The role of “zero-responders” during 7/7: implications for the emergency services
International Journal of Emergency Services
ISSN: 2047-0894
Article publication date: 21 October 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological processes involved in spontaneous co-operation by survivors of mass emergencies, and the possible implications this may have for emergency responders.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative interview study was conducted with 12 survivors and witnesses of the 7 July 2005 London bombings. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings
Spontaneous co-operation amongst survivors often emerged, and this was a function of a common identity that grew out of a sense of shared fate amongst those affected. Some social influence that encouraged co-operation also occurred, and this was dependent upon whether there was a sense of shared identity between source and target of influence.
Research limitations/implications
Evidence was only collected from a sub-set of one incident (7/7), thus limiting possible generalisability of the findings. Further research into comparable situations would provide a better understanding of the processes underlying mutual co-operation and support amongst emergency survivors.
Practical implications
Uninjured bystanders in emergencies can act as “zero-responders”, and so may become a useful resource which can be utilised by the emergency services in mass emergencies.
Originality/value
This is the first paper to explore in detail the social influence processes underlying spontaneous co-operation amongst survivors of emergencies, and will be of use to emergency responders.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research described in the paper was made possible through funding from the Economic and Social Research Council to John Drury, Paul Langston, Steve Reicher, and Damian Schofield (RES-000-23-0446).
Citation
Cocking, C. (2013), "The role of “zero-responders” during 7/7: implications for the emergency services", International Journal of Emergency Services, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-08-2012-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited