Who responds when disaster strikes? Availability of civil protection personnel in the event of a disaster

This study examines the availability of civilian emergency personnel during disasters, focusing especially on individuals with dual roles—such as those employed in KRITIS and volunteering in civil protection—and the impact of dual roles as well as professional and private obligations on operational readiness.

Abstract [EN]
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10049-025-01610-8#Abs2

Wer kommt, wenn es knallt? Verfügbarkeit von Einsatzkräften im Bevölkerungsschutz
Open access

Published: 28 August 2025
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10049-025-01610-8

Download paper [DE]     Abstract [EN]
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10049-025-01610-8.pdf

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 Remarks:
 Human Ressources (HR) issues gain ever increasing attention in Disaster- and Crises-Management.

While the current study mainly reflects the pre-disaster availability of personnel,
other reports also reflect not only dual roles but also multiple roles to be expected in the critical dynamics in Human Ressources availability during the event of disaster that lasts several days (resp. “Situations-of-Exceptional-Need”).

Multiple roles of personnel typically lead to conflicts in disaster management expectations as well as in guaranteed just-in-time operational performance.

Different situations in disaster make it necessary not only to substitute volunteers but at the same time substitute civil protection full-time staff.

Considering situations, expectations and consequences it becomes obvious that comprehensive Human Ressources  Information Management is urgently needed to avoid shortcomings in HR Information availability. Since cross-organizational issues and high dynamic complexity in HR operational readiness are omnipresent, search for suitable existing HR information systems or creation of federated HR information systems capable of meeting the significant challenges are in the interest of Disaster Management, Operational Forces and, of course, in the interest of all those potentially affected by disaster.

Horst Kremers