Emergency Communication
During emergencies that affect an individual’s or a community’s health, accurate, effective, and timely information is essential. To improve outcomes during an emergency, our researchers are working to identify best practices for emergency communication.
Current Projects
Translation, Application, and Evaluation of Public Health Emergency Communication Products
Researchers will improve public health preparedness and response practices, policies, and programs by translating, applying, and evaluating research and trainings developed by the PERRCs and PERLCs.
From Multi-tasking to Hyper-tasking: Investigating the Impact of Next Generation 911
This project investigates the impact of Next Generation 911 on telecommunicator stress, and develop a 911 call center workforce stress reduction program.
Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Public Health Emergency Communication Systems
This project extends previous work on public health use of bi-directional text messaging for communication with stakeholders.
STAT 911: Simulation Training to Assist Triage of 911 Call
This research will investigate whether simulation training improves how quickly and accurately call receivers at 911 call centers identify cardiac arrest and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) over the phone.
Completed Projects
An Exploration of Bi-Directional SMS Use by Public Health
Researchers will evaluate the use of two-way, text message (SMS) communications to improve public health emergency preparedness and response.
911 Call Center Intervention to Improve Identification of Cardiac Arrest
This project was designed to identify a protocol that would assist 911 dispatchers with identifying cardiac arrest victims in the most efficient way possible.
Baring the Chest and CPR Effectiveness
NWCPHP research findings suggest that eliminating the instruction to remove a victim's clothing in dispatcher-assisted CPR will save time without compromising performance.
Continuity of Operations During Disasters
Researchers conducted a pilot study with Public Health - Seattle & King County to see how best to ensure communication that supports essential services.
Emergency Communication and Medical Interpreters
Researchers identifed how medical interpreters can help health departments engage limited English proficient (LEP) Latinos on emergency and disaster communication issues.
Improving Bystander CPR Skills Among Limited English Proficient People
Researchers used findings to modify 911-assisted instructions and develop culturally appropriate CPR training strategies for limited English proficiency populations.
Influenza Vaccine Safety Reporting
This research project studied systems used to monitor, report, and respond to potential problems associated with flu vaccines to strengthen these systems and enhance public safety during a pandemic.
Limited English Proficiency 911
Research findings created communication guidance for agencies that use phone-based emergency response systems that serve limited English proficiency (LEP) populations.
Media Campaign to Improve Bystander CPR Skills of Chinese Speakers
Researchers tested the effectiveness of using Chinese newspapers to disseminate emergency response skills within the Chinese limited English proficient community.
Predicting Severity of Motor Vehicle Crashes
Researchers developed algorithms to predict how many motor vehicle crash occupants are uninjured or have minor injuries to inform dispatch of emergency responders.
Reaching Health Care Providers With Emergency Information
This research compared the effectiveness of fax, e-mail, and text messages for communicating public health alerts to different types of health care providers.
SMS Message Content for Emergency Communication
Researchers studied how text messaging can be used by public health agencies to communicate with health care providers. Researchers also tested a model for evaluating the essential elements of text messages.
Text Messaging for Public Health Emergencies
Researchers identified the logistical, legal, fiscal, and technical implications of setting up a text messaging system at a local public health department.
