Application of emotional intelligence in emergency management for improved trust building and decision making

This study seeks to improve inter-team and inter-organisational collaboration in disaster response space, with a specific focus on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Teams in the Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). This project explores the importance of trust-building in high-pressure situations faced by USAR teams, particularly during international deployments but also extends its focus on the broader realm of disaster response. 

In addition to trust-building, the research will explore various advantages of integrating emotional intelligence into disaster response teams. Emotional intelligence can have a significant impact on improving operational decision-making, giving teams a valuable edge in crisis situations. Additionally, the incorporation of emotional intelligence practices is expected to contribute to the cognitive abilities of disaster response teams, improve emotional well-being and mitigate the risk of post-traumatic stress disorders.

The project is a comprehensive exploration into the potential applications of emotional intelligence in disaster response, offering insights that can significantly improve the effectiveness and resilience of these crucial teams.