Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth (EMPTY): The Results of the First Swedish Pilot Study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the impact of a simulation training in raising a group of young students’ personal and situational awareness in disasters and emergencies.MethodsIn total, 25 young students participated in two simulation scenarios representing two actual events, fire, and shooting, using a combination of two validated simulation training (Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth [EMPTY]). The changes in their knowledge and awareness were evaluated by using questionnaires and the whole simulation was evaluated by three independent observers and a reference group.ResultsNew concepts of emergency management, for example, evacuation, and barricading, could be trained in a safe environment. There was a significant increase in students’ personal and situational awareness and their active engagement in the management of emergencies.ConclusionEMPTY could raise the youth basic knowledge and ability to understand the concept of preparedness by being mentally prepared, available for collaboration, gaining a higher confidence, understanding the physical and psychological consequences of a major incident and the importance of their own safety. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:685-688)