Use of social media and smartphones by disaster volunteers in the Veterans Health Administration

In recent years, social media sites and “smartphones” have become prominent modes of communication that allow for rapid exchange of large amounts of information. The ability to communicate quickly is vital in emergency response, so that needs are immediately identified and resources are allocated appropriately. A web-based survey was conducted with 8250 volunteers in the Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration to compare the use of social media sites and smartphones among emergency first receivers (i.e. volunteers receiving evacuees from a disaster). Among the 2372 completed surveys (29% response), 99% (n=2343) of the sample indicated that they use social media sites. Facebook was used most often, followed by Google+, MySpace, and email. Approximately 50% of volunteers indicated that social media sites were important to their work. Smartphone use was high across age groups, with 94% of respondents ages 18-25 and 56% of those over age 60 using smartphones. Of the 40% who use smartphones to access social media sites, 81% were age 18-25, with use declining by age group to 15% among those 60 years and older. The high use of social media and smartphones and the rapid information exchange that they offer suggest that these tools can be a valuable low cost resource in the field. Uploading pictures or posting on social media can provide information about needs on the ground, offer resources, and help authorities to redirect priorities. Smartphones can provide useful access to applications that range from basic self-care strategies for responders to delivering psychological first aid to victims. Training on using smartphones to access social media sites and other applications can enhance implementation practices. This study indicates that social media and smartphones are already widely used by disaster volunteers and should therefore be incorporated into disaster preparedness training programs.