Holly_Biosecurity_and_Bioterrorism_qual_analysis_bsp.2012.pdf (193 kB)
Public experiences of mass casualty decontamination
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 12:51 authored by Holly Carter, John DruryJohn Drury, G James Rubin, Richard Williams, Richard AmlôtIn this article, we analyze feedback from simulated casualties who took part in field exercises involving mass decontamination, to gain an understanding of how responder communication can affect people’s experiences of and compliance with decontamination. We analyzed questionnaire data gathered from 402 volunteers using the framework approach, to provide an insight into the public’s experiences of decontamination and how these experiences are shaped by the actions of emergency responders. Factors that affected casualties’ experiences of the econtamination process included the need for greater practical information and better communication from responders, and the need for privacy. Results support previous findings from small-scale incidents that involved decontamination in showing that participants wanted better communication from responders during the process of decontamination, including more practical information, and that the failure of responders to communicate effectively with members of the public led to anxiety about the decontamination process. The similarity between the findings from the exercises described in this article and previous research into real incidents involving decontamination suggests that field exercises provide a useful way to examine the effect of responder communication strategies on the public’s experiences of decontamination. Future exercises should examine in more detail the effect of various communication strategies on the public’s experiences of decontamination. This will facilitate the development of evidence-based communication strategies intended to reduce anxiety about decontamination and increase compliance among members of the public during real-life incidents that involve mass decontamination.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and ScienceISSN
1538-7135Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.External DOI
Issue
3Volume
10Page range
280-289Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-10-30First Open Access (FOA) Date
2012-10-30First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2012-10-30Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC