| 1. |
- Alkusaibati, Wael, 1990-
(författare)
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Digitalized Co-production of Emergency Response : Using Volunteers as First Responders
- 2024
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Contemporary global challenges like global warming, rapid urban development, and the current unstable security situation, lead to an increase in large-scale crises (e.g., forest fires) alongside frequent smaller emergencies (e.g., house fires and traffic accidents). The increase in emergencies strains professional response organizations, necessitating additional resources. Civilian volunteers are therefore increasingly being integrated into the response system. The development is mediated by information and communication technologies (ICTs) which enable communication between professional responders (e.g., the municipal rescue services, the emergency medical services, the Public Swedish Answering Point) and citizens. While many studies focus on spontaneous volunteer activities emerging on social media, fewer examine organized volunteerism initiatives at the local emergency response level. Over a decade ago, a municipal rescue service in northern Sweden established an initiative recruiting volunteers as first responders and equipping them with basic response tools. The volunteers undergo training in tasks such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and fire extinguishing. They are dispatched to predefined response tasks using simple ICT applications like SMS lists or mobile apps. This initiative has expanded to other areas due to perceived benefits such as shorter response times and reduced casualties and material damage. The phenomenon can be labelled as an emerging form of ICT-enabled or digitalized co-production of public services. However, previous research indicates a research gap in understanding, describing, and defining this type of co-production. The overall aim of the thesis is to describe how these ICT-enabled initiatives emerge and develop over time and identify the related effects on the response system. This is expected to provide recommendations on how they can be developed and supported. This aim is divided into three specific objectives, where each has been addressed through a research paper: 1- identifying how the existing literature describes ICT-enabled/digitalized volunteerism in large- and small-scale emergencies, 2- identifying how these initiatives emerge and operate, and can be maintained in small-scale emergencies, introducing more systematized knowledge on this concept, 3- initially evaluating the contributions of volunteers in the initiatives. Leaning on a case study approach inspired by action research, a combination of data collection methods has been adopted, e.g., a literature review, interviews, and incident reports filled out by volunteers. For the data analysis, the theoretical lens of ICT-enabled/digitalized co-production of public services has been applied. The first paper is a literature review study that examines digitally enabled volunteering activities in crises and small-scale emergencies. It highlights the prevalence of studies on volunteers using social media for crowdsourcing in crises, often termed digitalized volunteerism which entails virtual and, or physical contributions by volunteers to the response efforts. In contrast, fewer studies focus on volunteers' role in local small-scale emergencies, labelled as "hybrid" ICT-enabled or digitalized coproduction. The term hybrid here refers to the loose affiliation of the volunteers where they collaborate with the rescue services but are not officially associated through binding contracts. Hence, they are in between spontaneous and organized volunteerism. Both volunteering modes support professional response systems and display similar needs for steering, financial support, coordination, and integration of ICT artifacts. However, crises require increased coordination to manage uncertainties, risks, and data overload effectively. The second paper presents three models describing the emergence of hybrid digitalized co-production initiatives in urban and rural areas, as defined in Paper 1, along with how national authorities can support them. These models i.e., Rural, Urban, and National consist of three phases: Recruitment, Response, and Maintenance. Each model exhibits distinct characteristics. In rural areas for example, there is a need for more regular training due to low alerting frequency, and the possibility of using simple dispatch ICTs as cost-effective solutions. Conversely, urban areas have more alerts, necessitating more advanced ICTs, with less emphasis on regular training compared to rural areas. At the macro-level, the national model highlights roles that national actors can play such as facilitating a joint Application Programming Interface (API), joint insurance solutions, and an ICT system that can register incoming and active volunteers. The third paper is an initial evaluation of these initiatives at emergency sites, focusing on ICT-enabled dispatch, estimated response times, tasks performed, and collaboration with professionals, to assess the effects of using volunteers. This approach contrasts with previous studies that took an overall perspective and only used qualitative data. A total of 53 incident reports were collected from volunteers, revealing that volunteers arrived before professionals in twothirds of incidents, contributing to an average gain of 5 minutes. Additionally, volunteers performed a broader range of tasks than previously described, and often continued collaboration with professionals on-site, despite the initial expectation of handing over tasks upon the arrival of professional response actors. Also, comparing this data with the rural model from Paper 2, similarities and differences emerged. For instance, there was a higher number of alerts, and the basic ICTs used for dispatch were deemed insufficient, contrary to the model's perception. The thesis’ scientific contribution is a clearer conception of digitalized co-production of, above all, local emergency response as an emerging phenomenon. In the three papers, the ICT dispatch was identified as central and needs further development to enhance this co-production form. The thesis also sheds light on the need to integrate the initiatives into the official governmental frameworks. Furthermore, the thesis provides a primary understanding of how the concept works on the ground and provides an initial evaluation of the effects. In the practical field, the thesis offers insights into the importance of volunteers as additional resources to the official response systems, highlights challenges, hindrances, and enablers, and suggests potential solutions and improvements. Future work will include a further collection of incident reports for more reliable assessments and complementary interviews with volunteers. Also, the potential role of volunteers in larger crises, for example, as part of civil preparedness, will be further explored.
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| 2. |
- Andersson Granberg, Tobias, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Effektivt sambruk av kommunala resurser för ökad säkerhet och trygghet
- 2017
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Användandet av så kallade semiprofessionella resurser i räddningsinsatser har blivit allt vanligare i Sverige. En semiprofessionell är en person som fått utökade arbetsuppgifter inom respons och räddning inom ramen för sitt ordinarie yrke. Det kanske mest kända exemplet är väktare som responderar på den kommunala räddningstjänstens ärenden.I det projekt som avrapporteras här, är syftet att undersöka vilka yrkesgrupper som skulle passa bra som semiprofessionella, och vad som krävs för att de effektivt ska kunna utföra de nya arbetsuppgifterna, bland annat i form av utbildning och utrustning. Vidare syftar projektet till att utvärdera vilken samhällsnytta semiprofessionella kan bidra med. Som studieobjekt används Norrköpings kommun, och via en aktionsforskningsinspirerad metodansats är målet att projektresultaten ska kunna bidra till en ökad säkerhet och trygghet i kommunen.En kombination av kvalitativa och kvantitativa metoder används för att uppnå syftet. Genom workshops identifieras först fyra potentiella yrkesgrupper (räddningstjänstens dagtidspersonal, hemtjänstpersonal, förvaltningsentreprenörer och väktare), för vilka detaljerad data erhålls via fokusgruppsintervjuer. En grupp (räddningstjänstens dagtidspersonal) väljs ut för vidare analys, och ytterligare en workshop genomförs, plus ett experiment i form av en simulerad olycka där semiprofessionella får göra en första insats. En prototyp av ett utlarmningssystem tas fram, inklusive en smartphoneapplikation som de semiprofessionella kan använda för att ta emot och hantera larm. Med hjälp av applikationen utförs ett experiment där historiska larm skickas till potentiella semiprofessionella under två månaders tid, och de får svara på om de kan åka eller inte, samtidigt som deras position noteras. Genom att jämföra deltagarnas uppskattade insatstider med räddningstjänstens historiska, kan möjliga insatstidsförkortningar beräknas. Detta kompletteras med en bedömning av vad de kan bidra med i respektive händelse.Bedömningen görs enligt en strukturerad metod av professionell personal från två olika räddningstjänstorganisationer. De beräknade insatstiderna och den skattade förmågan vägs samman till en monetär nytta av den semiprofessionella insatsen.Resultatet visar att det finns ett stort antal yrkesgrupper som skulle kunna vara lämpliga att nyttja som semiprofessionella. I rapporten redovisas en lista med 23 grupper som anses ha potential och möjlighet att utföra räddningsinsatser som en del av sitt yrke. Vidare redovisas ett antal utmaningar och möjligheter, baserat på analysen av de fyra utvalda grupperna. En konkret sammanställning har gjorts i form av listor på utbildning och utrustning som krävs för att de effektivt kunna utföra sitt nya uppdrag. Dessa krav är förhållandevis enkla att uppfylla, och handlar om grundläggande utbildning i riskbedömning, brandsläckning och livräddande åtgärder, samt utrustning som tex handbrandsläckare och förbandslåda. Mer utmanande är de organisatoriska förändringar som är nödvändiga för att de semiprofessionella akut ska kunna lämna sina pågående arbetsuppgifter, samt hur utlarmningen ska kunna integreras i de tekniska system som används för professionella räddningsresurser. Vidare visar resultaten att semiprofessionella kan larmas, och förväntas göra nytta på en stor mängd olika typer av händelser, dock främst vid händelser med personskador eller akuta sjukdomsförlopp. Den monetära nyttan av att införa ett fåtal (i snitt 3,4 st) semiprofessionella i Norrköping och Linköpings kommuner beräknades till mellan 600 000 och 2 400 000 kr per år, beroende på hur lång tid det tar för de semiprofessionella ifrån att de får larm tills de påbörjar färden mot händelseplatsen.En slutsats från projektet är att semiprofessionella skulle bidra till en ökad säkerhet och trygghet i Norrköping kommun, om de används som förstainsatsresurser, som ett komplement till befintlig professionell räddningspersonal.
