Reflection

First, I realized how interconnected the four phases of emergency management are and that if there are weaknesses in the preparedness and mitigation phases, response and recovery are negatively impacted. Secondly, and closely related to this, is that without the experience and training of an emergency management specialist, many communities would not understand the importance of all cycles. Conflict management and teamwork are key skills needed as there are many competing interests in planning and decision-making during crises. Finally, I also understood the impact of stakeholders and community on the successful preparation and response to an emergency. Those assisting in allocating and storing resources and infrastructure must always be prepared to be put on alert in an all-hazards approach. The AAR took a project management approach in it's construction, with the project initiation beginning after the emergency event, followed by the planning, execution, momitoring and controling and closing of the AAR report. The results provided a community with evidence-based improvement opportunities that could manage risk and improve outcomes of future emergency events.

After taking other courses like Communications for Healthcare Leaders, I learned the relevance of clear, precise communication and delegation during emergency scenarios. For example,  as an emergency manager, one must communicate with local, regional, national and international stakeholders and government, ensuring an effective Incident Command System and participation in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). We have experienced an international pandemic with Covid-19, where our preparedness was not at the level that it should have been-lacking in PPE supplies, demonstrating ineffective surge plans for hospitals and ICUs and having critical staffing shortages without contingency plans in place. This experience has given notice to Canada and the world  that our All Hazards approach to emergencies uncovered many areas of weakness. Understanding these frameworks and the drive to improve to prevent future crises has become a huge area of interest for me going forward.