Comparing Collaboration between the Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency to the Incident Command System.

摘要

Disaster management requires collaboration for effective and efficient outcomes. Current disaster management requires utilization of the National Incident Management's Incident Command System (ICS), which bases its fundamentals in command and control. The study examined the problem of misalignment in needed knowledge, skills and abilities for effective collaboration between the fire department and the local emergency management agency (EMA) as compared to the current edition of the National Incident Management System. The purpose of the study involved extending current collaboration theories into collaboration between the fire department and the local EMA, as well as, identifying differences in current ICS curricula. The qualitative multiple case study surveyed and interviewed 17 local EMA and fire department personnel within the original Urban Area Security Initiate areas in the State of Ohio and compared the findings of the interviews to the current ICS curriculum to determine gaps and contradictions. The study found communication, management of personnel and process, and trust as the leadership, management, and personal trait themes needed to enhance collaboration between the local EMA and the fire department. When compared to the ICS curricula only a small percentage (12%) of the collaboration themes existed within the curriculum. A recommendation for further research included expansion of the study to include all 50 states. Recommendations for practical application included the addition of a course in two-way communication within the ICS and fire administration higher education curriculums.