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| 3. |
- Andersson Granberg, Tobias, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of new first response initiatives in emergency services
- 2020
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Ingår i: Socio-Economic Planning Sciences. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0038-0121 .- 1873-6041. ; 71
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- By training and equipping human resources from other public service sectors than emergency response, to act as first responders, it is possible to reduce the first response times at a low cost. Before launching such an initiative, it is however important to evaluate the potential benefits. In this work, a method for doing this kind of evaluation is developed and applied to a potential initiative, utilizing fire service day personnel as new first responders. By developing a smartphone application and performing an experiment, sending alerts to potential first responders, and combining this with expert reviews of the possible value of their contribution, it is possible to estimate the response time reductions, as well as the monetary benefits of the initiative. The results show that there is a monetary benefit, even with a low number of new first responders, but that it is highly dependent on how quickly they can start travelling towards the emergency site. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
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| 4. |
- Ennab Vogel, Nicklas, 1981-
(författare)
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Optimizing prehospital acute stroke care in the presence of economic constraints
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard of care for acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion since the launch of second-generation stent retrievers for clinical use nearly a decade ago. Up until recently, the treatment was exclusively performed at university hospitals in Sweden. Sundsvall Regional Hospital joined as the eighth treatment facility in late 2023. Scarce resources of healthcare systems across the world hamper the complete implementation of MT in acute stroke care. Hence, efforts to improve patients’ accessibility to and healthcare providers’ utilization of MT remain prioritized. Methods for determining the optimal number and locations of treatment facilities for MT in economically constrained healthcare systems remain unstudied. The optimal number and locations of ambulance helicopters for prehospital transportation of patients with presumed acute stroke too. The aim of the thesis is to solve constrained optimization problems within the framework of cost-effectiveness analysis for prehospital acute stroke care management of patients with AIS. To fill these knowledge gaps, this thesis takes on an interdisciplinary research approach, and combines health economics, operations research, and medicine to identify cost-effective solutions for location problems with respect to the implementation of MT in the Swedish healthcare system. A comprehensive set of consolidated data based on anonymized, patient-level, nation-wide registry data for a study period of six years underlies analyses. This thesis employs predictive modelling, geographic network analysis, optimization, and decision modelling for economic evaluation within the framework of cost-effectiveness analysis to identify the most cost-effective solutions to implement. The fitting of predictive generalized linear models to four treatment modalities in acute stroke care for patients with acute ischaemic stroke established the linear associations in absolute effect measures between the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days post-stroke and the time from symptom onset to treatment start with intravenous thrombolysis only, MT only and intravenous thrombolysis plus MT, respectively. With imposed economic constraints, the analysis identified the optimal number and locations of thrombectomy centres for the Swedish healthcare system. Furthermore, it identified the optimal number and locations of ambulance helicopters too. Finally, it was possible to determine the combination of optimally located thrombectomy centres and ambulance helicopters that comprises the most cost-effective solution to implement into the Swedish stroke system of care. This thesis demonstrates that economically constrained optimization of thrombectomy centres and ambulance helicopters in acute stroke systems of care comprises highly cost-effective solutions that entail immense health gains in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Health economics, operational research and medicine can be combined to create a powerful decision-modelling tool in the evaluation of implementation strategies for prehospital acute stroke systems of care.
