Are They Qualified and Trained to Manage Disasters?

Abstract

Introduction:In the South African environment, the possibility of lack in the disaster response education and training fraternity was attempted to be mitigated with legislation. The National Disaster Management Framework (2005:162-169) states that national, provincial, and municipal organs of state need to plan, organize, and implement training programs relevant to their respective areas of responsibility. The South African Disaster Management Act (South Africa, 2002:19) encourages a broad-based culture of risk avoidance and the promotion of disaster management education and training throughout South Africa.Aim:As an organ of the state and a role-player in disaster management the Free State Emergency Medical Services (FS EMS) is responsible for making strategic decisions. Managers and supervisors are obliged to be trained and educated in disaster management. The study ascertained whether managers and supervisors are being trained and educated in disaster management as required by legislation.Methods:The project made use of quantitative data whereby fifty EMS managers and supervisors in the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) were assessed by using a questionnaire.Results:The study found that 66% of the respondents did not receive training to equip them to fulfill their disaster management functions. The remaining 34% indicated that they did receive aspects of disaster management training.Discussion:Based on the quantitative scores for the different indicators, the research found that there are shortcomings in disaster management qualifications and training among the EMS supervisors and managers in the FSPG EMS. However, the findings make it clear that there are several positive aspects in the already established practice of disaster management education and training in the FS EMS. The results indicated that there is an opportunity for revision and improvement that will contribute and empower the FS EMS managers and supervisors to meet legislative requirements towards disaster management training and education.