Introduction
This Study Group was launched in 2000 and attracts members from a range of background including researchers and practitioners within disaster studies and emergency management. ´Disasters´ here may include major incidents, emergencies and occasions with few or no casualties but great social disruption e.g. floods and associated evacuations.
Other phenomena such as industrial and environmental crises, disruption to information and business systems, biotechnological disasters and civil disorders are also areas in which researchers and practitioners may take valuable contributions.
The main activity of this group is an active email discussion list. Its chief aim is to network researchers, practitioners and others interested in the human aspects of disasters and the implications of research for emergency management, training and education. Many people use it to share ideas, knowledge and information about existing research, practices and resources. Subscribers come from a wide range of backgrounds. All welcome! When subscribing we ask you to say a few words about yourself and your interests.
If you are interested in joining this group please e-mail the moderator.
Disaster Studies Workshop - “A Showcase of Research”
In March 2008 a Disaster Studies Workshop was held which attracted over 50 delegates and excellent presentations. These included a panel discussion on future research agendas in disaster studies and presentations on: Disasters and the community - altered lifescapes and collective trauma; flood vulnerability and resilience in Hull; flood risk communication in the UK; 21st century disasters and forensic issues; safety cultures and low cost airlines; meeting the needs of the disabled in emergencies; and emergency management in higher education institutions.
We are particularly grateful to Lucy Easthope, specialist consultant in Disaster Management at the University of Hertfordshire for her considerable work and support in preparing and running this event.
For further information about this group please contact the convenor Dr Anne Eyre: anne.eyre@traumatraining.com
Annual Report
The Disasters Study Group's Annual Report for 2008 is now available.
Topic Related Links
- Disaster Action is a charity set up and run by survivors and bereaved from UK and overseas disasters. Founded in 1991, it provides an independent advocacy and advisory service that represents the interests of those directly affected by disaster.
- The Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists is a membership organization created in 1987 to develop standards of service and education for those who provide such critical emotional care to trauma victims and survivors.
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) - the world’s premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences.
- The Institute of Emergency Management (IEM) was incorporated in 1996 by professional emergency planners and managers who recognised the need to research and improve the response to major incidents and their immediate and long-term co-ordinated management. In so doing it was also aware of the necessity of promoting the education and training of key members of the emergency services and others, including the public, in the essential skills to deal with civil emergencies. Its work continues in these respects and its members actively participate in Conferences and seminars at international level on a wide range of subjects relevant to the management of major incidents.
Contact the Convenor:
Further information about this group is available from:
Dr Anne Eyre
Trauma Training
PO Box 4495
Coventry
CV3 9BQ
Send an email.
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