US workforce gaps in emergency management: A mixed-methods approach of demographics, capacity, and community engagement.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Within emergency management, few studies have analyzed the shifting landscape of the workforce in the United States. As emergency management is an evolving field, it is important to note changes in the profession. The purpose of this study was to examine the current emergency management workforce, specifically analyzing its demographic breakdowns, organizational concerns, and community-based dynamics. The intent was to determine if the workforce is representative of the communities they work in. Disasters are known to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, making it more important for emergency managers to be demographically and functionally diverse to effectively reach and prepare these communities.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods approach, data were g

SUBMITTER: Verma A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12912579 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature