Title: Improving emergency preparedness with a live collaboration exercise model for first responders

Authors: David Sjöberg; Miguel Inzunza

Addresses: Police Education Unit, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden ' Police Education Unit, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden

Abstract: Collaboration is essential for successful emergency event management. Live exercises are one method to prepare for such emergencies. In this paper, we present and evaluate an exercise model for multi-agency collaboration between first responders that focuses on learning collaboration. The model design emphasises preparation, the learning climate, scenarios that support learning, and reflection. The model is underpinned by a practice perspective on learning and structured reflection. Data were collected from three collaboration exercises using questionnaires in conjunction with the exercise and interviews at a later time after the exercise. The analysis showed that the participants developed a knowledge of collaboration and improved their ability to collaborate in real emergency events. The main contribution of the paper is the validation of a small-scale exercise model that places learning of the subject matter in the foreground, which is shown to be a successful method for developing relevant knowledge. It is concluded that this live exercise model both complements the more commonly used large-scale collaboration exercise model and strengthens emergency preparedness.

Keywords: exercise; learning; collaboration; first responders; reflection; preparation; emergency preparedness; small scenarios; police; ambulance; emergency services; live simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2022.125152

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2022 Vol.17 No.3/4, pp.195 - 216

Received: 10 Aug 2020
Accepted: 12 Jul 2021
Published online: 31 Aug 2022 *

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