Using an Electronic Bulletin Board Platform in a Disaster Tabletop Exercise

Abstract

Introduction We evaluate the use of an electronic bulletin board system in a tabletop disaster exercise. Methods Two tabletop exercises were carried out during a 5 hour course for 26 members of the Singapore Disaster Site Management Command (DSMC). As the events happened, the participants were updated via the electronic bulletin board. Response to the events was through the bulletin board. A written survey was held upon completion. Result Most (96.2%) felt that the exercise had helped identify issues in current operating procedures. The electronic bulletin board was deemed easy to use and learn, and that it helped in their learning (61.5%, 88.5% and 73.1% respectively). Using the electronic platform was an effective (76.9%) and efficient way (65.4%) of conducting the exercises. 53.8% of participants prefer the use of the electronic bulletin board and 61.5% felt that it was more realistic using the electronic platform. However the electronic bulletin board did not improve the participant's understanding of the current operating procedures (43.2%) and their role in DSMC (50%). Conclusion The use of the electronic platform is easy and over half of the involved participants thought it is preferred over the traditional tabletop exercise.