BENCHMARKING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GOOD PRACTICE - THE EMPIRE STUDY

摘要

All conclusions are based on the premise that performance in real emergencies correlates well to performance in realistic exercises. 1. Performance of emergency response teams in saving life and mitigating the effect of an emergency is enhanced by effective emergency management. Key areas on which to focus in assessing emergency management performance in exercises are: the performance of the emergency manager and deputy; the information management process; the effectiveness of the team in working together - the team dynamic; and, finally, the roles within the team and the suitability thereof. 2. Information management is an enabler of good emergency management. The skill of being able to display a clear and up-to-date picture of the current situation and forward plan plays a significant role in supporting the emergency management process. 3. The training regime selected can be expected to have a significant bearing in subsequent performance in demonstration exercises. Steering training away from unstructured exercises and towards targeted training exercises, with command and control principles applied, robust information management systems and keeping individuals together in teams all have a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the emergency team. 4. The exercise regime selected can have a significant bearing on subsequent performance in demonstration exercises. Establish a regime of simple, inexpensive exercises, with clear performance standards, and train and exercise until these performance standards are met. Build up the elements of on-site emergency response to a good standard; a little and often would seem to be the key. Overlay emergency management exercises on a firm foundation of basic skills and, again, build up these elements until they can be put together with confidence in large, demonstration exercises. This research was funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The content of this paper, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.