US Mass Fatality Incidents: Preparedness of Faith Based Organizations

In the US, the management of mass fatality incidents (MFI) is the responsibility of a large network of collaborating sectors, including public and private agencies and organizations. One of the major sectors in this regard is... [ view full abstract ]

In the US, the management of mass fatality incidents (MFI) is the responsibility of a large network of collaborating sectors, including public and private agencies and organizations. One of the major sectors in this regard is referred to as “Faith Based Organizations” (FBO). Comprised of individual volunteering religious clergy, they deploy to MFI where they provide spiritual care to survivors and first responders. Although this is an important role, the preparedness capabilities of FBO have not been well characterized, due, in part, to a lack of consensus on appropriate preparedness measures.

The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to develop metrics of MFI preparedness for the FBO sector; 2) to determine preparedness levels and factors associated with preparedness; and 3) to identify preparedness gaps amenable to targeted intervention.

New metrics of preparedness were developed and tested in 2014. Data were collected from a national convenience sample of participants affiliated with FBO using an anonymous, online survey. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to describe the sample, determine levels of preparedness using the new metrics, and identify factors associated with preparedness.

The survey was completed by 124 respondents affiliated with FBO. The majority rated their organization and their jurisdiction to be “moderately” to “well-prepared.” 62% of the sample had 50% or more of preparedness elements in place. FBO representatives reported high levels of both “willingness” and “ability” to report to MFI. Training and drills were significantly correlated with preparedness metrics. Respondents reported that improvements to preparedness could be achieved through more training, drills, and planning activities.

The study found that FBO representatives were moderately prepared and highly motivated. The effectiveness of FBO deployed to MFI may be improved through enhanced training and drills that involves all key response partners.

Keywords: Faith based organization, mass fatality incidents; disaster preparedness; cross-sectional study