The Efficiency of Emergency Management under the Incident Command System (ICS) in Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the efficiency of emergency management under the Incident Command System (ICS) in Suphan Buri Province, 2) compare the efficiency of emergency management under the Incident Command System classified by personal factors, and 3) examine knowledge, understanding, problems, and obstacles in emergency management under the Incident Command System. This study employed a quantitative survey research approach. The population consisted of 286 agencies involved in disaster management in Suphan Buri Province. The sample size was determined using the formula of Krejcie and Morgan, yielding 165 agencies, with an additional nine agencies reserved, resulting in a total of 174 agencies. Data were actually collected from 179 agencies, with one representative from each agency. The research instrument was a five-point rating scale questionnaire comprising 42 items covering 14 components of the Incident Command System. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. The research findings revealed that 1) the overall efficiency of emergency management under the Incident Command System was at a high level (mean = 4.134). Incident action planning had the highest mean (4.210), while comprehensive resource management had the lowest mean (4.060); 2) personnel differing in gender, experience in emergency incident management, and experience participating in the Incident Command System showed statistically significant differences in their efficiency assessment levels at the 0.05 level, whereas no statistically significant differences were found based on job position and length of service; and 3) areas requiring further development included resource management, integration of communication systems, and interagency coordination. The findings also reflected the importance of promoting practical work experience, conducting joint exercises, and improving resource management to enhance the efficiency of emergency management under the Incident Command System at the local level.