Developing a mass care framework for British Columbia
Principal Investigator: Darren Blackburn
Research Team: Dr. Ron Bowles, Jeff Allen, Elizabeth Scambler, Bob Mills (FNESS), Dawn Ursuliak, Pete Learoyd, Beth Larcombe, Sanna Meherally, Grace Timney, Beth Larcombe
Project Dates: June 2021 – March 2025
Project Funding: $465,000
Project Summary:
The project, Developing a Mass Care Framework for British Columbia, aims to enhance the organization of emergency services during catastrophic events. There is currently a lack of clarity regarding the definition of mass care, its distinction from Emergency Support Services (ESS), and the roles and responsibilities of various agencies involved. Existing practices allow affected individuals to receive emergency social services for up to 72 hours, which may include essential support like food, lodging, and emotional assistance. However, local ESS teams typically handle smaller-scale emergencies, and larger events that exceed local capacity can complicate responses, necessitating assistance from regional, provincial, and even national organizations. Recognizing that the traditional model will not suffice during significant disasters, Emergency Management BC (EMBC) has partnered with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) to articulate a comprehensive framework for mass care, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the needs of British Columbians during emergencies.
Partners: Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (formerly Emergency Management BC)
Outcomes and Benefits:
The project aims to significantly improve the province's emergency response capabilities through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. The primary outcomes include the establishment of clear definitions and standards for mass care, distinct from Emergency Support Services (ESS), and the identification of stakeholder roles and responsibilities. By developing a "system of systems" model, the project will facilitate enhanced collaboration among local, regional, and provincial partners, ensuring a coordinated response during catastrophic events. The framework will empower communities by providing scalable recommendations tailored to their specific needs, ultimately reducing suffering and loss during emergencies. Additionally, this initiative will address current planning gaps by guiding the creation of a robust provincial mass care plan that is informed by research and aligned with the unique contexts of British Columbia's population. Overall, the project promises to foster resilience and improve the effectiveness of emergency management practices across the province.
Funding and Support: This project is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Project Status: Active
