Preparing for the Next Spike: Impact and Response of the COVID-19 Pandemic
NDRI - USA, Inc., Principal Investigator - Sara A. Jahnke
RELEVANCE
Research to understand the immediate response, future impact, and best practice solutions to COVID19 is key to planning for and minimizing the negative impact in future pandemics and identifying the best “new normal” practices for fire and EMS.
METHODS
Leveraging data from national organizations, fire departments, and firefighters across the country, we will conduct both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the COVID19 impact. Interviews and content analysis of the written text will provide an ethnographic perspective of the response while economic analysis, mining of National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS) data, and determining firefighters’ behavioral health impact by comparing comprehensive assessments collected pre- and post-pandemic, will quantify the impact on organizations and individuals within the national fire service.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
Using a mixed-methods approach for data collection and a stakeholder panel of leading experts and key opinion leaders in the fire service, we will be able to synthesize data and deliver a roadmap for best practices in pandemic response.