Organizational Resilience in First-Response Agencies During COVID-19
Background
Organizational resilience is critical for helping organizations withstand crises, recover from disruption, and adapt to ongoing challenges. While resilience has been studied in many high-risk professions, less is known about how public first-response organizations develop and sustain resilience during prolonged emergencies.
Purpose
This study examines how first-response organizations managed challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and how internal and external conditions shaped organizational resilience. Using qualitative interviews and visual methods with firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics across the United States, the study explores both barriers and opportunities for resilience.
Outcome
The findings identify key challenges to organizational resilience, including inaction, inconsistent decontamination procedures, and limited perceived community support. At the same time, first responders highlighted strategies that strengthened resilience, such as improving information sharing, using equipment creatively, balancing protocols with patient needs, and sharing personnel and resources. The study offers practical insights for public safety organizations seeking to strengthen resilience during future crises.