d2.32 overview of cultural similarities, relevant ...disaster-fp7.eu/sites/default/files/d2...

DISASTER Data Interoperability Solution At Stakeholders Emergency Reaction

285069

D2.32 Overview of cultural similarities, relevant differences and demands

Lead Author: Jens Groskopf B.Eng. [CUAS] With contributions from: AIM, DBI, VRK

Reviewer: Dave Fortune [AIM]

Deliverable nature: Report (R)

Dissemination level: (Confidentiality)

Public (PU)

Contractual delivery date: 31/07/2012

Actual delivery date: 25/10/2012

Version: 1.4

Total number of pages: 55

Keywords: Emergency Management Structure, international comparison

DISASTER Deliverable D2.32

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Abstract

This deliverable deals with a comparative contemplation of the five countries involved in DISASTER project, namely Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. The main focus of this work is on geography/climate issues, population/demography issues, the respective economic system, health care system and political system and especially the emergency management system with its composition and responsibilities.

As part of the governmental structure, emergency management with all its aspects is subject to constant change, dependant on historical events, political changes, as well as natural and demographic development and experience made during significant local, regional, national and international incidents.

All these factors contribute to an organically grown culture for every country in the world.

This deliverable is supposed to give a general overview of the participating countries in the DISASTER project. In this case it is showing the most significant features of every country to sensitize the further technical development in the DISASTER project for the necessary flexibility of the system to be adopted in a wide variety of emergency management systems.

Deliverable D2.32 DISASTER

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Executive summary The present deliverable deals with a comparative contemplation of the five countries involved in DISASTER project, namely Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. The studied subjects are geography/climate issues, population/demography issues, the respective economic system, health care system and political system and especially the emergency management system with its composition and responsibilities. The purpose of this deliverable is to enable participants in DISASTER to understand the special requirements of each country. Especially the different emergency management systems are important for further work steps within the project. This deliverable will give an overview on the systems with their organizations, political responsibilities in reference to the state-building and the participating operative organizations such as fire-department, emergency medical system, police department etc.

Spain is the southernmost country within the project located in south-western Europe. It has a population of 46,157,822 (2008). Political system is a parliamentary monarchy. There are 19 autonomous regions in the country. These regions have their own governments with defined competencies. Lowest political levels in Spain are the municipalities. Capital of Spain is Madrid with 6.272.000 inhabitants located in the middle of the country. Economic system is a mixed capitalist which suffers from global recession at the moment. The actual GDP (official exchange rate) is 1.494 trillion US-Dollars (estimated in 2011). The Spanish health care system transfers most responsibilities to the autonomous regions. The Spanish emergency management system splits responsibility to all political levels. Main responsibility for civil protection bears the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergency. The autonomous regions have to create own disaster response plans and have to install emergency medical systems. Municipalities have to install fire-department and local police authorities, while the state has own police units, namely the "Cuerpo Nacional de Policía "(CNP) and the "Guardia Civil".

The Netherlands are located in Western Europe between Germany and Belgium. It has 16.730.632 citizens (2012). The capital of the country is Amsterdam with 1.3 Million citizens. Political system is a constitutional monarchy; head of the government is the prime minister. The country’s GDP in official exchange rate is $840.4 billion (2011) The Netherlands are divided into twelve provinces, 25 regions which themselves consists of 443 municipalities. Since 2006, all people paying Dutch income tax are required to purchase health insurance coverage.

The competencies for the emergency management systems are split between all political levels. Police department and emergency medical system are regionally organizes while fire-department is locally as well as regionally organized. During a disaster, the heads of the provinces (Royal Commissioner) has the power to give policy instructions to the municipalities. The Central Government ensures that there is adequate legislation and resources for each component of the system to execute their responsibilities

Germany is located in the centre of Europe. 82.4 million People live in Germany; its capital is Berlin with 3.515.473 citizens living in it. The country is a federal republic consisting of 16 states with their own governments and parliaments and wide-ranging political powers. State system is a parliamentary democracy with the chancellor as the head of the government. Germany’s economy is a social-market with a GDP of $3.577 trillion in official exchange rate (2011). The German health care system is financed through income-taxes of employers and employees. The citizens can select between several health insurance funds.

The responsibilities in the Emergency management system in Germany are split between several political levels. The Government is responsible for civil protection in case of armed conflicts; the 16 states must provide disaster management in times of peace to its citizens. Therefore all states have own disaster management laws. The Government supports the states in carrying out disaster management with personal and equipment. Emergency medical service is a task of the states, but states transfer this to the municipalities. Also fire-department is a task of the municipality; the states create the legal framework.

Denmark with its 5.543.453 citizens is the northernmost country within the project. Its capital is Copenhagen with 549.050 citizens. Denmark has only one state border with Germany which length is 68 km. The rest of the country is surrounded by water. Denmark’s state system is a constitutional monarchy. Denmark is divided into five regions which themselves consists of 98 municipalities. Denmark has a modern market economy system with a GDP of $333.2 billion (official exchange rate). Danes enjoy among the highest standards of living in the world. The Danish health care system is completely financed by taxes and its utilization is completely free at the point of use. The five regions are responsible for providing hospital care and own and run hospitals.


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The Danish emergency management system is based on three levels. On state level (level III), the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is responsible for EMS. DEMA creates reaction plans etc. and has own disaster reaction units stationed over the country. Second level (II) is the regions. They are responsible for the structures of emergency management system and fire department. Also, on level II, special units are stationed over the country to support the municipal units. Level I is the day by day emergency response carried out by emergency medical service and fire department. Usually these services are performed by private companies.

Great Britain is located in Western Europe on Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The United Kingdom consists of the states England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Altogether 63.047.162 people live in the United Kingdom. Capital is London with 8.173.900 citizens. The government type is constitutional monarchy. Head of government is the prime minister, the power of the queen is mainly representative. The UK is a leading trading power in Europe. It has a largely unregulated economic market with a GDP of $2.29 trillion.

All those “ordinarily resident” in England are entitled to health care that is largely free at the point of use. The National Health System is currently administered through 10 regional strategic health authorities.

Within the British emergency management system, most incidents are handled by local authorities. In case of large scale incidents, the Central Government provides assistance in a three level system. In level I, local authorities are mainly responsible, but if necessary, support by the Lead Government Departments is provided. Level II is a serious emergency or disaster. The management is coordinated by the sub national tier response and recovery coordinating groups that are chaired by an appropriate expert depending on the type of emergency Level III incidents central government is involved immediately. Leading organization then is Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) and COBR.

The deliverable reveals that all Emergency Management Systems in all participating countries depend on the political and governmental structures. Day by day emergency management is mainly a task of the municipalities or the regional structures. In all countries, the responsibilities vary with the size of the emergency event. From municipal to regional to central government stage, every level has its own competencies. But in case of disasters of national interest, responsibilities change to the central government.

Further detail sociology study of specific cultural requirements that mean i.e. the different situation of people behaviour for each country, would go beyond the scope of this study and was no benefit for future documents in case of the DISASTER project. Also it is impossible to characterize a country in a cultural profile in its whole, because of enormous differences between people in each region. In this case we abstained from a detailed examination of the cultural background. Especially the presentation of cultural backgrounds in case of scientific research in order of the Emergency Management Systems would result several difficulties. Obviously the culture had a historic influence on the origin of specific types of different EMS for each country, but in general, for future research work within the framework of the DISASTER project, it is important to show up the current situation of processes and cooperation of the EMS. It is a fact that cross-border operations are a current development and do not rely on historic or cultural growth. In the special case of the circumstances of operational urgency it is impossible to make a challenge on self-generated decisions. Furthermore this is the area of responsibility of the affected EMS. The current cultural background is unnecessary for the actual processing of an incident.


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Document Information IST Project Number

285069 Acronym DISASTER

Full Title Data Interoperability Solution At Stakeholders Emergency Reaction Project URL http://www.disaster-fp7.eu/ Document URL EU Project Officer Jana Paskajova Deliverable Number D2.32 Title Overview of cultural similarities, relevant

differences and demands Work Package Number WP2 Title Requirement Compilation & Technical

Approach Date of Delivery Contractual M06 Actual M09 Status version 1.4 final x Nature prototype □ report x demonstrator □ other □ Dissemination level public x restricted □ Authors (Partner) Jens Groskopf B.Eng., Til Hofmann B.Eng. [CUAS]

Responsible Author Name Jens Groskopf, B.Eng. E-mail [email protected] Partner CUAS Phone +49 221 8275 2150

Abstract (for dissemination)

This deliverable deals with a comparative contemplation of the five countries involved in DISASTER project, namely Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. The main focus of this work is on geography/climate issues, population/demography issues, the respective economic system, health care system and political system and especially the emergency management system with its composition and responsibilities. As part of the governmental structure, emergency management with all its aspects is subject to constant change, dependant on historical events, political changes, as well as natural and demographic development and experience made during significant local, regional, national and international incidents. All these factors contribute to an organically grown culture for every country in the world. This deliverable is supposed to give a general overview of the participating countries in the DISASTER project. In this case it is showing the most significant features of every country to sensitize the further technical development in the DISASTER project for the necessary flexibility of the system to be adopted in a wide variety of emergency management systems.

Keywords Cultural requirements, Emergency Management Systems Version Log Issue Date Rev. No. Author Change 10/05/2012 0.1 Til Hofmann First draft 31/05/2012 0.2 Til Hofmann Insert EMS Germany, Netherlands 12/07/2012 0.3 Til Hofmann Insert EMS Spain 27.07.2012 1.0 Til Hofmann Final Version 10/09/2012 1.1 Jens Groskopf Restructure 02/10/2012 1.2 Julian Heuser Insert missing information 08/10/2012 1.3 Jens Groskopf Release (version for review) 25/10/2012 1.4 Jens Groskopf Final release


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Table of Contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Document Information ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 6 List of figures ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 11 2 Spain ........................................................................................................................................................... 12

2.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.1 Geography / Climate ..................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.2 Population / Demography ............................................................................................................. 13 2.1.3 Economic System .......................................................................................................................... 15 2.1.4 Health Care System ....................................................................................................................... 19 2.1.5 Political System ............................................................................................................................. 19

2.2 The Spanish Emergency Management System .................................................................................... 21 2.2.1 Civil Protection ............................................................................................................................. 21 2.2.2 Military Emergency Unit .............................................................................................................. 22 2.2.3 Emergency Medical Service ......................................................................................................... 22 2.2.4 Fire Department ............................................................................................................................ 23 2.2.5 Police ............................................................................................................................................. 23

3 Netherlands ................................................................................................................................................. 25 3.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 25

3.1.1 Geography / Climate ..................................................................................................................... 25 3.1.2 Population / Demography ............................................................................................................. 26 3.1.3 Economic System .......................................................................................................................... 26 3.1.4 Health Care System ....................................................................................................................... 27 3.1.5 Political System ............................................................................................................................. 27

3.2 The Dutch Emergency Management System ...................................................................................... 28 3.2.1 The Disaster Act (1985) ................................................................................................................ 28 3.2.2 Emergency Management Organization ......................................................................................... 28 3.2.3 The Municipality (BZK, 2003) ..................................................................................................... 28 3.2.4 Fire Department (BZK, 2003) ....................................................................................................... 29 3.2.5 Emergency Medical Services in case of Disasters (BZK, 2003) .................................................. 29 3.2.6 Police Department (BZK, 2003) ................................................................................................... 29 3.2.7 Provinces ....................................................................................................................................... 30 3.2.8 Central Government ...................................................................................................................... 30

4 Germany ..................................................................................................................................................... 32 4.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 32

4.1.1 Geography / Climate ..................................................................................................................... 32 4.1.2 Economic System .......................................................................................................................... 33 4.1.3 Population / Demography ............................................................................................................. 34 4.1.4 Health Care System ....................................................................................................................... 34 4.1.5 Political System ............................................................................................................................. 35

4.2 The German Emergency Management System ................................................................................... 36 4.2.1 The Constituent States .................................................................................................................. 37 4.2.2 The Counties, Cities and Municipalities ....................................................................................... 38

4.3 Involvement of volunteers and NGOs ................................................................................................. 38 5 Denmark ..................................................................................................................................................... 39

5.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 39 5.1.1 Geography / Climate ..................................................................................................................... 39 5.1.2 Population / Demography ............................................................................................................. 39 5.1.3 Economic System .......................................................................................................................... 39 5.1.4 Health Care System ....................................................................................................................... 40 5.1.5 Political System ............................................................................................................................. 40

5.2 The Danish Emergency Management System ..................................................................................... 41


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5.2.1 Planning and Preparedness ............................................................................................................ 41 5.2.2 Response and Recovery Operations .............................................................................................. 42

6 Great Britain ............................................................................................................................................... 43 6.1 Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 43

6.1.1 Geography / Climate ..................................................................................................................... 43 6.1.2 Population / Demography ............................................................................................................. 43 6.1.3 Economic System .......................................................................................................................... 44 6.1.4 Health Care System ....................................................................................................................... 44 6.1.5 Political System ............................................................................................................................. 45

6.2 The British Emergency Management System ..................................................................................... 45 6.2.1 Legislation concerning EMS ......................................................................................................... 45 6.2.2 Organization of Emergency Management .................................................................................... 46 6.2.3 Participants in Emergency Management System .......................................................................... 46 6.2.4 Levels of Emergency Management ............................................................................................... 48 6.2.5 Emergency Response and Recovery ............................................................................................. 49

7 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................ 51 References ........................................................................................................................................................ 54


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List of figures Figure 1: Geographical Map of Spain .............................................................................................................. 12 Figure 2: Age structure of resident population of Spain ................................................................................... 14 Figure 3: Demographical Situation per Region ................................................................................................ 14 Figure 4: Development of Spains Economy (whole) ....................................................................................... 15 Figure 5: Development of Spain’s Economy - industry & energy ................................................................... 16 Figure 6: Development of Spain’s Economy - agriculture ............................................................................... 16 Figure 7: Development of Spain’s Economy – services ................................................................................... 17 Figure 8: Development of Spain’s Economy – construction ............................................................................ 17 Figure 9: Development of Spain’s Economy - GDP + employment ................................................................ 18 Figure 10: Youth unemployment rate Europe .................................................................................................. 18 Figure 11: Life expectancy by sex .................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 12: Main causes of death ....................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 13: Legislative structure of power ......................................................................................................... 20 Figure 14: Regions of Spain ............................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 15: Disaster Relief in Spain ................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 16: Map of rivers in Netherlands ........................................................................................................... 25 Figure 17: Demography NL ............................................................................................................................. 26 Figure 18: Regions of Netherlands ................................................................................................................... 27 Figure 19: Topography of Germany ................................................................................................................. 32 Figure 20: Rivers of Germany .......................................................................................................................... 33 Figure 21: Regions of Germany ....................................................................................................................... 35 Figure 22: Topography of Denmark ................................................................................................................. 39 Figure 23: Regions of Denmark ....................................................................................................................... 41 Figure 24: Topography of Great Britain ........................................................................................................... 43 Figure 25: Regions of Great Britain ................................................................................................................. 45 Figure 26: COBR within the organisation ........................................................................................................ 48 Figure 27: Three different levels of emergency in UK ..................................................................................... 49


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Abbreviations ACLS

advanced cardiac life support ....................................................................................................................... 23 AIDS

Acquired Immunde Deficiency Syndrome ................................................................................................... 34 BBK

Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe ......................................................................... 36 BGS

Bundesgrenzschutz ....................................................................................................................................... 37 BKA

Bundeskriminalamt ....................................................................................................................................... 37 BMI

Bundesministerium des Inneren ................................................................................................................... 36 BPOL

Bundespolizei ............................................................................................................................................... 37 CCA

Civil Contingencies Act ................................................................................................................................ 46 CCC

Civil Contingencies Committee .................................................................................................................... 46 CECOP

Centro de Coordinación Provides Operativa ................................................................................................ 21 CNP

Cuerpo Nacional de Policía .......................................................................................................................... 23 COBR

Cabinet Office Briefing Room ..................................................................................................................... 46 DCC

Departmental Coordination Centre ............................................................................................................... 31 DEMA

Danish Emergency Management Agency .................................................................................................... 41 EM

Emergency Management .............................................................................................................................. 36 EMS

2.2.3 Emergency Medical Service ................................................................................................................ 22 ETA

Euskadi Ta Askatasuna ................................................................................................................................. 20 FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency .................................................................................................... 36 GDP

Gross Domestic Product ............................................................................................................................... 15 GEO

Grupo Especial de Operaciones .................................................................................................................... 23 GHOR

GeneeskundigeHulpverleningbij Ongevallen en Rampen ............................................................................ 29 GLO

Government Liaison Officer ......................................................................................................................... 46 GO

Governmental Organizations ........................................................................................................................ 38 HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ................................................................................................................. 34 IBT

InterdepartementaalBeleidsteam ................................................................................................................... 30 LGD

Lead Government Department ..................................................................................................................... 46 LOCC

LandelijkOperationeelCoordinatiecentrum .................................................................................................. 30


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NCC National Crisis Centre .................................................................................................................................. 30

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations ................................................................................................................ 38

NL Netherlands ................................................................................................................................................... 28

PCC Provincial Coordination Centre .................................................................................................................... 30

SCG Strategic Coordination Group ....................................................................................................................... 46

SHI State Health Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 34

THW Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk .......................................................................................................... 36

UK United Kingdom ........................................................................................................................................... 46

UME Unidad Militar de Emergencias .................................................................................................................... 22

USA United States of America .............................................................................................................................. 28


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1 Introduction The main focus of this deliverable concentrates on the cultural as well as social requirements of each participating country in the DISASTER project. Unfortunately it is relatively difficult to measure the cultural circumstances, influences and differences of a whole country, because of extremely variation for each region. So the foundations are important for the development of cultural requirements in this context. In this case the deliverable presents the specific geographical / climatic details for every country and tries to connect this information with the economic, political and demographic and health care facts of each country. These facts show up the different components that cause the cultural differences between the countries.

In these terms the document focuses on the basic information for every country first for showing up the connection to the cultural specification. The research for each country has been performed according to the following scheme:

- Geography / Climate

- Population / Demography

- Economic System

- Health Care System

- Political System

This step enabled the author to summarize the cultural requirements for the compared countries Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and United Kingdom.

Furthermore the deliverable focuses on the emergency management system facts of all countries. In these terms it is basically also a small comparative study of the structure and the organization of the Emergency Management System of the participating countries within this project.

In this context, the term “culture” refers to the allocation of tasks and responsibilities within the Emergency Management Structure of a country.

This study about the different implemented emergency management systems is of high interest for the future development of the DISASTER project. To do so, and to prevent the agglomeration of information that is not relevant for the further development within the project, the focus was set on the features of Governmental structures

- Administrative tiers within the governmental structures

- Organization of emergency services (Fire Brigade, Police, Emergency Medical Services, Civil Defence)

- Command structures within these organisations and in the national EMS.

All these factors result in the specific cultural requirements for each country. As part of the main concept of DISASTER Project this deliverable shows up necessary information for the overview of each country in relation to it significant facts. In this case this study discovered differences as well as similarities in terms of culture, which are described in the following elaboration.


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2 Spain

2.1 Basics

2.1.1 Geography / Climate

Spain is located in south-western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France. The geographic coordinates are 40 00 N, 4 00 W. The peninsula Spain’s landmass is 499.542 km². Spain has borders to Portugal, France, Andorra, United Kingdom (Gibraltar) and Morocco. The coastline is around 4.964 km.[1] Spanish territory also encompasses the Balearic Islands (Spanish, Islas Baleares) in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands (Spanish, Canarias) in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the city enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa.[2]

There are 19 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera.

The peninsular landmass predominantly a vast highland plateau, the Meseta Central, surrounded and dissected by mountain ranges (Figure 1). Major lowland areas include narrow coastal plains, Andalusian Plain in southwest, and Ebro Basin in northeast. The islands, especially the Canarias islands, are mostly mountainous.[2]

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Figure 1: Geographical Map of Spain

The climate of the region of Spain is temperate. The predominantly continental climate has clear, hot summers in interior, that result relatively often in periodic droughts.

“The peninsular Spain experiences three climatic types: continental, maritime, and Mediterranean. The locally generated continental climate covers the majority of peninsular Spain, influencing the Meseta


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Central, the adjoining mountains to the east and the south. A continental climate is characterized by wide diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and by low, irregular rainfall with high rates of evaporation that leave the land arid. Annual rainfall generally is thirty to sixty-four centimeters; most of the Meseta region receives about fifty centimetres. The northern Meseta, the Sistema Central, and the Ebro Basin have two rainy seasons, one in spring (April-June) and the other in autumn (October-November ), with late spring being the wettest time of the year. In the southern Meseta, also, the wet seasons are spring and autumn, but the spring one is earlier (March), and autumn is the wetter season. Even during the wet seasons, rain is irregular and unreliable. Continental winters are cold, with strong winds and high humidity, despite the low precipitation. Except for mountain areas, the northern foothills of the Sistema Iberico are the coldest area, and frost is common. Summers are warm and cloudless, producing average daytime temperatures that reach 21° C in the northern Meseta and 24 to 27° C in the southern Meseta; nighttime temperatures range from 7 to 10 °C. The Ebro Basin, at a lower altitude, is extremely hot during the summer, and temperatures can exceed 43 °C. Summer humidity’s are low in the Meseta Central and in the Ebro Basin, except right along the shores of in the Rio Ebro where humidity is high.

A maritime climate prevails in the northern part of the country, from the Pyrenees to the northwest region, characterized by relatively mild winters, warm but not hot summers, and generally abundant rainfall spread out over the year. Temperatures vary only slightly, both on a diurnal and a seasonal basis. The moderating effects of the sea, however, abate in the inland areas, where temperatures are 9 to 18 C more extreme than temperatures on the coast. Distance from the Atlantic Ocean also affects precipitation, and there is less rainfall in the east than in the west. Autumn (October through December) is the wettest season, while July is the driest month. The high humidity and the prevailing off-shore winds make fog and mist common along the northwest coast; this phenomenon is less frequent a short distance inland, however, because the mountains form a barrier keeping out the sea moisture.