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| 5. |
- Murphy, Maria, 1971-
(författare)
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Digital Transformation for Crisis Volunteerism : A study in the aftermath of the Swedish Forest Fires Crisis in 2018
- 2021
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In the summer of 2018, Sweden was taken by surprise and engulfed by forest fires on an unprecedented scale. Various forms of crisis volunteerism (CV) proved essential in the large scale response that ensued. Previous information systems (IS) research gives insights, both theoretically and practically, on the potential of IS and digitalisation to enhance and support crisis response. However, the forest fires demonstrated that CV practices and practitioners in Sweden have practically no such support. CV is, in other words, an essential part of the crisis response system, but unsupported by dedicated digitalisation. The aim of this thesis is therefore to understand what is required to enable a digital transformation (DT) that will significantly improve CV practice and the overall crisis response system.Sweden is not unique in this respect. From an international perspective, IS research devotes much attention to the area of crisis response. However, this is most commonly done using the perspective and needs of crisis management stakeholders as a departing point. Also, despite research on and the availability of IS solutions, the degree of practical implementation would appear to be low. This thesis is therefore also based on the perceived knowledge gap that the lack of IS and digitalisation supporting CV is, in part, a result of the lack of research focus on volunteer stakeholders and the CV practice itself. Another gap noted is the lack of knowledge regarding the real-world practice of CV which contributes to undermining the development and use of IS solutions for CV.This thesis, therefore, provides a much needed holistic understanding of real-world CV. This understanding moves the perspective of volunteer stakeholders to the forefront without losing the perspective of crisis management. This has been done via an empirical study in the aftermath of the Swedish forest fires crisis as well as via studies of international IS literature on crisis response and CV. This has resulted in a unique holistic and comprehensive model that relates to the complexity, dynamics and emergence involved in CV practice. Via this model it is possible to relate specific parts or aspects of CV practice, to the whole practice area and continue modelling attributes in greater detail, as required, depending on DT or IS design needs.Underlying the focus in this thesis lies a mild critique of previous IS research with more reductionist approaches, whereby the relevance of broader contextual understandings has been downplayed. The thesis aligns with perspectives on digitalisation and IS design, proposing the relevance of developing broader holistic understandings of research topics. That is, understandings that have greater potential to reveal how phenomena come into being and are adapted in environmental contexts.DT is understood in terms of a process whereby broader understandings of phenomena are used to identify needs (triggers), strategies and capabilities that will inform IS design initiatives. An analytical framework depicting this process and its main components and relationships has been designed in this thesis to contribute to an understanding of what is required to digitally transform CV practice.In summary, the thesis provides a new holistic approach and understanding for the CV practice area and how it may be digitally transformed. The thesis also contributes to a new perspective on DT, applied to a complex and non-organisation based setting. This knowledge is of relevance to both practitioners and IS researchers in crisis response and CV. The CV practice meta-model and the analytical framework for digital transformation can be used to enable and inform future digital transformation strategies and policy in Sweden and internationally. They can also contribute to guiding the initiation of practical IS design initiatives, with greater potential to enhance and improve both CV and overall crisis response.The research was performed within the information systems (IS) discipline.
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| 6. |
- Norrblom, Petter, et al.
(författare)
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Vad motiverar frivilliga att fortsätta vara frivilliga?
- 2023
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Ingår i: Framtidens Skadeplats 2023. - Linköping : Linköping University Electronic Press.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Organiserade frivilliga är en allt viktigare del av samhällets beredskap. Initiativ som Sms-livräddare och Civila Insatspersoner (CIP) kan stötta professionella responsorganisationer och möjliggöra snabbare respons till händelser som hjärtstopp eller mindre bränder. Att få personer att ställa upp som frivilliga och sedan fortsätta vara frivilliga är väsentligt för att dessa initiativ ska ha en samhällsnytta. Tidigare studier har visat att det finns många faktorer som motiverar personer att bli frivilliga. Det saknas dock forskning på vilka faktorer som är mest avgörande för att personer ska fortsätta vara engagerade som frivilliga.Därför genomfördes våren 2022 en enkätstudie av forskare inom Centrum för Forskning i Respons- och Räddningssystem (CARER), där 5 300 personer som var engagerade antingen som Sms-livräddare eller CIP:ar svarade på frågor om vad som motiverade dem att vara frivilliga och om de hade för avsikt att fortsätta vara frivilliga i framtiden. En explorativ faktor-analys genomfördes för att visa på de underliggande faktorer som var gemensamma i svaren. I denna faktoranalys upptäcktes totalt 12 underliggande faktorer baserat på de 48 frågorna i enkäten. Dessa faktorer analyserades därefter med en regressionsanalys för att undersöka vilka av dessa som är mest avgörande i frivilligas motivation att fortsätta vara frivilliga.Resultatet visade att de faktorer som hade störst positiv inverkan på motivationen att fortsätta vara frivillig var Socialt sammanhang, Självbild, och Kompetens. De faktorer som hade störst negativ inverkan var Larmtrötthet och Negativa upplevelser. Resultaten från studien kan användas för att genomföra interventioner för att öka frivilligas motivation, genom att till exempel motverka larmtrötthet genom smartare utlarmningsalgoritmer eller utbildningsinsatser som ökar de frivilligas kompetens, och då förhoppningsvis även behålla fler frivilliga över tid.
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| 7. |
- Pilemalm, Sofie, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Emergency response in rural areas : How new ways of organizing and supporting first responders can apply to crisis management
- 2012
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 9th International ISCRAM Conference. - 9780864913326
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In this study, security and safety in rural parts of Sweden is investigated. New ways of organizing for efficient response can be found in the extended collaboration between societal sectors and in utilizing the local social capital. New categories of first responders and their requirements are identified and we propose non-technical and technical solutions as support. The results’ application to large-scale crises is discussed.
