI (PB1) application as an emergency notification service, as well as conduct a simulation on the use of the new version of the application. This study used the operational research design with a theoretical research framework that followed input, process and output. Primary data were collected through observation, measurement and interview while the secondary data were obtained from literature review. The first step of the analysis was input analysis that included problem identification on the existing Panic Button as input, or PB 1 in this study. This was followed by the analysis of the planned second version of the Panic Button (PB2) development, starting from problem identification to trial and error testing and evaluation of the results of the simulation of seven types of emergency events that involved users, emergency response officers and experts. The study shows that the first version of PB1, developed in and used since 2017 at Universitas Indonesia, still had several weaknesses, particularly in its inability to provide adequate information. Only 30% of the standards for a mobile emergency application were met by PB1, which affected the performance of emergency responses. This was one of the reasons why the new version of Panic Button UI (PB2) was developed. The new features in PB2 comprise the inclusion of features for collecting information on user's name and mobile phone number, emergency category options, victim information, photo/voice information, description on the nature of the emergency (text), location selection, emergency notification delivery, notification delivery popup and emergency notification delivery to the emergency response team (ERT) officer. The time needed for using the second version of the Panic Button UI mobile application is 20 s faster than the previous one. PB2 can accelerate response time and response action time; improve response accuracy; facilitate the emergency notification process; and facilitate emergency communication. Various notification alert systems have been developed in many countries. However, there is a lack of information in Indonesia, especially in educational setting. This study is the first study on a notification alert system application applied in the university. Emergency response is critical due to the big impact of disasters. This study will inform the stakeholders or users, particularly those in educational institution on how to implement mobile app–based emergency response notification systems.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-06-02
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-07-2020-0041
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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- Green supply chain management and SMEs environmental performance: green
HRM practices as antecedent from service sector of emerging economy-
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Authors: Raghad Aldaas, Rosmah Mohamed, Mass Hareeza Ali, Noor Azlin Ismail
Abstract: The research aimed to study the influence of green human resources management practices (GHRMPs) on green supply chain management (GSCM) and environmental performance while examining how those green practices affect environmental performance. The study investigated 314 cases (responses) from the small and medium-sized enterprises belonging to the service sector from an emergent economy (i.e. Oman). The study model was developed based on the theory of resource-based view and the theory of ability, motivation and opportunity. The structural equation modeling was used for hypotheses testing using SmartPLS 3 software. Based on the findings, green hiring and green training and innovation have a positive and significant effect on GSCM, while both of them have no effect on environmental performance. Further, green performance management and compensation positively influenced the environmental performance but not GSCM. Furthermore, GSCM significantly and positively influenced environmental performance. GHRMPs and GSCM can enhance environmental performance. Organizations should consider this interesting finding if they aim to reduce their negative environmental effect, conserve energy, prevent pollution and recycle garbage. Despite the fact that the present environment-friendly culture is still in its infancy, it adds uniqueness to this research by investigating the phenomenon's importance.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-05-13
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-12-2021-0085
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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- The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on renewable
and non-renewable energy in Bangladesh: does the global climate change
emergencies required'-
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Authors: Mohamed Elheddad, Abdelrahman J.K. Alfar, Radi Haloub, Neetu Sharma, Patrick Gomes
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of MNCs measured by the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on the promotion of renewable energy consumption and non-renewable energy in Bangladesh. It is an emergency issue these days and makes some policy suggestions. Based on the literature review, the study sets a time series models to empirically test FDI degrades the environmental quality in Bangladesh, using the parametric (GMM, IV estimations) and non-parametric approaches (quantile regression). The main findings drawn from the empirical analysis are as follows. First, the FDI inflows lead to more CO2 emissions in the Bangladeshi economy. In other words, the MNCs promote the usages of non-renewable energy which causes an increase in pollution. Second, the FDI inwards discourage renewable energy consumption and in terms of magnitude, the negative impacts of FDI on renewable energy are higher than the positive effect of FDI on CO2 emissions. This makes the situation worse. This study is limited to Bangladesh and explores the total impact of FDI on the environment. For further investigation, it would be better to do a detailed investigation on the FDI-renewable and nonrenewable energy relationship. For instance, one could test which type of FDI promotes green energy consumption and which one is dirtier. So, the sectorial FDI effects on pollution. Most past studies parametric techniques and did not compare the effects of FDI on renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, Unlike the previous empirical studies, this paper uses GMM and IV estimations for the parametric approach and quantile regression (QR) as a robustness check. Also, it is the first study that approves the crowding-out effect of non-renewable using the FDI channel.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2022-04-12
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-12-2021-0083
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 3 (2022)
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