| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to determine how nonroutine acts performed by
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trained emergency workers developed into routine emergency acts and skills. I will be
specifically looking for concepts that are common throughout the different types of
emergency workers that will be interviewed. The data is gathered from focus groups
that were recruited from classes on campus. In particular the results depict some very
common techniques used in training that allowed the workers to feel confident about
their role in emergencies. These tended to include repetition of "classroom training, "but
more importantly from the viewpoint of the workers, repetition of simulated
emergencies. The development of autonomy in decision making was an important facet
for workers whose work "territory" was varied; however, autonomy was rarely stressed
for those in relatively constant surroundings such as pools.
Several commonalities were found throughout each field. These included
interruptions, self-efficacy, the use of judgment and tacit knowledge. Many of the
participants also expressed the same sentiment towards their feelings of the training and its efficiency. Some research will also show attempts to change policy and training
within emergency workers in order to improve job performance and enhance the safety
of the public as well.
I will include a small statistical appendix that looks at the satisfaction level of
evacuees who fled to Houston, Texas when Hurricane Katrina hit. Five specific factors
were examined and regressed to determine satisfaction levels. Only two factors showed
any type of significance. As the discussion will indicate, certain previous factors, before
the hurricane hit, are believed to be the cause of these particular results. | en |
