The Influence of Technical and Non-Technical Emergency Response Systems on Infrastructure Resilience

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of Emergency Response Systems (ERS) on infrastructure resilience in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using a quantitative research approach. A questionnaire survey was administered to 225 professionals, including facility managers, engineers, architects, building inspectors, and NADMO officials, yielding 159 valid responses. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, and exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling.The findings indicate that both technical and non-technical ERSs significantly affect infrastructure resilience, with nine technical and seven non-technical ERSs receiving high performance ratings. Economic factors, such as property damage, and socio-political issues, including low wages, were closely linked to ERS effectiveness. Key challenges identified included inadequate consideration of cultural factors, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient funding. These challenges were strongly influenced by technical (β = 0.223, p < 0.05) and non-technical (β = 0.462, p < 0.05) ERS elements. Consequently, these limitations affected economic (β = 0.195, p < 0.05) and socio-political (β = 0.325, p < 0.05) outcomes, highlighting the interdependence between ERS components and broader systemic resilience. In practice, the study emphasises the need for integrated ERS planning within broader institutional, legal, and socio-economic systems by government agencies and facility managers. It advocates for targeted technological investments, legal frameworks, community education, and long-term risk management strategies. This study presents a novel interdisciplinary framework that integrates engineering and policy perspectives. Its originality lies in the comprehensive assessment of both technical and non-technical ERS components, offering valuable insights for strengthening infrastructure resilience in developing contexts.

Keywords: Emergency response, Disaster, Facilities, Infrastructure resilience, Natural hazard.