Unraveling myths: Assessing beliefs in disaster management misconceptions among first responders and the general public

IF 4.2 1区地球科学 Q1 GEOSCIENCES, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

International journal of disaster risk reduction Pub Date : 2024-11-01 DOI:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104965

A. Alkalai Tavori , B. Adini

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Though studies of various global disasters highlighted predictable human behavior, a gap is noted between common perceptions, including those of professionals, and actual responses. Misconceptions are widespread and negatively impact disaster response. First responders play a crucial role in disaster management, and their decisions are influenced by their assessment of public behavior during disasters. Therefore, understanding prevalent beliefs among first responders is of great importance.

The aim of the study was to examine the extent of misconceptions among first responders and the public regarding behavior during disasters. The cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured quantitative questionnaire that included 25 statements, of which 19 were misconceptions. Respondents included >500 first responders (police officers, emergency medical services’ providers, and firefighters) and individuals from the public.

The findings showed that first responders believe in some misconceptions to a greater extent than the general public, such as their belief that panic, mass evacuation, and public disorder are characteristic behaviors during disasters.

As first responders are required to demonstrate expertise in predicting human behavior during disasters, the findings demonstrate a substantial gap in their knowledge and beliefs. The research underscores the need for developing mechanisms to reduce misconceptions and enhance skills in disaster management.

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揭开神话：评估急救人员和公众对灾害管理误解的看法

尽管对各种全球性灾害的研究强调了人类行为的可预测性，但人们注意到，包括专业人士在内的普遍看法与实际应对措施之间存在差距。误解普遍存在，对救灾工作产生了负面影响。第一响应人员在灾害管理中发挥着至关重要的作用，他们对灾害期间公众行为的评估影响着他们的决策。因此，了解第一响应人员的普遍观念非常重要。本研究旨在考察第一响应人员和公众对灾害期间行为的误解程度。这项横向研究采用了结构化定量问卷，包括 25 个陈述，其中 19 个是误解。研究结果表明，与普通公众相比，急救人员更相信一些错误观念，例如他们认为恐慌、大规模疏散和公共秩序混乱是灾害期间的特征行为。这项研究强调，有必要建立相关机制，以减少误解并提高灾害管理技能。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International journal of disaster risk reduction GEOSCIENCES, MULTIDISCIPLINARYMETEOROLOGY-METEOROLOGY & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

CiteScore

8.70

自引率

18.00%

发文量

688

审稿时长

79 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (IJDRR) is the journal for researchers, policymakers and practitioners across diverse disciplines: earth sciences and their implications; environmental sciences; engineering; urban studies; geography; and the social sciences. IJDRR publishes fundamental and applied research, critical reviews, policy papers and case studies with a particular focus on multi-disciplinary research that aims to reduce the impact of natural, technological, social and intentional disasters. IJDRR stimulates exchange of ideas and knowledge transfer on disaster research, mitigation, adaptation, prevention and risk reduction at all geographical scales: local, national and international. Key topics:- -multifaceted disaster and cascading disasters -the development of disaster risk reduction strategies and techniques -discussion and development of effective warning and educational systems for risk management at all levels -disasters associated with climate change -vulnerability analysis and vulnerability trends -emerging risks -resilience against disasters. The journal particularly encourages papers that approach risk from a multi-disciplinary perspective.