Casualty behaviours during incidents involving hazardous materials

Human Behaviour during emergency situations is a crucial component of any response. The ability responders to effectively engage with casualties critical ensuring that instructions given are followed and in doing assist rather than hinder the In order improve likelihood this occurring it essential understand what drives decision making emergencies be able influence these. This paper will seek establish these behaviours likely inform responder tactics training. seeks develop psychological model casualty behaviour hazardous materials evacuation. study utilises survey members public evacuated from their homes or places work due fire impacting an ammonia tank February 2019 at Ocado distribution warehouse Andover. results were used validate hypothesised utilising Path Analysis. research identifies importance recognising involved remain rational utilise information them. highlights which trust plays engaging provide effective how constructed both legitimacy competency influenced by communications responders. Most crucially identified situation key driver whether co-operate utilised real world data findings demonstrating need for has implications guidance training managing casualties.