Abstract

This paper describes the previous attempts at improving the competency levels of first responders, problems with these approaches, and a suggested new approach that focuses on establishing a national emergency response competency system. The analysis focuses on how to derive an improved set of competencies that meet the needs of all stakeholders. It discusses the issue of how to create taxonomies for competencies and their aggregation into clusters, tasks, and roles. It explores the vital linkages between position classification, learning, and performance evaluation. It recommends an approach to performance indexing or scorecarding for ongoing management.

Recommended Citation

Humphress, Rick (2007) "Building an Emergency Response Competency System: Optimizing Emergency Personnel Mobilization," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3, Article 7.
DOI: 10.2202/1547-7355.1370
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jhsem/vol4/iss3/7