Exploring Interoperability Issues and the Enhancement of Hurricane Rescue Operations in the Gulf States Region

Local first responders in the Gulf States region of the United States rely on supplemental emergency personnel from bordering states to assist them in hurricane rescue operations. For these personnel to coordinate their rescue activities together they must be able to communicate synchronously on the same radio system. The specific problem examined in this study was that supplemental emergency personnel deployed to Gulf States from bordering states have trouble in coordinating rescue operations with local first responders because interagency coordination and interoperability between radio systems are lacking. The purpose of this qualitative, embedded multiple-case study was to describe how supplemental emergency personnel and local first responders believe from their experiences that interagency coordination and interoperability issues between disparate mutual-aid radio systems can be overcome in the Gulf States region. The sample consisted of seven professionals with specializations in interoperability and interagency coordination during a Gulf States hurricane. The study provided consistent findings triangulated from data collected using telephone interviews, an online survey, and a review of archived public documents. Study findings contrasted with the public literature. Recommendations for future academic study include adding updated plans and procedures, ensuring that the same frequencies are simultaneously used, and conducting annual training on the equipment with each first responder. Given that the intensity and magnitude of hurricanes in the Gulf States region have increased since 1990, combined with a growing population base, damage to the critical infrastructure, such as roadways and buildings, and personal injury will likely require future intervention of both local first responders and supplemental emergency personnel. Addressing the problems associated with interagency coordination and interoperability may serve in mitigating both structural damage and the loss of life during hurricane rescue in the Gulf States region by allowing both groups to coordinate rescue efforts synchronously using compatible radio equipment.