When it matters most: Collaboration between first responders in incidents and exercises

Abstract

Inter-organizational collaboration is increasingly a topic for studies into accidents and disasters as well as exercises. In this study, which is based on interviews with first responders, we compared perceived collaboration during an exercise with crisis work. The three organizations included in this study-fire department, police and ambulance services-perceived the investigated tunnel exercise completely different, ranging from harmonious interaction to power struggles between commanding officers, fragmented decision-making and ambiguity. When comparing the exercise with an incident, we found that collaboration was more evident during incidents than in exercises. However, collaboration exercises appear to improve inter-organizational collaboration by stimulating informal structures, practicing listening and delegating, getting to know one another and learning a common language.

Policing in pandemics: A systematic review and best practices for police response to COVID-19

“… Kapucu et al [ 71 ] General Presents a review of the literature, discussing collaborative emergency management and emphasising the effective use of resources in collaborative networks. Kristiansen et al [ 72 ] Training exercises Compares perceived collaboration between different emergency response agencies during an exercise and a crisis, finding that collaboration was more evident during incidents than exercises. Power [ 73 ] Multiple Focuses on how emergency teams operate in high-risk and complex environments for disaster management, offering a row of solutions and suggestions for better teamwork.…”

Inter-Organisational Exercises in Dry and Wet Context—Why Do Maritime Response Organisations Gain More Knowledge from Exercises at Sea Than Those on Shore?

“…Lessons can be learned from inter-organisational exercises, both on-and offshore if they make room for the participants to talk informally before and after the training. In a recent study, the labelled side effect of the collaborative exercise was highlighted as more important than intra-organisational practices [40]. The opportunity to get to know each other and discuss structures improved collaboration in real life emergencies.…”

“…Due to several digital and analogous communication and positioning systems as well as international and national regulations, the complexity in training for an accident, or a disaster at sea will be very educational, even if the techniques and scenarios have been practised before. Moreover, if the size of the exercise is too big, it can hamper the possibility for learning, as different actors may focus more on their individual goals and solve discipline-specific tasks rather than on cross-border collaboration and the sharing of resources [40].…”

“…A study from a tunnel exercise in Norway showed a risk for competition within organisations with unclear hierarchies. A lack of clarity in the distribution of roles and power struggles was identified as potential risks affecting the handling of emergencies [40]. Short distances and high accessibility can also be reasons why land-based emergency staff can uphold a degree of autonomy.…”

Expansive Learning Process of Exercise Organizers: The Case of Major Fire Incident Exercises in Underground Mines

“…If the organizations lack knowledge about each other's roles, responsibilities, and tactics, this might negatively affect the efficacy and outcome of the rescue operation [22,23]. Still, full-scale exercises may also contribute to organizational learning because the participants build informal relationships with each other and thus learn the other organizations' languages which can be useful for the inter-organizational collaboration during real emergencies [24].…”