My research focuses on how this form of collaboration, known as ICT-enabled co-production of emergency response, can be designed and implemented. Civilian responders are trained by emergency services to perform basic tasks such as CPR, extinguishing small fires, responding to traffic accidents, or stopping bleeding. When an incident occurs, the alarm center at the corresponding rescue unit sends a notification via a mobile application to nearby volunteers, informing them about the type and location of the incident. The volunteers then decide whether to respond. This ICT-enabled co-production enables early intervention, which can prevent or reduce loss of life and property damage.
These civilians are neither employed by emergency services nor formally affiliated with volunteer organizations. The absence of formal structures or guidelines creates challenges for both volunteers and professional responders. My study explores how such cooperation can be better organized—and potentially legitimized—for more effective use.
The first part of my study focuses on volunteers responding to local incidents. It examines the challenges, conditions, and opportunities involved, and evaluates their contributions in terms of arrival time and on-site collaboration with professionals. The second part expands the perspective to explore how civilian responders might contribute in large-scale crisis scenarios—such as wildfires, natural disasters, or national civil defense. This will offer valuable insights into how these responders can support societal resilience in times of major emergencies.
These civilians are neither employed by emergency services nor formally affiliated with volunteer organizations. The absence of formal structures or guidelines creates challenges for both volunteers and professional responders. My study explores how such cooperation can be better organized—and potentially legitimized—for more effective use.
The first part of my study focuses on volunteers responding to local incidents. It examines the challenges, conditions, and opportunities involved, and evaluates their contributions in terms of arrival time and on-site collaboration with professionals. The second part expands the perspective to explore how civilian responders might contribute in large-scale crisis scenarios—such as wildfires, natural disasters, or national civil defense. This will offer valuable insights into how these responders can support societal resilience in times of major emergencies.