The Mediterranean climatic region extends from the Andalusian Plain along the southern and eastern coasts up to the Pyrenees, on the seaward side of the mountain ranges that parallel the coast. Total rainfall in this region is lower than in the rest of Spain, and it is concentrated in the late autumn-winter period. Generally, rainfall is slight, often insufficient, irregular, and unreliable. Temperatures in the Mediterranean region usually are higher in both summer and winter, and diurnal temperature changes are more limited than those of the continental region. Temperatures in January normally average 10 to 13 °C in most of the Mediterranean region, and they are 9 C colder in the northeastern coastal area near Barcelona. In winter, temperatures inland in the Andalusian Plain are slightly lower than those on the coasts. The temperatures average in July and August is 22 to 27 °C on the coast and 29 to 31 °C farther inland, with low humidity. The Mediterranean region is marked by Leveche winds, which are hot, dry, easterly or south-easterly air currents that originate over North Africa. These winds, which sometimes carry fine dust, are most common in spring. A cooler easterly wind, the Levante, funnels between the Sistema Penibetico and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.[2]”

The climate of the region of Spain is exceptionally dry and hot. Furthermore the total rainfall is much lower compared to the rest of Europe. Also the rainfall is often insufficient and unreliable. This causes a much higher risk for both droughts and wildfires.

2.1.2 Population / Demography

The resident population of Spain on 1 January 2008 was 46,157,822, according to the data drawn from the municipal registers of inhabitants.[2] The demographic structure is conspicuous young in comparison to other European countries, like Germany.

The countries capital with ca. 6.272.000 citizens is Madrid (Figure 3), located in the middle of Spain.


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Figure 2: Age structure of resident population of Spain

The median age is total at 39,5 years, while male population is in the average 38.2 years and female population is 40,9 years old. The population is still growing at was around 0,15 % in 2005. The birth rate is 10,1 births/1000 people.[4]

The following table shows the demographic situation in the different councils.

Figure 3: Demographical Situation per Region

This data represents the on-going trend in the whole European Union of moving people from rural to urban areas. So for example the councils of Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona (Cataluna) have a much higher population in comparison to rural areas like Extremadura, Rioja or Navarra.

The percentage of people with secondary or higher education has increased and is now 70.6% in men and 64.6% in women. In 2001 the figures were 45.4% and 38.9% respectively. In 2007 half of Spain's population had completed the second cycle of secondary education or higher education, while in 1991 the figure was 38%.[5]


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2.1.3 Economic System

Spain's economy is the 13th largest in the world, and its per capita income roughly matches that of Germany and France. The economic system is mixed capitalist. After 15 years of above average Gross domestic product (GDP) growth, the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.1% in 2010, before turning positive in 2011, making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global recession. The reversal in Spain’s economic growth reflected a significant decline in construction amid an oversupply of housing and falling consumer spending, while exports actually have begun to grow. Government efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, which rose from a low of about 8% in 2007 to over 20% in 2011. The government budget deficit worsened from 3.8% of GDP in 2008 to 9.2% of GDP in 2010, more than three times the euro-zone limit. Madrid cut the deficit to 8.5% of GDP in 2011, a larger deficit than the 6% target negotiated between Spain and the EU. Spain’s large budget deficit and poor economic growth prospects have made it vulnerable to financial contagion from other highly-indebted euro zone members despite the government’s efforts to cut spending, privatize industries, and boost competitiveness through labour market reforms. Spanish banks'' high exposure to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate market also poses a continued risk for the sector. The government oversaw a restructuring of the savings bank sector in 2010, and provided some $15 billion in capital to various institutions. Investors remain concerned that Madrid may need to bail out more troubled banks. The Bank of Spain, however, is seeking to boost confidence in the financial sector by pressuring banks to come clean about their losses and consolidate into stronger groups.[6]

Figure 4: Development of Spains Economy (whole)

The actual GDP (official exchange rate) is 1.494 trillion US-Dollar (estimated in 2011), while the composition by sector is 3,2 % by agriculture, 25,8% by industry and 71% by services.[6] The trend of the last few years since the beginning of the crisis shows enormous growth in the industry sector (Figure 5), relatively constant progress in agriculture sector (Figure 6), a slight decreasing progress of the service sector (Figure 7) and a massive negative growth in the sector of construction (Figure 8). This reflects the development of Spain’s economy since the crisis of the real estate sector.


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Figure 5: Development of Spain’s Economy - industry & energy

Figure 6: Development of Spain’s Economy - agriculture


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Figure 7: Development of Spain’s Economy – services

Figure 8: Development of Spain’s Economy – construction

The trend of the GDP growth rate decreased sharply after end of 2007 (-3.7% in 2009 estimation) and started to stabilize again with moderate increasing in 2010 and very low decrease in 2011 (Figure 9).


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Figure 9: Development of Spain’s Economy - GDP + employment

Even that Spain’s economy and the GDP are increasing / stabilizing, the employment rate is decreasing continually. The youth unemployment rate is close to 50% and the highest after Greece of members in the European Union. Therefore the rate is circa 30% higher than the European average (Figure 10).

Figure 10: Youth unemployment rate Europe

This situation causes the most important source of frustration for the Spanish people. Massive strikes as well as passive resistance and civil disobedience are the result of the actual economic state.


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2.1.4 Health Care System

In the organisation of their respective regional health care systems, Spain's autonomous communities distinguish between the functions of health care planning, financing and authority, and the functions of service provision. Although most of the services are provided through direct management resources, various autonomous communities have introduced other management formulas, such as public enterprises, consortia, foundations, concessions and long-term agreements. In 2007 the total health expenditure in Spain was 8.46% of the GDP, with public sector health expenditure representing 6.07% of the GDP. The life expectancy for men was 77,8 and 84,3 years for women (Figure 11).[7]

Figure 11: Life expectancy by sex

This level increased in the last five years to total health expenditures of 9,7% of the GDP. Further the life expectancy at birth for the total population has increased to 81.27 years (male: 78.26 years/female 84.47 years).[6]

The leading causes of death were, in order from highest to lowest, vascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases and external causes (Figure 12). The infant mortality rate continues to fall; in 2007 the rate was 3.5.[8]

Figure 12: Main causes of death

2.1.5 Political System

Spain’s political system is a parliamentary monarchy that was established by the Constitution of 1978. King Juan Carlos I is the Head of State and the Royal House plays important roles in functions of representative work. The Spanish government is separated in three powers, legislative (Figure 13), judicial and executive. The executive is represented by the President of the Government, who is elected by the Congress of Deputies after a general electoral.[9]


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Figure 13: Legislative structure of power

Modern Spain has accommodated this cultural diversity by creating the State of Autonomous Communities. This is a political arrangement granting the regions a good deal of powers and responsibilities, especially those related to the preservation and promotion of their local culture and language. Figure 14 below shows the division of Spain into autonomous communities and provinces.

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Figure 14: Regions of Spain

Spain has experience and still on-going difficulties with terroristic activity. The ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), is an armed Basque nationalist and separatist organization that killed more than 800 people over the last 30 years.


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2.2 The Spanish Emergency Management System

Based on the Spanish state system, responsibilities for the Emergency Management System are divided between the government, the autonomous communities and the municipalities. Each level has its own tasks concerning emergency management.

2.2.1 Civil Protection

Civil Protection is one task of the Spanish government in emergency management. The legal basis on civil protection is laid down in the civil protection law (LEY 2/1985, DE 21 DE ENERO, SOBRE PROTECCIÓN CIVIL). This law sets regulations concerning self-protection of society, warning citizens in case of threats, protection space and evacuation. Furthermore it commits all autonomous regions and municipalities to harmonize their own emergency plans with these of the government.

Competent authority for civil protection in Spain is the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergency ( Dirección General de Protección Civil y Emergencias). It is assigned to the Ministry of Interior. In its own words, the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies defines its mission:

“Answering the question "what is civil protection?" seems easy, but up until now, too many definitions have been given and different structures have been made. This point sets out to explain the criteria that, according to the existing legal framework and the very development of the Spanish civil protection system over time, all those participating in the system must be familiar with. Civil protection is a public service which is aimed at the study and prevention of situations of serious collective risk, extraordinary catastrophe or public disaster which can pose a threat, on a mass scale, to the lives and physical integrity of people and to the very protection of the latter and their property, in the cases in which said situations occur.”

Its tasks are for example: • The preparation of state plans, civil protection plans and plans on regulations and directives which

have been attributed competencies by existing legal regulations. • The preparation and practical management of exercises and simulations in the framework of the

aforementioned plans. • The organization and maintenance of the Operational Coordination Centre, of the Radioactivity

Alert Network, of the communications networks for emergencies and of other infrastructures designated to facilitate operational management in emergencies.

• The carrying out of studies related to risk analysis, as well as preventive pilot projects to back up emergency and disaster prevention plans.

• The preparation and broadcast of warnings to civil protection organizations and, where appropriate, to citizens.

In order to perform the aforementioned functions, the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies is organised into the following units:

• The Sub-Directorate of Planning, Operations and Emergencies • The General Sub- Directorate of Resources and Subsidies • The Training and Institutional Relations Division.

At the level of the autonomous communities each one creates territorial plans. The basis for this forms the "Norma Básica de Civil Protection". Decisive factor is also that the plans of the autonomous communities are critical to the plans of the municipalities, since these must be integrated into the plan of the autonomous community (Norma Basica de Proteccion Civil, p 17). In addition, "Norma Básica" calls that the autonomous communities establish Operational Coordination Centers ("Centro de Coordinación Provides Operativa "(CECOP)). They assure the administrative and operational management of each insert. (Norma de Basica Proteccion Civil, p 18). By "Norma Básica" the autonomous communities have the competence in civil protection unless an event only affects its own territorial area. An exception is an event of international interest. In this case, the Spanish government takes over control (Figure 15).


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[34] Figure 15: Disaster Relief in Spain

2.2.2 Military Emergency Unit

The Military Emergency Unit (Unidad Militar de Emergencias, UME), is a special unit of the Spanish military whose sole job is disaster reaction. This unit is subject to the Defense Ministry. In disasters like (forest) fire, great accidents etc. they engage all over the country, regardless of regional boundaries. Resources of UME are stationed throughout the country. They have special equipment for firefighting (fire trucks, aircrafts), decontamination, medical treatment and transport of injured persons, evacuation and eviction, power generation, production of communication channels and accommodation of people.

2.2.3 Emergency Medical Service

Establishing Emergency Medical Services is an individual task of the regional governments. There is no specific national law about EMS. Due to Article 41 of The Spanish General Law on Health (Ley General de


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Sanidad), the regional governments have the capability to decide their own laws about the topics not included in the General Law on Health. As a conclusion on this, all regions have their own Public Health Services which provides Emergency Medical Services. There are two options for the regions to provide EMS: some regions have their own services with own staff, cars and equipment. Other regions outsource the cars und some staff to private companies or Non-Government-Organisations like Red Cross.

Spanish EMSs contribute hugely to guarantee population coverage in all situations. They are run by EM technicians, nurses and doctors who usually work exclusively in the emergency arena. Their role in big cities is essential, often providing continuous at-home services during PCC off-hours. Characteristically, the demand is greater on weekends and between 3–10 pm, probably influenced by PCC time tables. Respiratory problems are the main complaint treated by EMS. Despite concerns of EMS overuse due to their easy access, prompt response, at-home care delivery and zero cost to the consumer, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that EMSs in Spain are not used as a first option to enter the health care system.

