Citation

Khorram-Manesh A, Berlin J, Roseke LL, Aremyr J, Sörensson J, Carlström E. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2018; 12(6): 685-688.

Affiliation

Unit of Security and Preparedness,Former Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Center,Gothenburg,Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/dmp.2017.144

PMID

29446341

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of a simulation training in raising a group of young students' personal and situational awareness in disasters and emergencies.

METHODS: In total, 25 young students participated in two simulation scenarios representing two actual events, fire, and shooting, using a combination of two validated simulation training (Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth [EMPTY]). The changes in their knowledge and awareness were evaluated by using questionnaires and the whole simulation was evaluated by three independent observers and a reference group.

RESULTS: New concepts of emergency management, for example, evacuation, and barricading, could be trained in a safe environment. There was a significant increase in students' personal and situational awareness and their active engagement in the management of emergencies.

CONCLUSION: EMPTY could raise the youth basic knowledge and ability to understand the concept of preparedness by being mentally prepared, available for collaboration, gaining a higher confidence, understanding the physical and psychological consequences of a major incident and the importance of their own safety. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; page 1 of 4).

Language: en

Keywords

emergency preparedness; simulation; terrorism; youth