Community-based emergency response for toxic gas release: conceptual framework

Abstract

Effective community-based emergency response requires a concerted approach to the management of emergency response. An effective and resilient community must have partnerships with local governments, organisations, citizens, and industries to enhance the response to toxic gas releases and lessen their impacts. Without these partnerships, communities will continue to be vulnerable to potential hazardous materials disasters. The aim of this study is to provide a conceptual framework for community-based emergency response to toxic gas releases. This study identified four constructs in emergency response, namely coordination, collaboration, communication, and capability as the moderators that can influence the community to produce an effective emergency response framework. The study explored and analysed the elements of community-based emergency response to toxic gas releases via document analysis, interviews, and the questionnaire, which was validated by subject matter experts (SME) in the field of emergency response to toxic gas releases. The data gathered was analysed using Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). This study offers a new insight to students, researchers, and scholars regarding the need to adopt the emergency response elements for the community. Thus, they will be able to apply emergency management knowledge in the various elements of emergency response.