Decision Making in Emergency Management

Decision-Making in Emergency Management examines decisions the authors have made over their careers based on their combined training, experience and instinct. Through a broad range of case studies, readers discover how experience impacts decision-making in conjunction with research and tools available. While the use of science, data and industry standards are always the best option when it comes to handling emergency situations, not all emergency situations fit one known solution. This book comprehensively explores the question "Is ‘instinct’ a viable factor when faced with a challenging situation and how close does it match up with the best science available?"

Includes case studies from natural and manmade disasters, providing readers with decision-making skills in various global settingsProvides readers the opportunity to learn from someone else’s decisions Inspires emergency response personnel to continuously pursue learning, question their strategies and apply changes as appropriate

1. Emergencies, Disasters and Catastrophic Events Defined 2. Common Mistakes in Decision Making During Events 3. Money is Not the Problem or Solution 4. Does NIMS and the ICS Work for Major Event Management 5. Silos Will Get Someone Killed 6. None of Us Are as Smart as All of Us 7. The Role of Training and Experience in Decision Making at Major Events 8. Why Disaster Exercises are a Problem 9. US/European Approach 10. Socio-economic Disparities 11. Case Studies