Information flow during crisis management: Challenges to coordination in the emergency operations center

This paper discusses challenges to coordination in the emergency operations center (EOC). A county-level EOC is made up of representatives from a range of organizations including local government, fire, police, hospital, utility, and Red Cross representatives. These ad hoc teams are tasked with coming together during an emergency to obtain and deliver resources to first responders on the scene of the disaster, as well coordinating transportation of casualties, tracking of fatalities, and establishment of shelters. Two county-level exercises were observed. Themes were identified across the two exercises. Recommendations for better supporting coordination in crisis management are offered.