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Expanding Understanding of Response Roles: An Examination of Immediate and First Responders in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Curtis Harris

    (Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Kelli McCarthy

    (Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • E. Liang Liu

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA)

  • Kelly Klein

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA)

  • Raymond Swienton

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA)

  • Parker Prins

    (Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Tawny Waltz

    (Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

Abstract

2017 was a record year for disasters and disaster response in the U.S. Redefining and differentiating key response roles like “immediate responders” and “first responders” is critical. Traditional first responders are not and cannot remain the only cadre of expected lifesavers following a mass casualty event. The authors argue that the U.S. needs to expand its understanding of response roles to include that of the immediate responders, or those individuals who find themselves at the incident scene and are able to assist others. Through universal training and education of the citizenry, the U.S. has the opportunity increase overall disaster resiliency and community outcomes following large-scale disasters. Such education could easily be incorporated into high school curriculums or other required educational experiences in order to provide all persons with the knowledge, skills, and basic abilities needed to save lives immediately following a disaster.

Suggested Citation

  • Curtis Harris & Kelli McCarthy & E. Liang Liu & Kelly Klein & Raymond Swienton & Parker Prins & Tawny Waltz, 2018. "Expanding Understanding of Response Roles: An Examination of Immediate and First Responders in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-7, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:3:p:534-:d:136619
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