Effective emergency communications

 How can communication be used to improve problem-solving in emergency situations?

PIO standing before media during a fire. Image by Copilot. 

Communication is a vital skill for effective problem-solving in emergency situations. Communication can help to:

• Alert and warn people about the nature and severity of the emergency and the appropriate actions to take (FEMA).
• Coordinate and collaborate with other responders, agencies, and organizations to ensure a timely and efficient response (WHO).
• Provide accurate and consistent information to the public and the media to reduce confusion, misinformation, and panic (VCU, 2023).
• Resolve conflicts and disagreements that may arise among different stakeholders or groups during the emergency (HealthStream, 2021).
• Support and comfort the affected people and communities and foster resilience and recovery (Frantically Speaking).

To communicate effectively in emergency situations, communicators should use a variety of tools and strategies, such as:

• Using a communication scheme or plan that incorporates risk communication principles and adapts to the changing situation (FEMA; WHO).
• Choosing the most appropriate form of communication for the situation, such as in-person events, print and broadcast media, internet and social media, etc. (FEMA; WHO).
• Identifying a credible and trustworthy spokesperson to deliver the messages (FEMA; VCU, 2023).
• Using clear, simple, and jargon-free language and visuals to convey the messages (FEMA; VCU, 2023).
• Communicating with empathy, concern, and respect for the affected people and communities (VCU, 2023; Frantically Speaking).
• Providing timely updates and feedback to the audiences and listening to their concerns and questions (FEMA).

Sources: 

FEMA. (n.d.) Chapter 3: Communicating in an Emergency in IS-0242.c: Effective Communication. https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is242b/student%20manual/sm_03.pdf

WHO. (n.d.). Communicate in emergencies. https://www.who.int/about/communications/actionable/emergencies 

VCU. (2023, January 16). Crisis Communication Strategies for Emergency and Crisis Management Officials. Virginia Commonwealth University Wilder Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Online. https://onlinewilder.vcu.edu/blog/crisis-communication/

HealthStream. (2021, April 1). Improving Communication in the Emergency Room. https://www.healthstream.com/resource/blog/improving-communication-in-the-emergency-room

Frantically Speaking. (n.d.). Effective Communication Strategies to Resolve Conflicts.  https://franticallyspeaking.com/11-effective-communication-strategies-to-resolve-conflict/

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Communication is a vital skill for effective problem-solving in emergency situations. Communication can help to:

• Alert and warn people about the nature and severity of the emergency and the appropriate actions to take1.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other responders, agencies, and organizations to ensure a timely and efficient response2.
• Provide accurate and consistent information to the public and the media to reduce confusion, misinformation, and panic3.
• Resolve conflicts and disagreements that may arise among different stakeholders or groups during the emergency4.
• Support and comfort the affected people and communities and foster resilience and recovery5.

To communicate effectively in emergency situations, communicators should use a variety of tools and strategies, such as:

• Using a communication scheme or plan that incorporates risk communication principles and adapts to the changing situation12.
• Choosing the most appropriate form of communication for the situation, such as in-person events, print and broadcast media, internet and social media, etc12.
• Identifying a credible and trustworthy spokesperson to deliver the messages13.
• Using clear, simple, and jargon-free language and visuals to convey the messages13.
• Communicating with empathy, concern, and respect for the affected people and communities35.
• Providing timely updates and feedback to the audiences and listening to their concerns and questions135.