International Journal of Emergency Management (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Perceived effectiveness of crisis management: the role of strategy and public participation  
  by Omid Mahdieh 
  Abstract: In this research, the role of strategy and public participation in the perceived effectiveness of crisis management was investigated. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 310 participants with an online questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Crisis management strategy (CMS) and public participation (PP) had statistically significant associations with perceived effectiveness of crisis management (PECM). However, CMS had a considerably stronger association with the PECM than did PP. The findings indicate that not having a proper strategy is associated, in the participants’ view, with ineffectiveness in managing crises, and citizens were not satisfied with the government’s actions in managing crises. The results of this study suggest that governments need to match their crisis strategies and actions not only with crisis-ridden situations but also with citizens' expectations if they want to be effective in managing crises and mitigating hazards.
  Keywords: crisis management; crisis strategy; proactive strategy; reactive strategy; public participation; perceived effectiveness of crisis management; post-crisis effectiveness; pre-crisis effectiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10070438
   
  
• Mortality tracking during a tornado outbreak in the Southeastern USA: December 2021  
  by Sumera Jiva, Arianna Hanchey, Linda Kuhlenschmidt, Mary Casey-Lockyer, Tesfaye Bayleyegn, Amy Schnall 
  Abstract: On December 10, 2021, tornadoes tore through six Southeastern states causing injuries, deaths, and property damage. To understand the disaster-related causes and circumstances of death, CDCs Disaster Epidemiology and Response Team (DERT) activated media-based mortality surveillance. CDC/DERT cross-checked the data collected via media-based mortality with Red Cross mortality surveillance forms received for Kentucky. We used Epi Info to analyse mortality surveillance forms from the Red Cross for Kentucky deaths and cross-checked this data source with deaths collected through media mortality surveillance. Kentucky deaths between 1023 December, 2021, 92 tornado-related deaths were reported from five states. Most decedents (83.7%) were reported from Kentucky. Blunt force trauma (68.5%) was the most common cause of death. Media-based mortality surveillance is a tool to assess the impacts of a disaster. It provides timely data which can be used for an all-hazards response and help inform overall response preparedness planning efforts.
  Keywords: disaster; epidemiology; emergency management; tornado; preparedness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10072068
   
  
• Practitioners' perceptions of the potential use of live video for enhancing situational awareness in ongoing life-threatening violence incidents  
  by Kristine Steen-Tveit, Bjørn Erik Munkvold 
  Abstract: Responding to ongoing life-threatening violence incidents is complex and dangerous, requiring first responders to act consistently and effectively. During the action phase, an interdisciplinary on-scene command team (OSCT), consisting of incident commanders from the involved first responder agencies, is quickly formed to manage the situation. Their situational awareness (SA) is based on available information, with verbal updates from field units as the main source. Effective information sharing between OSCT and field units is crucial for success, requiring shared team SA. Misunderstandings may reduce performance, highlighting the need for robust information-sharing systems. Based on empirical data from exercises, surveys, and interviews, this study analyses how live video images could enhance information sharing and improve OSCTs SA. Two key challenges are identified: (1) inadequate information during the alert phase, and (2) limited information sharing for team SA. Findings emphasise the potential of live video to address these challenges while considering both benefits and difficulties.
  Keywords: ongoing life-threatening violence; live video images; on-scene command team; team situational awareness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10076194
   
  
• A proposal for oil and gas emergency scenario construction: a strategy for emergency exercise modelling  
  by Priscilla Oforiwaa, Zhang Xiaole, Guofeng Su, Peng Du, Xiaohui Peng 
  Abstract: This paper explores using computational intelligence technologies in disaster response, particularly in developing and utilizing emergency exercise scenarios. The paper emphasizes the importance of using scenario-based methodologies to enhance emergency management protocols, specifically by creating a hierarchical, organized model for emergency exercise situations. The study analyzes and predicts emergency exercise scenarios, highlighting their importance in shaping legal systems, enhancing plan compatibility, and addressing resource allocation challenges within emergency teams. Furthermore, the paper includes detailed case studies analyzing Incidents involving safety in petroleum and natural gas pipeline transportation, as well as storage firms. The case studies provide valuable theoretical insights for creating effective emergency response strategies in fluidized mining operations. This paper improves emergency management methods by examining the potential of scenario construction technologies. Its goal is to enhance preparedness and adaptability in managing different emergencies.
  Keywords: scenario construction; emergency management; emergency exercise scenarios; hierarchical structured model; safety accidents; oil and gas industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10077052
   
  
• Evaluating Red Cross/Red Crescent (IFRC) projects resilience in times of pandemic: the influence of internal resources and conducive environment  
  by Papa Ibrahima Sene, Jasmine Ahmad, Mimi Fitriana 
  Abstract: This study proposes a model for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and similar organisations to enhance project resilience in response to pandemic-related vulnerabilities. By integrating scholarly research with project management practitioners insights, the study identifies key resilience enablers through a literature review on project management and business continuity during COVID-19. A survey of 331 IFRC project managers assessed the significance of these enablers using PLS-SEM analysis. Findings indicate that IFRC projects have demonstrated resilience during COVID-19. Two out of three tested hypotheses were accepted, confirming that internal resources and a conducive environment significantly influence project resilience. Moreover, structural model assessment highlights the importance of external factors such as collaboration, aid localisation, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) progress in shaping resilience strategies. The study concludes with recommendations on optimising resilience attributes for humanitarian project management, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that prioritises both internal and external resilience drivers.
  Keywords: project management; resilience; pandemic; enablers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2025.10077145