Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Denise Horton

Abstract

There is little focus on how first responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, medical staff) experience the initial chaos immediately following a large-scale disaster. Previous research indicated that understanding the initial chaos of disaster response is imperative to keeping first responders safe and healthy. First responders may also reduce the perception of chaos by implementing situational awareness skills. This research study explored (a) how first responders experienced the initial chaos immediately following a large-scale disaster, (b) how first responders experienced their emotions (good or bad) and what, if any, emotions were present, (c) how their emotions affected job performance, and (d) how they regained situational awareness over their environment. This research study is presented in a realist ontological lens. There were 5 interview questions presented to 5 participants. The results indicated that the participants engaged in a 4-step process when they first arrived on the scene. Each of the research questions presented a specific step in the process. The first step was transitioning into response mode. The second step was an evaluation/assessment process. The third was a listing process related to what they were tasked with. The final step was proceeding with situational awareness regained. The findings from this study may be used by emergency administrators and coordinators to better train and understand first responders’ needs.

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