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| 8. |
- Prytz, Erik, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
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Tillbaka till Framtidens Skadeplats : Scenarier och resultat
- 2021
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna rapport presenterar ett nytt kunskapsläge om framtidens skadeplats utifrån de resultat som kommit från forskningsprogrammet Effektiva räddningsinsatser på Framtidens Skadeplats 2015–2020. Rapporten är en omarbetad version baserad på rapporten Att hantera framtidens skadeplatser: scenarier och utgångspunkter för kunskapsutveckling runt räddningsinsatser och skadeplatsarbete som gavs ut av Centrum för forskning inom respons- och räddningssystem (CARER) 2016. I den rapporten presenterades ett underlag för de kommande aktiviteterna som var planerade att genomföras inom forskningsprogrammet. Rapporten beskrev också åtta olika skadeplatsscenarier som togs fram i linje med Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskaps (MSB:s) dåvarande framtidsanalyser samt en analys av då tillgänglig litteratur om olyckor och katastrofer. Dessa scenarier beskrev på ett strukturerat och detaljerat sätt möjliga framtida skadeplatser av särskilt intresse ur ett praktiker- och forskningsperspektiv. I denna rapport har dessa åtta scenarier arbetats om och uppdaterats utifrån rådande läge i samhället i dag. De har också utökats med en beskrivning av en möjlig respons så som den kan se ut i framtiden inom tidsramen 10 till 15 år. Denna rapport innehåller också en övergripande beskrivning av de resultat som framkommit från de sex arbetspaketen (AP) i programmet. Inom AP2 redovisas teman om a) frivilliga och civila insatspersoner, b) semi-professionella som första insatsaktörer, c) genus, etnicitet och utsatthet, samt d) efterforskning av försvunna personer. AP3 redovisar teman om a) effektiv utlarmning av frivilliga och semiprofessionella resurser, b) prediktering, c) skadeplatslogistik, samt d) alarmering och effektivare räddningstjänst. AP4 går igenom a) IT-plattformen OP-SENS och b) lägesbilder, medan AP5 redovisar teman om a) utvärdering av ny teknik, b) utvärdering av utbildning och övning, samt c) utvärdering av ny metodik. Slutligen har AP6 redovisat teman om a) nya metoders och resurser effekt på systemnivå, samt b) värdering av frivilliga och semiprofessionella. Dessa forskningsresultat återkommer i scenarierna för att exemplifiera hur de kan omsättas i praktiskt skadeplatsarbete innan, under och efter en insats.
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| 9. |
- Prytz, Erik, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
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What motivates and demotivates emergency response volunteers? A survey-based factor analysis study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. - : BMC. - 1757-7241. ; 31:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundOrganized volunteer initiatives can reduce response times and improve outcomes in emergencies such as cardiac arrests or fires. Retention of volunteers is important to maintain good coverage and capabilities. The current study explores factors underlying volunteers motivation to continue as volunteers.MethodsData from 5347 active volunteers were collected through an online survey. An exploratory factor analysis was used to identify underlying factors that were then used in a regression analysis to predict intention to continue as a volunteer. Group differences based on, among others, number of alarms and prior professional experience in emergency response were explored.ResultsThe results showed that the factors community, self-image, and competence were the strongest positive predictors for the motivation to continue, whereas alarm fatigue and negative experience were the strongest negative predictors. Volunteers with professional background had higher competence and lower Alarm fatigue. Volunteers from rural areas and small cities had higher community than those in large cities.ConclusionsAlarm fatigue can make it hard to retain volunteers, which could be addressed using improved dispatch algorithms. Support after dispatch is important to prevent negative experiences. Finally, increased competence, e.g. through education and training, can improve volunteers motivation to continue.
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| 10. |
- Ramsell, Elina, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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Identifying functions for smartphone basedapplications in volunteer emergency response
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. - : Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. - 9788409104987 ; , s. 1044-1056
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Emergency response organisations struggle with resource constraints and thereby faces challenges in providing high-quality public services. Utilising voluntary first responders is one way to address these challenges. There are different types of volunteers who can help at an emergency site, e.g. citizen volunteers or voluntary professionals from other occupations. To successfully engage with and utilise these resources, adequate information and communication technology (ICT) is necessary. In this meta-study, combining and further exploring two previous studies, the aim is to identify, analyse and evaluate suitable functions for smartphone applications that can be used to dispatch and support volunteers. The results show that the functions can be divided into essential ones that are necessary for the response to work at all, and others that might contribute to a more effective response. The study also shows that the same functions can be used for different volunteer groups.
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