Adapting First Responder Efforts During Heightened Alert and Wartime

Introduction: During heightened alert and wartime, first responder responsibilities expand significantly. Since ambulance services are a limited resource, rescue services take on additional roles, such as transporting patients and injured individuals from structural collapse. A workshop was conducted to produce activity suggestions for adapting the rescue services towards handling the additional tasks during wartime and heightened alert. Methods: The research team’s task was to design and test an evaluation model that allowed for the systematic development of action proposals maturing from evaluations to ensure effective use of resources. Results: A structured workshop was conducted, engaging numerous stakeholders, to test the model for systematic generation of activity suggestions. The methodology shares characteristics with Engeström’s activity theory, specifically the process of expansive learning and the change laboratory model, but was adapted to fit the time and resource constraints typical of disaster response planning. Our approach retained core aspects of activity theory while enhancing efficiency and scalability for broader participation. The compressed, interactive format enabled robust input from a diverse group of responders and administrators, supporting rapid iteration and feedback. Conclusion: This model demonstrates a viable, systematic approach to evaluating and enhancing first responder efforts under challenging conditions. By adapting activity theory principles to a condensed timeframe, we created an accessible tool that can streamline planning and preparedness for expanded emergency roles. This evaluation model holds promise for broader applications in civil defense and emergency management, particularly where quick yet thorough participatory assessments are required.