Public spaces are a major scenario for EMS for both minor emergencies and accidents, as well as mass casualties and catastrophes. Spanish EMSs have faced major catastrophes in recent years, with the Madrid bombing terrorist attacks on 11 March 2004 being the largest. Extensive analysis and description of such actions have been published abroad. In this setting, the provision of health care with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) units is crucial. Very recently, the distribution of ACLS units has been published: in January 2009, Spain had 362 operative teams (327 corresponding to road transport ambulances and 35 to helicopter ambulances) operating at a ratio of 1 ACLS unit to 127,308 inhabitants (0.78/100,000 population) with ratios varying four-fold among different geographic areas. In addition, EMS can provide support for patient transportation in isolated areas from low- to high-tech hospitals. A recent study showed that, although exclusive internal hospital resources were used in 58.3% of transportations, 33.3% required a combination of their own services and outside suppliers provided by EMSs, and the EMSs were exclusively used by 8.3% of the hospitals. Emergency medical service provided by helicopters, which include trained physicians and nurses in their crews, merits special mention because they ensure correct medical care and transfer from isolated geographic zones, especially in the archipelagos. Finally, coordination of medical care from EMSs is carried out in centralized centres where experienced doctors, nurses and technicians assign the best resource according to well-structured, computerized protocols.

2.2.4 Fire Department

The legal system of Spain attributes different levels of competencies to each of the administrations that constitute Spain, so that some matters are regulated at national level, others at Autonomous Community level and others at local level. Therefore, in the field of "Fire prevention and safety" there are laws at three different levels. Referring to the requirements to join the service, training and professional career, there is no legislation at national level. At present time the Autonomous Communities of Madrid, Cataluña, Valencia and the Basque Country are the only ones that have regulations in this regard. Some other Communities are elaborating drafts to regulate these matters. The law that regulates at a national level the implementation of the Fire Service (Ley Reguladora de Bases de Régimen Local) oblige municipalities with more than 20.000 inhabitants to dispose of a Fire and Rescue Service. However, this law does not regulate or define the Fire Service. The existing legal loophole at national level has forced the Fire Services to organise themselves basing on their particular needs and possibilities. Therefore, nowadays the dimension, structure and management of the Fire and Rescue Services are different throughout Spain.

2.2.5 Police

At state level, there are two different police units in Spain. The "Cuerpo Nacional de Policía "(CNP) and the "Guardia Civil". The National Police (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía) reports directly to the Ministry of Interior Spain. Its tasks are, in addition to law enforcement, to ensure compliance with the laws in major cities and passport control. The National Police is affiliated with several different special units, such as for example, the "Grupo Especial de Operaciones" (GEO), an anti-terror unit. The "Guardia Civil" is also a police unit at state level. It is under the authority of both the Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry. From its self-wise, the Civil Guard is a military unit which is responsible for state security. Their tasks are the rural areas, where National Police is not working, and the territorial waters of Spain. Its tasks include yet the border guards including customs authorities, the bomb disposal, highway policing and traffic monitoring. In the autonomous regions, some of these tasks may be executed by the regional police.


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One problem that arises in the provision of two national police forces is the question to the competence. So frequent delays incurred in investigations due to jurisdiction issues.

The autonomous communities have the opportunity to set up police units within their own jurisdiction. They assume some tasks of the National Police and Civil Guard. However, their responsibility ends at the respective borders. Examples of regional police forces are the Basque "Ertzaintza", the Catalan 'Mossos d'edquadra "or the" Policia Foral de Navarra".

At local level, the municipal and city police is responsible for the regulation of traffic management and to an increasing extent also for public safety. These polices are under authority of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). They are also called Guardia Urbana, Local Police or Policía Municipal.


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3 Netherlands

3.1 Basics


The Netherlands are located in Western Europe between Germany and Belgium, bordering the North Sea. The geographic coordinates are 52 30 N, 5 45 E. The total area of the country is 41.543 km² with 33.893 km² on land and 7.650 km² areal of water. The total land boundaries are 1027 km with 450km to Belgium and 577km to Germany. The Coastline is 451km. The climate of the area is temperate – marine with cool summers and mild winters. The terrain is coastal lowland and therefore heaps of reclaimed land.[16] Only in the south east of the Netherlands are some hills. Furthermore the country is located at mouths of three major European rivers, the Rhine, Maas and Schelde (Figure 16), because of the specific area of the Netherlands and the most council are located underneath the sea level, there is a high risk to get affected by flooding.

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Figure 16: Map of rivers in Netherlands


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The population of the Netherlands is 16.730.632 (estimated in July 2012). The capital of the country is Amsterdam with 1.3 Million Citizens. Amsterdam is located in the province of North-Holland at the mouth of the Amstel river.

The median age of the Dutch people is total 41,5 years with 40,7 years for males and 42,3 years for females. The population growth rate is 0,452% (estimated in 2012). The birth rate is 10,89 births / 1000 population, while the death rate is at 8,39 deaths / 1000 population. The total fertility rate is 1.78 children born/woman.[16]

Figure 17: Demography NL


“The Dutch economy is the fifth-largest economy in the euro-zone and is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable trade surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labour force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Dutch economy - highly dependent on an international financial sector and international trade - contracted by 3.5% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis. The Dutch financial sector suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In 2008, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars of capital into other financial institutions, to prevent further deterioration of a crucial sector. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% in 2008. The government of Prime Minister Mark Rutte began implementing fiscal consolidation measures in early 2011, mainly reductions in expenditures, which resulted in an improved budget deficit of 3.8% of GDP.[16]”

The country’s GDP in official exchange rate is $840.4 billion (2011 est.). Composed to sector agriculture is making 2,7%, industry 24,2% and services 73,1% (2011 est.) of the GDP.


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The health expenditures are 10,8 % of Netherlands GDP. The maternal mortality rate is around 6 deaths / 100.000 live births, while infant mortality rate is 3,73 deaths per 1000 live births. The life expectancy at birth is 80,91 years for the total population (male 78,84 and female 83,08 years).

“Since January 1, 2006, all residents of the Netherlands, as well as non-residents who pay Dutch income tax, are required to purchase health insurance coverage, except those with conscientious objections and active members of the armed forces. Coverage is statutory under the Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, or ZVW), but is provided by private health insurers and regulated under private law. In 2009, roughly 152,000 persons (1% of the Dutch population) were uninsured. That figure has remained stable since 2007. Approximately 50 percent of the uninsured are in their twenties or thirties. In addition to those who should be insured but are not, there is a category of the uninsured who failed to pay their premium for at least six months (so-called defaulters).”[17]

In the Dutch health care system, private health care providers and health insurers are primarily responsible for the provision of services. Health care is mainly divided into preventive care, primary care, secondary care, and long-term care. Preventive care is provided mainly by public health services.[17]


The government type of the Netherlands is the constitutional monarchy.

The whole country is divided in twelve provinces: Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslan (Friesland), Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant (North Brabant), Noord-Holland (North Holland), Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland (Zealand), Zuid-Holland (South Holland) (Figure 18).

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Figure 18: Regions of Netherlands

The country’s conventional long form is Kingdom of the Netherlands. The government type is constitutional monarchy, so the chief of state is the reigning Monarch (Queen Beatrix since 30 April 1980). The power of


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the monarchy is hereditary. The head of the government is the Prime Minister (Mark Rutte since 14 October 2010)

The bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils to serve four-year terms) and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve at most four-year terms).

The judicial branch is represented by the Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the monarch)[16]

For further more detailed information see Deliverable D2.20.

3.2 The Dutch Emergency Management System

3.2.1 The Disaster Act (1985)

Dutch disaster policy is firmly based the Disaster Act of 1985. This legislation officially conceptualized the term disaster as: “an event that causes a serious disruption of the general safety and security, that endangers the life and health of a great number of people or severely threatens material interests, and requires a coordinated effort of services and organizations from an array of disciplines to eliminate the threat or limit the harmful effects (Wet rampen en zware ongevallen, 1985). Throughout this conceptualization the prevailing premises on which Dutch disaster management rests become clear, namely:

1) the general notion of a social and economic disruption of the society;

2) the explicit demand for a coordinated governmental interdisciplinary effort (Rosenthal, Bezuyen, Duin, and de Vreeze-Verhoefeds, 1997).

3.2.2 Emergency Management Organization

To enable an adequate response to a disaster/ crisis situation, the NL utilizes a process-oriented approach to emergency management similar to the all hazards approach in the USA. The idea is that independent of the situation one or various processes need to be activated. The processes are allocated to the municipality, the fire-department, the emergency medical services and the police department. While the responsibility lies at the municipal level, the other regional, provincial and national levels are also important partners in the emergency management system we describe the role of each of these below.

3.2.3 The Municipality (BZK, 2003)

The municipality is the primary governmental level for disaster management. Municipalities are expected to develop coherent safety and security policies, identify risks and take adequate response measures. The College of Mayor and Aldermen bares the responsibility of preparing the municipality to deal with disasters and large scale incidents.

The Mayor is the sole responsible official during a disaster or large-scale incident, i.e. the mayor has supreme command. In addition to the supreme command during the response to a disaster or large-scale incident, the mayor is responsible for taking all necessary measures to prevent a disaster or large-scale incident from occurring. The mayor is therefore responsible for prioritizing and leading the emergency management organization, particularly at an administrative/ political level.

As disasters or large scale incidents requires a coordinated effort of all services and organizations such as the municipality, the police department, the fire department and the emergency medical services to take away the threat or limit damage, the mayor must ensure that all emergency services and other parties involved act in a coordinated fashion and work with one another. The Mayor does not need an official disaster declaration to become the supreme commander and use his/ her extraordinary competences.

The municipality is responsible for eight civil care processes (BZK, 2003):

− Inform

− Relief and care

− Burial arrangements

− Registration of victim through the central registration and information bureau (CRIB)


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− Provide primary necessities

− Register and deal with damage

− Environmental care

− Aftercare (BZK, 2003), (COT, 2000).

It is interesting to note that the NL uses the term after-care. The term after-care underlines the governmental responsibility of taking care of those affected by a particular incident. The concept 'caring government' is one often used throughout the NL, not just at the governmental level but also at the societal level.

3.2.4 Fire Department (BZK, 2003)

The Fire Department is both locally and regionally organized. The fire department is partly professional and partly voluntary. While the mayor is responsible for the administrative and political command, the Fire Chief is in charge of the operational command within the emergency management structure. The fire department is responsible for the following processes:

− Fight fire and the emission of hazardous materials

− Rescue and technical emergency service

− Decontamination of people and animals

− Decontamination of vehicles and infrastructure

− Observing and measuring

− Alarm the people

− Make accessible and clean up

3.2.5 Emergency Medical Services in case of Disasters (BZK, 2003)

The Dutch public health service (GemeentelijkeGezondheidsDienst) has a specific division, namely the emergency medical service (GeneeskundigeHulpverleningbij Ongevallen en Rampen, GHOR). Emergency medical services are organized regionally and the NL currently exists of twenty-five regions. Every region has one emergency medical service bureau that coordinates the emergency medical services in case of large scale incidents. The regions are based on cooperative arrangements with municipalities. Per region, the emergency medical services are administratively and operationally positioned in the emergency services structure. It is also the GHOR that is in charge of ambulance care.

The primary processes of the emergency medical services are:

− somatic medical service

− Preventive public health care

− Psychosocial medical service

3.2.6 Police Department (BZK, 2003)

The police department in the NL is also regionally organized. During any disaster or large scale incident the Police Department will work closely with the other emergency services and the municipality. Their primary processes are:

− Vacate and evacuate

− Enclose and shield

− Regulate traffic (traffic circulation)

− Maintain public legal order

− Identify victims

− Guidance


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− Criminal research

3.2.7 Provinces

The NL is divided into twelve provinces. Provinces are regions that include a variety of municipalities. A province is the level between the local and national level of government. A province is headed by a Royal Commissioner. The daily board of the provinces is the College of Provincial Executives (Gedeputeerde Staten).

