Factors affecting disaster preparedness
in prehospital emergency dispatch centers:
mapping of expert perspectives

Factors affecting disaster preparedness
in prehospital emergency dispatch centers:
mapping of expert perspectives

Preparedness, Dispatch centers, Prehospital emergency Care, Disasters, Iran

Abstract
Background and Objectives Prehospital emergency dispatch centers play a pivotal role in disaster response, yet
their preparedness is often inadequate, particularly in low-resource settings such as Iran. This study aimed to explore
the factors influencing the disaster preparedness of these centers through a qualitative approach.
Methods A conventional content analysis was conducted between October 2024 and May 2025. Twenty experts and
managers from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and dispatch centers were selected using purposive and snowball
sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed inductively using MAXQDA-2020.
Trustworthiness was ensured following Guba and Lincoln’s criteria.
Results In this study, thirteen main categories were extracted from the data. The analysis revealed that disaster
preparedness in emergency dispatch centers is influenced by a complex interaction of human, organizational, and
environmental factors. Among the most influential dimensions were planning and training, communication and
coordination systems, and the psychological and operational readiness of personnel. Collectively, these components
determine the centers’ ability to maintain functionality and ensure an effective response under disaster conditions.
Conclusion Strengthening the preparedness of emergency dispatch centers requires a systems-based approach that
integrates comprehensive planning, continuous training, resilient communication infrastructure, and mental health
support for telecommunicators. However, as a qualitative study, the findings are context-specific and may not be
generalizable to all settings. Nevertheless, they provide an in-depth understanding of the multidimensional factors
influencing preparedness and response, offering valuable insights for policymakers, health system managers, and
model developers in disaster management.
Keywords Preparedness, Dispatch centers, Prehospital emergency Care, Disasters, Iran

Mohammadreza Shafiei1 , Mahmood Nekoei-Moghadam1

, Seyed Mobin Moradi1

, Vahid Saadatmand2
and

Asghar Tavan1*

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-01053-5

2025

Peri Irawan

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