With respect to disaster management, the province has a role throughout the preparative and response phase. Provinces must have their own provincial coordination plan. The Royal Commissioner is responsible for the development and maintenance of this plan. The plan should include the chain of command and the provincial response during disasters and large scale incidents. Additionally, it should provide regulations concerning the request and provision of assistance in times of crises.

In addition to internal responsibilities, the province also has a supervisory role over municipalities and water boards. Furthermore, the College of Provincial Executives has the power to assess and comment on municipal and regional plans, as well as on plans of those in charge of waterworks, such as water boards. Lastly, the province represents the primary link between the local and national administrative level.

During a disaster or large scale incident, the Royal Commissioner has the power to give policy instructions (beleidsaanwijzingen) to mayors within the provincial borders. The Royal Commissioner can, for example, instruct a mayor to make certain decisions or take specific actions. The Mayor can take these indications into account. Also the Royal Commissioner needs to facilitate and ensure adequate communication between the local and national level and is in charge of coordinating assistance (BZK, 2003). The Royal Commissioner is advised by a disaster staff. This staff comes together in the Provincial Coordination Centre (PCC).

3.2.8 Central Government

The Central Government is responsible for the quality of the national disaster management structure. In practice they ensure that there is adequate legislation and resources for each component to execute their responsibilities. The Minister of Interior and Kingdom Affairs reports to parliament on the status of disaster management and preparation every four years. The Central Government, particularly the Directorate-General for Public Works, is also custodian of waterworks (coastal waterworks). In case of a ‘danger’, like a flood, the minister of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has the power to deviate from regulatory requirements set out through legislation.

The Central government is also responsible for disaster management at sea. The Incident Control North Sea Act (Wet bestrijding ongevallen Noordzee, wet BON) gives the minister of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management that responsibility. The organization and execution of this responsibility is laid out in the Disaster Plan for the North Sea. According to the plan the operational command and coordination lies with the Director Coast Guard.

During a crisis the national government knows its own command and coordination structures. Firstly one will have the Interdepartmental Strategic Team (InterdepartementaalBeleidsteam (IBT) which is the highest administrative decision making body. The IBT includes for representatives of all relevant and involved departments. In the light of a threat or disaster it is possible to activate the Administrative Crisis Consultation Body (ACO). The ACO is meant to allow for crisis coordinators of different departments to come together and coordinate their efforts. Additionally, such a consultation allows for all parties to attain necessary information.

Decision making at a political/ administrative level is often done by a Ministerial Strategic Team (MBT). The Minister of Interior and Kingdom Affairs (BZK) and/or the most involved Minister activates the MBT and operates as coordinating minister. The National Crisis Centre is the main body that supports inter department decision-making structures. The National Operational Centre (LandelijkOperationeelCoordinatiecentrum, LOCC) coordinates the operational efforts of the classic emergency management services. It is the operational counter part of the NCC.

The primary task for the LOCC is to ensure an efficient and effective national operation.


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Whenever an incident requires the involvement of a ministry (i.e. has escalated to the national level) the ministry at hand activates a Departmental Coordination Centre (DCC). At the DCC the coordination takes place. Furthermore, the DCC ensures that the departmental response activities are executed. One of the tasks of the DCC is for example directed at coordinating decision-making in order for the ministry to be able to act in times of crisis.

Essentially, the DCC is the primary point of contact of the department at hand, coordinates, and if necessary supervises, actions within the department and with other departments, informs and advices the departmental officials and safeguards the integral decision-making process.

If a crisis has direct and far reaching consequences for policy sectors of several national governmental departments and interdepartmental coordination is required, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations uses the National Crisis Centre (NCC). The NCC operates as the facilitating staff for interdepartmental crisis decision making at a bureaucratic and political-administrative level. Essentially, the NCC takes care that information is adequately disseminated between the different levels of government involved [18].


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4 Germany

4.1 Basics


Germany is located in central Europe, at the crossroads between west and east, north and south. The northern border is formed by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, separated by a brief border with Denmark.

Germany borders on the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France to the west, Switzerland and Austria to the south, and Poland and the Czech Republic to the east. Therefore Germany is located in the heart of the European Continent. Germany’s total area is 357.022 km², with ca. 880 km distance from north to south and 640 km distance between the east and west border. The landmass is 348.672 km² and 8.350 km² of water. One-third of the country’s territory belonged to the former state of East Germany.

The country’s land boundaries are total 3.790 km, with boundaries to Austria of 784 km, Belgium of 167 km, Czech Republic of 815 km, Denmark of 68 km, France of 451 km, Luxembourg of 138 km, Netherlands of 577 km, Poland of 456 km and Switzerland of 334 km. The total coastline length is around 2.389 km.

The climate of Germany is mostly temperate and marine. It is specific for the country to have cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers with occasional warm mountain (“Föhn”) wind.

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Figure 19: Topography of Germany

Germany topography can be divided in lowlands in north, uplands in centre, the Rhine River valley and the Bavarian Alps in south (Figure 19). The country’s lowest point is in Neuendorf bei Wilster -3,54 m and the highest point is the Zugspitze 2.963 m.

Germany has five massive rivers, the Rhine (Rhein), the Danube (Donau), the Weser, the Elbe and the Oder (Figure 20). In this case the main reason for hazards is severely rain that causes flooding in the areas of the


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big rivers. Further there were large scale incidents of flooding because of a storm surge in the area of the North and Baltic Sea [19].

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Figure 20: Rivers of Germany


Germany’s economy has a social-market. That means to combine free enterprise and competition with a high level of social services. The economy is the world’s third largest (measured at market exchange rates). Worker’s representatives share power with executives in corporate boardrooms in a system known as co-determination (“Mitbestimmung”).

The performance of the German economy has improved in recent years, with indisputable strengths in exports and manufacturing, accompanied by improvements in the labor market and fiscal balance. Exports are responsible for one-third of total economic output, and at the prevailing dollar–euro exchange rate, no country exports more merchandise. In 2006 Germany accounted for 9 percent of total world trade. In the same year, illustrating the competitiveness of its export sector, Germany posted a substantial trade surplus in excess of US$200 billion. German manufacturing excels in the production of automobiles, machine tools, and chemical products.[19]

Germany’s GDP in official exchange rate is $3.577 trillion (2011 est.). Composed to sector agriculture is making 0,8%, industry 28,6% and services about 70.6% (2011 est.) of the GDP.[20]

Complementing a strong export sector, previously weak domestic demand has rebounded in recent years, contributing to 3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2006. As of fall 2007, the International Monetary Fund forecast growth of 2.4 percent in 2007 and 2.0 percent in 2008. Relatively rapid economic growth combined with fiscal discipline enabled Germany to comply in 2006, for the first time in five years, with the European Union’s Stability and Growth Pact requirement that a member nation’s budget deficit not exceed 3 percent of GDP. In fact, Germany’s budget deficit amounted to only 1.7 percent of GDP in 2006. In 2007 Germany even achieved a slight budget surplus.[19]


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“In 2007, Germany’s population was 82.4 million, essentially unchanged from the prior year. However, the World Bank projects that Germany’s population will decline to about 80.3 million by 2015 (-0,2% p.a. [20]). Average population density is about 230 people per square kilometer, but population distribution is very uneven. In the former West Germany, population density is 267 people per square kilometer, compared with 140 people per square kilometer in the former East Germany. Berlin and the industrialized Ruhr Valley are densely populated, while much of the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania regions in the East are thinly populated. These disparities have been exacerbated by migration from East to West, as former Easterners have sought better employment opportunities. About 61 percent of the population lives in towns with 2,000 to 100,000 inhabitants; 30 percent, in cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants; and the remainder, in villages with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.

In 2007 population distribution by age was estimated as follows: 0–14 years, 13.9 percent; 15–64 years, 66.3 percent; and 65 years and older, 19.8 percent. The elderly are growing as a percentage of the population; by 2030, those more than 60 years old are expected to constitute 30 percent of the general population. In 2007 the birthrate was 8.2 per 1,000 people, and the fertility rate was 1.4 children born per woman, some of the lowest rates in the world. However, the population has remained stable, as rising life expectancy and immigration have offset low birth and fertility rates. In 2007 the infant mortality rate was low at 4.08 per 1,000 live births. Meanwhile, the death rate was relatively high at 10.71 per 1,000 people, but life expectancy was well above average globally: 78.95 years for the total population (75.96 years for men and 82.11 years for women).

Ethnic Germans constitute 91.5 percent of the population. Turks, many of them guest workers and their children, constitute 2.4 percent of the population, and various others account for the remainder. Germany officially recognizes four ethnic minorities: the Danes, the Friesians, the Sinti and Roma, and the Sorbs. The Danish minority, which numbers about 50,000, lives primarily in the northern state of Schleswig–Holstein. The Friesians live along the North Sea coast. The approximately 70,000 Sinti and Roma live throughout Germany. Some 20,000 Lower Sorbs live in the state of Brandenburg, while some 40,000 Upper Sorbs live in the state of Saxony. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has protected these four groups since Germany ratified the Council of Europe convention in 1997.”[19]


The life expectancy at birth for German people of the total population is 80.19 years (male 77,93 years/female 82,58 years) (all data 2012 estimated).[20]

“Germany does well in international health-care comparisons. (…) Germany also had a very low infant mortality rate (4.08 per 1,000 live births). In 2005 total spending on health care amounted to 10.7 percent of gross domestic product.

Germany has three mandatory health benefits, which are co-financed by employer and employee: health insurance, accident insurance, and long-term care insurance. The health-care reform law that took effect on January 1, 2004, aimed at reducing health insurance costs and required payroll deductions. Costs were to be reduced by introducing more competition into the health-care system and requiring higher co-payments by the insured. Related savings were estimated at US$12 billion in 2004 and US$26 billion in 2005.

In 2004 the top cause of death in Germany was cardiovascular disease (45 percent), followed by malignant tumors (25.6 percent), heart attacks (8.2 percent), respiratory disease (6.4 percent), digestive disease (5.2 percent), and external injuries (4.1 percent). In 2006 some 504 Germans died from human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), the fifth straight year at about the same level. However, the 2006 statistic was 68 percent lower than in 1996. The introduction of various therapies has led to an increase in the average age upon death, from 41 years in 1996 to 48.8 years in 2006. Also in 2006, German health authorities registered 2,700 new infections with HIV/AIDS. Cumulatively from 1982 to the present, some 82,000 Germans have been infected with HIV/AIDS, and 26,000 have died from the disease. Widespread smoking also has a deleterious impact on health. According to a 2005 survey, 27 percent of German adults are smokers. “[20]

“The State Health Insurance (SHI) covers preventive services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, mental health care, dental care, prescription drugs, medical aids, rehabilitation, hospice care, and sick leave compensation. SHI preventive services include regular dental check-ups, well-child


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check-ups, basic immunizations, check-ups for chronic diseases, and cancer screening at certain ages. All prescription drugs—including newly licensed ones—are covered unless explicitly excluded by law (applies to so-called lifestyle drugs) or following evaluation. While the broad contents of the benefits package are legally defined, specifics are decided upon by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA, see below). Since 1995, long-term care has been covered by a separate insurance scheme, which is mandatory for the whole population. Contrary to health insurance, however, benefits in long-term care insurance are a) dependent on an evaluation of individual care needs by the SHI Medical Review Board (which either leads to a denial or a grouping into one of three levels of care), and b) limited to certain maximum amounts depending on the level of care. Beneficiaries can choose between receiving a cash amount or benefits in kind. As benefits are not usually sufficient to cover institutional care completely, citizens are advised to buy supplementary private long-term care insurance.”[21]

The various levels of government have virtually no role in the direct delivery of health care. However, states own the vast majority of university hospitals and municipalities play a role in public health activities and own around half of hospital beds. A large degree of regulation is delegated to the self-governing corporatist bodies of both the sickness funds and the provider associations.


The conventional long form for Germany is “Federal Republic of Germany”. The government type is a federal republic with the capital Berlin. Germany has 16 states named Baden-Wurttemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringen (Thuringia) (Figure 21).

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Figure 21: Regions of Germany

The “Bundespräsident” is the federal president (Joachim Gauck since 23 March 2012) and the head of government is the “Bundeskanzler” (federal chancellor) (Angela Merkel since 22 November 2005). The cabinet of “Bundesminister” (Federal Ministers) is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the federal chancellor.


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The president is elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) by a Federal Convention, including all members of the Federal Diet (Bundestag) and an equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments. The chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Diet for a four-year term that is elected by people.

The bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats; members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional representation and caucus recognition).

The judicial branch is represented by the Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat).

For further more detailed information see Deliverable D2.20.

4.2 The German Emergency Management System

The federal government is responsible for civil defence activities, but transfers the actual activities to the county and city level. The federal government acts as a supplier of material, training of personnel and the allocation of information. The FEMA Comparative EM Book states on the German Federal Emergency Management System:

“Germany is a social market economy and its labour force is educated and skilled. Its legal system and constitution provide a stable democracy, with the expectation by its people that daily life is peaceful with opportunities to prosper. Germany’s borders are open, and because of its geographic location, it is a travel transportation hub for central Europe. The critical infrastructure system is well interconnected both within Germany and to its surrounding neighbours.

Germany has been extremely active in creating and implementing emergency and disaster mitigation and response plans that cover all hazards and vulnerabilities. Germany therefore believes that prevention is the key to effective civil protection. In May 2004, in reaction to the September 11, 2001 terrorist events that occurred in the United States and the summer flood of 2002 in Germany, federal services related to civil and disaster protection were consolidated and are now centrally provided by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). In 2009, the Act on Federal Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (ZSKG) provided that the states will have the full resources of the Federation available to them should such a need arise. Items include operational vehicles, a satellite-based warning system and federal tools for information, situation and resource management. Responsibility for emergency management in Germany is found at multiple levels: the Federal Government, its 16 Federal States (Laender), counties, and communities. In 2002, the German Joint Information and Situation Centre (GMLZ) was created to serve as the hub for coordination of services and information from these multiple levels of government during an emergency event. The interdisciplinary approach allows participation from the multiple levels as well as the German Emergency Preparedness Information System (deNis) to ensure a more efficient response to crisis management. [...]

[The Role of the] Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Inneren: BMI)

The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for public security, protecting data security, internal security and the protection of the constitutional order for civil protection against disasters and terrorism, for displaced persons, administrative questions, and sports. It is host to the Standing Committee of Interior Ministers and also drafts all passport and identity cards. It is also responsible for firearms, and explosives legislation. The Federal Police, as part of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, have jurisdiction for crimes that cross state or country boundaries. Support of the organization comes from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt - BKA), and the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik - BSI), the Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe - BBK), and the Federal Institute "Technical Support Service" (Federal Technical Relief Agency – Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk, THW.

Security at the national borders - whether it be auto, pedestrian, rail, air or sea travel - falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police; however, as many as 16 state police departments and two federal law


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enforcement agencies manage the day to day activities at these borders. This includes: the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA) and the Federal Police (Bundespolizei, BPOL), both part of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, and the Customs Criminological Office within the Federal Ministry of Finance. Partnerships have been developed to increase efficiency and communication among these agencies. The Federal Police Headquarters, located in Potsdam, is responsible for overseeing the entire Federal Police force. There are 9 regional offices and 77 district offices. [...]” [22]

“The Federal Police (Bundespolizei or BPOL) is subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior and carries out extensive and manifold police duties based on a modern police law (Federal Police Act) and numerous other laws. Policing services were re-organized in the year 1998, and re-titled Federal Police (Bundespolizei, BPOL) on July 1st, 2005 (previously called Federal Border Guards - Bundesgrenzschutz or BGS). The BPOL closely collaborates within the existing security networks on the basis of security co-operation and partnerships with the police services of the federal states, other security authorities of the federation and the federal states, as well as with foreign border authorities.

[...]

The main functions of the Federal Police are to:

− ensure border security, including coast guard services;

− protect federal buildings and foreign embassies in the capital of Berlin and the former capital of Bonn, as well as the two highest German courts: the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal High Court in Karlsruhe;

− provide the federal government's mobile response force for internal security events;

− ensure security at international airports and on the German railways;

− provide counter-terrorism forces, and

− serve as air (or sky) marshals.

The Federal Police can also be used to reinforce the state police if requested to do so by a state government. They conduct criminal investigations only within their sphere of jurisdiction; otherwise, cases are referred to the appropriate state police service or to the national criminal investigative agency, the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt).

[...]

The five Federal Police Regional Headquarters in Bad Bramstedt, Berlin, Fuldatal, Munich, and Sankt Augustin are directly subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior as regionally competent federal intermediate authorities. Other authorities, with central duties, are the Federal Police Central Bureau, located in Koblenz, and the Federal Police Academy, located in Lübeck.

Moreover, as federal sub-authorities under the direction of the federal police headquarters, a total of 19 police district offices are set up all over the country, including the Federal Police Sea, the maritime component at the Federal Police Headquarters North.”[24]

4.2.1 The Constituent States

On state level, disaster management (incidents that would affect more than one city or county) is implemented. Like in the civil defence, the actual activities are transferred to the level of counties and cities, but each constituent state provides its own legislation for this topic. Every state maintains its own state department for disaster management, located in the most cases at the state ministry for inner affairs or a similar institution. [23]

Additionally, every constituent state maintains its own police force, responsible for

− […] deal[ing] with issues of state security, unlawful trafficking in firearms and explosives; serious cases of illegal drug trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, white-collar crime, and stolen


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works of art. It serves as a central agency for criminal investigation analysis, data processing, special training, and co-ordination of investigations;

− The State Police Service prevents and prosecutes petty crime and serves as traffic police;

− The Emergency Police / Stand-by Police is deployed as an entire unit in response to requests for general support and to assist the Federal Criminal Police Office on the occasion of State visits, mass demonstrations, major sporting events, international fairs, and natural disasters;

− The Waterways Police control traffic on the country's domestic waterways, monitoring in particular the transport of hazardous material and/or dangerous goods;

− The Air Wings are aerial units deployed for tasks such as traffic surveillance. They also support local police offices in crime prevention and suppression;

− The Special Weapons and Tactics Units (Sondereinsatzkommandos) and Mobile Surveillance Units (Mobile Einsatzkommandos) are organized and managed differently in each of the individual federal states, but, in general, they are used to deal with cases of very serious crime or for special surveillance.” [24]

The state polices are organized in police districts. Every district maintains a dispatch and command centre. Mostly, one police district is responsible for one county or city, but never for more than two. Although the state polices are financed by the states, the local organization also involves the local government.

4.2.2 The Counties, Cities and Municipalities

As mentioned earlier, the constituent states are able to maintain their own laws, including police and regulatory laws and laws on local governance and administration [25]. In result, almost every federal state maintains a several law for the organization and responsibilities in disaster management, of fire brigades and emergency medical services [26].

Although there are several differences between the several state laws, the responsibility of the implementation of these laws rests with the county or city. That includes the founding and maintenance of a combined command and dispatch centre as well as a fire department and an Emergency Medical Service that are according to the local demands. Additionally, the local authorities are responsible for the implementation of civil defence and disaster management measures, supported by the federal and state governments with material and training.

The local governments also maintain a municipal public order office that acts as a municipal police force, as but with far less authorities than the state polices.

4.3 Involvement of volunteers and NGOs

A distinguished feature of the German Emergency Management System is the high rate of volunteers and Non-Governmental Organizations involved. According to Domres et al., “80% of the German rescue service and 95% of the German disaster medical relief are realised by these NGOs. NGOs and GOs employ more than 1.2 million volunteers and approximately 100,000 professionals. Rescue service is carried out by professionals, disaster relief by volunteers” [23].

Together with the Governmental Organizations (“Technisches Hilfswerk” (THW/Federal Technical Support Service), “Feuerwehren” (Fire Brigades/professionals and volunteers) Academy of Emergency Planning and Civil Defence“ [23]) the NGO´s involved are „Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland (Samaritan Association Germany), Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger (German Lifesaving Association), Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (St. John's Ambulance), Malteser Hilfsdienst (Maltese-Relief-Organisation). These are specialised in the field of rescue, medical and welfare services and medical disaster relief“[23].


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5 Denmark

5.1 Basics


Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Denmark just has one land boundary of 68 km on a peninsula north of Germany. Denmark’s geographic coordinates are 56 00 N, 10 00 E. The total area is 43.094 km² with 42.434 km² of landmass and 660 km² of water. The country’s climate is temperate, humid and overcast with mild, windy winters and cool summers. The terrain is low and flat to gently rolling plains (Figure 22).

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Figure 22: Topography of Denmark


The population of Denmark is 5.543.453 (estimated in July 2012). The people’s age structure is 0-14 years 17.6% (male 500.265/female 474.829), 15-64 years 65.3% (male 1.811.198/female 1.798.507) and 65 years and over 17.1% (male 417.957/female 527.132). The total median age is 41,2 years (male 40,3 and female 42,1 years). The population growth rate is 0.239% with a birth rate of 10.22 births/1,000 population and a death rate of 10.19 deaths/1,000 population. 87% of the total population is living in urbanization. The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen.


The country’s GDP (purchasing power parity) is $209.2 billion and the GDP of official exchange rate is $333.2 billion. The GDP actually grows 1,1%. In composition by sector the agriculture makes 4,5%, the industry 19,1% and the services 76,4 % of the GDP. The labour force of the people is 2,853 million (all data estimated in 2011).[27]

“This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU); Danish legislation and regulations conform to EU standards on almost all issues. Danes enjoy among the highest standards of living in the world and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Within the EU, Denmark is among the strongest supporters of trade liberalization. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices


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dropped markedly in 2008-09 and, following a short respite in 2010, continued to decline in 2011 though at a slower pace. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish real GDP by 0.8% in 2008 and 5.8% in 2009. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 with real GDP growth of 1.3%, in part because of increased government spending; however, the country experienced a technical recession in late 2010-early 2011. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession and have remained at about 6% in 2010-11, based on the national measure, about two-thirds average EU unemployment. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit in 2009. In spite of the deficits, the new coalition government plans to deliver a modest stimulus to the economy in 2012. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU at 46.5% of GDP in 2011. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro. Denmark held the EU presidency during the first half of 2012; priorities included promoting a responsible, dynamic, green, and safe Europe, while working to steer Europe out of its euro zone economic crisis.”[27]


Denmark’s health expenditures are 7% of the GDP. The maternal mortality rate is 12 deaths / 100.000 live births. The Infant mortality rate is 4,19 deaths/1000 live births (4,25 male/4,12 female). The Life expectancy at birth of the total population is 78,78 years with 76,39 years of males and 81,31 years of females.

“The health insurance coverage is universal and compulsory. All those registered as residents in Denmark are entitled to health care that is largely free at the point of use. The publicly financed health system covers all primary and specialist (hospital) services based on medical assessment of need. Preventive services, mental health services, and long-term care are also covered. Decisions about service level and introduction of new treatments are made by the regional authorities (health care), municipal authorities (social care, care for older people, prevention, and some rehabilitation) and the state based on regulation and national guidelines. There is no fixed definition of benefits. The five regions are responsible for providing hospital care and own and run hospitals. The regions also finance general practitioners, specialists, physiotherapists, dentists, and pharmaceuticals. The 98 municipalities are responsible for nursing homes, home nurses, health visitors, municipal dentists (children’s dentists and home dental services for physically and/or mentally disabled people), school health services, home help, and the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts. Professionals involved in delivering these services are paid a salary.”[28]


Denmark’s government type is a constitutional monarchy. So the chief of state is the reigning Monarch (Queen Margrethe II since 14 January 1972); The monarchy is hereditary. Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch. The head of government is the Prime Minister (Helle Thorning-Schmidt since 3 October 2011). The cabinet is the Council of State appointed by the monarch. The judicial branch is represented by the Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch).[27]

The country has five counties with administrative divisions named Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland and Syddanmark (Figure 23).

For further information see Deliverable D2.20.


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Figure 23: Regions of Denmark

5.2 The Danish Emergency Management System

Emergency management functions range from prevention to planning and preparedness to response and recovery, as well as the government’s crisis management operations. All sectors have some level of responsibility for one or more of these functions. Within the public sector, the Emergency Management Act and other laws, regulations, and orders specify the distribution of these functions among the various levels of government and state-owned enterprises. Private sector organizations, especially enterprises responsible for critical infrastructure or other functions, are encouraged and in some cases required (e.g., energy, IT and telecommunication sectors) to develop continuity of operations plans that will prevent shut-downs during incidents or facilitate a swift resumption of operations in the event disruption occurs (DEMA 2009d).

Recognizing that resilience starts with prevention, Denmark has adopted regulations and initiated public outreach and education to foster behaviours that will avert accidents and certain other type of man-made disasters.

Nevertheless, disruptive incidents occur. Denmark’s planning and preparedness framework is designed to limit the consequences of whatever incidents arise, by assuring society’s continued functioning and a rapid return to normalcy. Comprehensive preparedness planning is viewed as a continuous process that encompasses seven general areas: program management, planning assumptions, prevention, training, exercises, evaluations, and crisis management plans. To support preparedness planning, DEMA has published a guide, aimed primarily at the public sector but useful to private sector enterprises as well (DEMA 2009d).

5.2.1 Planning and Preparedness

At the national level, as required by the Emergency Management Act, each Ministry is responsible for planning and preparedness for the functions within its portfolio. The Ministry of Defence conducts planning and preparedness for any critical public sector functions the other Ministries do not address. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, DEMA co-ordinates the Ministries’ planning efforts, through the planning guide it has published, the annual vulnerability report, and on-going information meetings. In addition, DEMA is the entity designated for nuclear emergency preparedness. Because contamination from a nuclear power plant outside Denmark could, under certain circumstances, reach Denmark and pose a threat to human health and the environment, DEMA has prepared a national nuclear emergency management plan. Under this plan,


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DEMA maintains a 24-hour surveillance, through a nationwide monitoring system and participation in international warning networks, with the Danish National Police as the point of contact for notifications of foreign nuclear power plant accidents, and they in turn notify DEMA. If warranted by the severity of the incident, DEMA will activate the emergency management plan, which may include monitoring of the environment as well as the food supply and communication of information and instructions to the public (DEMA 2010) through the media and a special website (kriseinfo.dk) launched in 2008 and subsequently used for the H1N1 epidemic, severe weather events, drinking water incidents, and the 2011 nuclear accident in Japan.

The Emergency Management Act also directs municipalities to prepare contingency plans covering all municipal functions. Capability to keep hospitals functioning during emergencies is of critical importance. In addition, municipalities must be prepared to receive and care for evacuees and other victims of various types of incidents including terrorist acts, accidents, floods and other natural disasters.

5.2.2 Response and Recovery Operations

The response operations structure is essentially the same for all types of incidents whether natural disasters, terrorist incidents, health (epidemics/pandemics) crises, accidents, infrastructure failures, or some other event. Under Denmark’s three-tiered emergency response system (DEMA 2009e), primary, or first responder, responsibility rests with the municipalities, who provide local fire and rescue services (Level 1). Based on a local risk assessment, each local council determines the requisite number of fire-fighters, vehicles, and associated equipment. While some municipalities have their own fire fighters, others contract with a private company, organize a voluntary force, or a neighbouring municipality. At the incident scene, a municipal on site commander from the fire and rescue service manages the technical response, while the police coordinate the overall response.

When the incident exceeds their own response capabilities and capacity, municipal authorities can request assistance from designated support centres scattered/distributed across the country (Level 2). These support centres can provide additional equipment such as water tankers, lighting, or high pressure compressors, four-wheel drive emergency response vehicles, equipment for chemical spills, and advanced communication devices (DEMA 2009f).

For especially complex and lengthy responses, additional personnel and equipment is available from the national fire and rescue centres DEMA operates across Denmark (Level 3). DEMA also prepares and communicates guidelines for response tactics (DEMA 2009c). DEMA also has a more direct response role for certain types of incidents, including hazardous materials (hazmat); dangerous and unknown substances; explosives; and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism. Support for incidents involving hazmat or dangerous and unknown substances, includes issuance of response guidelines local incident commanders can use and a 24-hour on-call service to provide advice as well as laboratory analysis (Chemical emergency management. December 2009g). For incidents involving chemical warfare agents and explosives, DEMAs support ranges from laboratory analysis at its National Response Laboratory to on-scene sampling and collection of evidence as well as security searches with sophisticated mobile explosives detection equipment. The Danish Enter for Biosecurity and Biopreparedness provides similar assistance for terrorist attacks involving biological agents, while the National Institute of Radiation Protection supports incidents involving radiological agents (DEMA. Emergency Management and Terrorism Preparedness. December 2009h). In extraordinary situations, the police and the fire and rescue services may call for assistance from the armed forces and the home guard [...].[29]


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6 Great Britain

6.1 Basics


Great Britain is located in Western Europe on islands, including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea at the northwest of France. The geographic coordinates are 54 00 North and 2 00 West. The total area of Great Britain is 243.610 km² with 241.930 km² of landmass and 1.680 km² of water. The land boundaries are total 360 km and just border to Ireland, because of the island situation. In comparison the coastline is 12.429 km. The climate of Great Britain is temperate. Further it is moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current and more than one-half of the days are overcast. The terrain is mostly rugged hills and low mountains with level to rolling plains in east and southeast (Figure 24). Great Britain’s lowest point is “The Fens” with -4 m and the highest point “Ben Nevis” with 1.343 m. Great Britain in recent years has had several severe winter storms and extensive flood in parts of the UK [30].

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Figure 24: Topography of Great Britain


Great Britain’s population is 63.047.162 with an age structure of 0-14 years of 17.3% (male 5,575,119/female 5,301,301), 15-64 years of 66.2% (male 20,979,401/female 20,500,913) and 65 years and over of 16.5% (male 4,564,375/female 5,777,253) (2011 est.). The total median age is 40,2 years (male 39 years/female 41,2 years). The British population is still growing with a population growth rate of 0.553% (2012 est.). [30]


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“The UK, a leading trading power and financial centre, is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs but the current economic situation in 2012 has led to significant austerity measure to curb public sector spending in area areas. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labour force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance. After emerging from recession in 1992, Britain's economy enjoyed the longest period of expansion on record during which time growth outpaced most of Western Europe. In 2008, however, the global financial crisis hit the economy particularly hard, due to the importance of its financial sector. Sharply declining home prices, high consumer debt, and the global economic slowdown compounded Britain's economic problems, pushing the economy into recession in the latter half of 2008 and prompting the then BROWN (Labour) government to implement a number of measures to stimulate the economy and stabilize the financial markets; these include nationalizing parts of the banking system, temporarily cutting taxes, suspending public sector borrowing rules, and moving forward public spending on capital projects. Facing burgeoning public deficits and debt levels, in 2010 the Cameron-led coalition government (between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats) initiated a five-year austerity program, which aims to lower Britain’s budget deficit from over 10% of GDP in 2010 to nearly 1% by 2015. In November 2011, Chancellor of the Exchequer George OSBORNE announced additional austerity measures through 2017 because of slower-than-expected economic growth and the impact of the euro-zone debt crisis. The CAMERON government raised the value added tax from 17.5% to 20% in 2011. It has pledged to reduce the corporation tax rate to 23% by 2015. The Bank of England (BoE) implemented an asset purchase program of up to £325 billion (approximately $525 billion) as of February 2011. During times of economic crisis, the BoE coordinates interest rate moves with the European Central Bank, but Britain remains outside the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).”[30]

Great Britain’s GDP (purchasing power parity) is $2.29 trillion and the GDP in official exchange rate is $2.418 trillion. The GDP real growth rate is 0,7%. Composition by sector is 0,7% by agriculture, 21,4% by industry and 77,8% by services. (all data estimated in 2011)


Great Britain’s health expenditures are 9.3% of GDP (2009). The maternal mortality rate is 12 deaths/100.000 live births (2010). The infant mortality rate is total 4.56 deaths/1,000 live births (male: 5 deaths/1,000 live births/female: 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births). The life expectancy at birth for the total population is 80.17 years (male 78.05 years/female 82.4 years). [30]

“The coverage of health insurance is universal. All those “ordinarily resident” in GB are entitled to health care that is largely free at the point of use. Only treatment in an accident and emergency department and for certain infectious diseases is free to people not “ordinarily resident” such as visitors or illegal immigrants (Department of Health 2010a).

The precise scope of the National Health Service (NHS) is not defined in statute or regulation. However, in practice it provides or pays for preventive services, including screening and immunization and vaccination programs, inpatient and outpatient (ambulatory) hospital (specialist) care, physician (general practitioner) services, inpatient and outpatient drugs, dental care, some eye care, mental health care, including care for those with learning disabilities, palliative care, some long-term care and rehabilitation.

The NHS is currently administered through 10 regional strategic health authorities that are accountable to the Department of Health. At the local level, commissioners of health care services (currently 152 Primary Care Trusts, or PCTs) contract with providers (hospital trusts, general practitioners [GPs], independent providers) for services they judge to be appropriate for their local population. Some specialized services for small client groups are commissioned at the national or regional level. PCTs control around 80 percent of the NHS budget (allocated to them using a risk-adjusted capitation formula). The coalition government (elected in May 2010) has announced a restructuring of the health system. Strategic health authorities and PCTs are to be abolished and responsibility for commissioning will largely fall to “clinical commissioning groups” (CCGs) led by GPs beginning in April 2013, subject to consultation and passing of the necessary legislation


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(Department of Health 2010b).”[17] The “Health Services Act” is now in force and this will be the case in April 2013.


The conventional long form for the country’s name is “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”. Great Britain includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Figure 25).

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Figure 25: Regions of Great Britain

The government type is constitutional monarchy. In these terms the head of state is the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II since 6 February 1952). The power of the monarchy is hereditary. Head of the government is the Prime Minister (since May 2010 David Cameron). The leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister.

The legislative branch is divided in two Parliaments. The bicameral Parliament consists of House of Lords and House of Commons. There is no election for the House of Lords (in 1999, as provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain there; elections are held only as vacancies in the hereditary peerage arise). The election for the House of Commons is every 5 years.

The judicial branch is represented by the Supreme Court of the UK, Senior Courts of England and Wales, Court of Judicature (Northern Ireland) and Scotland's Court of Session and High Court of the Justiciary [30].

For further information see Deliverable D2.20.

6.2 The British Emergency Management System

6.2.1 Legislation concerning EMS

The Government had started to restructure the national emergency management structure moving responsibility from UK Home Office to UK Cabinet Office in 2001. However, the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attacks and increasing threat of manmade disasters brought question about the readiness and sufficiency of the UK government emergency management structure with the intent of providing effective civil protection. The Civil Contingencies Act (CCA) of 2004 introduced a single framework for civil protection in UK and


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brought new changes to the table such as replacing and updating former Civil Defence and Emergency Power legislations. The CCA is composed of two parts. Part 1 defines regulations, guidance, clear set of goals, and responsibilities for all involved organizations at the local level. The local responders are divided into different sections and categories based on their specific duties and roles. Part 2 updates the Emergency Powers Act of 1920 and focuses on most serious emergencies and future risk profile. The core changes that were brought by the establishment of CCA can be described as: defining the term emergency; identifying the clear boundaries, roles, and responsibilities of all involved organizations and parties in depth; exploring new duties of local and governmental agencies; replacing out-dated system of emergency powers; and, in general, giving UK government ranging powers in an emergency.

6.2.2 Organization of Emergency Management

An emergency, as defined in CCA, “is a situation or series of events that threatens or causes serious damage to human welfare, the environment or security in the United Kingdom”. The data and historical path of emergencies proves one more time that the frequency of disasters is continuously increasing in the UK. Climate change, uncertainty of weather, and rising sea levels – due to the impact of high temperature – are some of the big threats for vulnerable society. Also, the potential future threat of terrorism, drugs, continuously changing demographics, novel technologies, and social problems creates unpredictability in establishing more sustainable and resilient society. Therefore, civil protection and emergency response and management system of UK has gone through massive changes and reforms. Nevertheless, the overall structure of disaster management has generally remained the same with the central government fulfilling the role of coordinator and providing guidance, while local agencies and governments deal with and respond to disasters.

The structure of emergency management in UK is decentralized. Most emergencies and incidents, based on scale or complexity, are handled at local level with no involvement of Central Government Local agencies are always the first responders and the ones who carry the burden of emergency management. In most cases the police are considered one of the leading responding actors in local disasters and performs a coordination role where there is no suspected criminal act when other services such as fire and rescue and / or ambulance service take priority to save lives When police are given the task of responding to disasters at the local level, the Police Gold Commander is appointed by the local Chief Officer with the primary mission of managing the response. The Police Gold Commander is usually chaired by Strategic Coordination Group (SCG) which comprises senior representatives and executive authority from local organizations. The SCG normally coordinates its activities with COBR (Cabinet Office Briefing Room), if activated, through Government Liaison Officer (GLO). However, in different disaster cases as animal disease outbreak, if local police are not the prime responding agency, the management of disasters is performed through local offices of the lead governments with the support from appropriate Government Offices. If the impact of the emergencies is within the boundaries or capabilities of local government, appropriate local emergency services and authorities are being activated to take control of the situation. However, if the incidents and emergencies are of more consequential impact and casualties, the support, involvement and coordination of Central Government becomes necessary and vital. The link between local and national coordination is undertaken by the resilience forums that are multi-agency. The coordination and response of Central Government, through appropriate Lead Government Department (LGD), is provided when the impact degree, scale and complexity of disasters is relatively hard to manage. By the involvement of Central Government, the COBR is being activated to support coordination and decision making of LGDs. The LGD or Developed Administration department is being designated, by the Central Government, for overall management and response to the incidents.

6.2.3 Participants in Emergency Management System

6.2.3.1 Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS):

The CCS, which supports Civil Contingencies Committee (CCC), which is called the National Security Committee nowadays and chaired by the Prime Minister, in dealing with terrorism and natural disasters, was established in July 2001, and is located within the Cabinet Office. Since its establishment, it became the lead emergency management organization in UK which functions under Cabinet Office Minister. The core objective of CCS is to improve the UK's preparedness and response, and to build resilience to emergencies and disasters through identifying challenges, assessing and managing contingencies, and planning for future risk. The role and functions of CCS, under the leadership of CCC, is not to manage all crises but to provide


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the central focus for the cross-departmental and cross-agency commitment, coordination and cooperation, and to enable UK to successfully respond, recover, and deal with disaster challenges. When engaged, the CCS would report and inform appropriate Ministers and senior officials about strategic decisions concerning the emergency. In wide-area disaster events where one single department cannot provide needed response or where designation of right LGD is not clear, CCS becomes responsible for taking immediate action and ensuring promptly that one department is designated as LGD. However, if the incident is a caused by terrorism, the initial phase is led by the Home Office Terrorism and Protection Unit. In an emergency situation with big aftermath and impact, CCS will work with lead departments and:

1. provide an assessment of immediate needs, and support their provision; 2. establish possible scenarios up to worst case and plan for scaling up, logistical management and exit; 3. ensure that the centre and other interested departments are kept informed and are prepared to engage; 4. help establish structures, rhythms, routines and data flows for managing the response – in particular

facilitating augmentation of the department’s resources and public information systems; 5. connect the department with agencies able to provide specialist advice and information; and 6. decide whether and when to approach the Chairman to convene a meeting of CCC, thereafter

providing on-going support from the centre

While working and partnering close with lead departments, CCS supports them in preparing plans and integrating them with other departments, enhancing decision making, developing early warning systems, sharing knowledge with other core departments, developing management and professional expertise to maintain plans, testing developed plans, providing continuous improvements in developed plans, etc.

6.2.3.2 Lead Government Departments (LGD):

LGDs are designated for different numbers and categories of emergency situations. CCS maintains and updates list of LGDs based on their responsibilities and functions. In an emergency, if there is an ambiguous situation regarding which LGD should be involved and which is appropriate for management and response of the disaster, it becomes the role and judgment of Head of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat to make a decision and appoint the most appropriate LGD for this position.

6.2.3.3 Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR):

COBR, also referred as COBRA, is the dedicated crisis management facility of the UK government, and it is activated when incidents or events are of a national significance. When the disaster affects a large number of businesses and government departments, and it requires a collective action, government maintains and activates COBR. Being situated in Whitehall, the COBR meetings are held in special secure rooms where Prime Minister, key authorities, Intelligence Officials, representatives from Ministry of Defense, officials from Department of Defense and Home Office, other senior Ministers, critical officials as Mayor of London and Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and representatives of relevant LGDs come together to make decisions and provide needed effective response and recovery disaster actions. COBR meetings are held until the emergency situation is considered to be safe. Once the needed authorities come together, COBR identifies issues and proposes solutions and advice in order to respond to the emergency situation. The rooms where COBR meetings are held are provided with all necessary means of communication equipment, with the core intent of providing timely and effective communication with all branches of government. COBR meetings are usually chaired and lead by the Prime Minister or Home Secretary, but it can change based on attribute and scale of the incident.


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Figure 26: COBR within the organisation

COBR/COBRA – Cabinet Office Briefing Room; CSS – Civil Contingencies Secretariat; SCC – Strategic Coordination Centre; SCG – Strategic Coordination Group; PNICC – Police National Information and Coordination Center; JIG – Joint Intelligence Group; STAC – Science and Technical Advice Cell ( formally JHAC – Joint Health Advisory Cell); MoD – Ministry of Defense; and RCCC – Regional Civil Contingencies Committee.

6.2.4 Levels of Emergency Management

In addition to local emergencies or incidents – such as road accidents, small impact flood events, etc., (which are mainly handled by local authorities and first responders as police, fire, health organizations) – the engagement and response provision of UK central government is based on three different levels of emergencies. The specific functions and activation of government of department and ministers are done based on seriousness of disaster. In general, Level 3 is regarded as catastrophic emergency, Level 2 as serious emergency, and Level 1 as significant emergency level.

Level 3 – level of catastrophic emergency or disaster: is any disaster that has high widespread impact and requires immediate involvement of central government. An example can be emergency or any disaster with the scale and size of 9/11 terrorist attacks or as Chernobyl emergency situation. Leading responding agencies – COBR/Civil Contingencies Committee (CCC).

Level 2 – level of serious emergency or disaster: is any disaster that has wide and prolonged impact. Any disaster with level 2 requires support and coordination of government and other departments. An example could be major terrorist attack or outbreak of disease. In any disaster with the impact size of level 2 issues are coordinated from COBR by the LGD. The Cabinet Office is responsible for overall disaster management and LGD.

Level 1 – level of significant emergency: is any disaster with small impact which requires narrow focus. Related examples are riots, severe natural disasters, or small impact manmade incident. The support of central government is provided through LGD. Any emergency with level 1 impact does not necessarily


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require activation of COBR. Developed administrations are also actively responding agencies. The advice of CCS is provided if it is necessary

[44]

Figure 27: Three different levels of emergency in UK

The process of involvement of central government agencies based on the level of significance of disasters. It provides a visual image about different-scale disasters such as affecting single scene, region, or whole nation. Based on division of disasters to different levels and local disasters we can see the role and functions of primary government agencies and facilities.

6.2.5 Emergency Response and Recovery

Emergency response is not the sole responsibility of the Emergency Services and GB has a wide network of voluntary agencies and other bodies that can respond in a disaster or crisis situation. This varies from groups such as RAYNET that offer communication solutions to bodies such as the Red Cross and Community Voluntary groups. These are all invaluable during the crisis to support official management of the incident and during the recovery phase. Specialist support groups include Mountain / Fell rescue, Mines Rescue and the Lifeboat Institute and these all play a vital part during the crisis situation.

There are also national agreements for Military aid during a civil crisis. These again bring different organisational cultures into a civil crisis and joint working protocols are developed to ensure despite cultural difference and organisational differences the work is coordinated and focused on a common goal.

Emergencies and disasters are not sole problem of one agency or organization. On the contrary, it requires involvement and collaborative effort of large number of agencies. The management of local multi-agency response and recovery, from emergencies, is done through established national framework. This framework ensures that all responding agencies know and understand their roles and responsibilities in response and recovery actions. The framework of management of response and recovery comprises three tiers/levels which differ from each other based on their functions rather than rank, grade, or status. These three tiers can be described as:

Bronze level – operational level.

Bronze is the level at which the management of immediate “hands-on” work is undertaken at the site(s) of the emergency or other affected areas. Responders and agencies on the scene must act together and


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coordinate with all other agencies in order to sustain integrated effort. Bronze level responders will take immediate steps and provide possible support within their area of responsibility and in specific tasks.

Silver level – tactical level

In order to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency Silver Level ensures that actions taken by bronze level are coordinated and integrated. In an incident situation silver commanders form incident command point located close to scene.

Gold level – strategic level

The Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) is being formed that brings together golden commanders from appropriate organizations and agencies. Once they come together they establish framework and policy within which silver will work. Usually the police agency is leading body which chairs SCG. However, based on type and scale of disasters other agencies may take the lead.

This command and control adopted by the main emergency services. These services do all have their own operational and organisational culture and methods of working. To assist in bringing these together during a crisis, despite the shared structure is a function that the Local Resilience Forum undertakes. It fosters multi-agency working within the EMS framework and this include coordination and support for all the UK Category 1 responders that do not have similar command structures.


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7 Conclusions This study has shown the differences and similarities between the participating countries.

Germany, Spain and England have Hills and Mountains that result in a wide variety of special requirements for rescue systems. Further Denmark, Netherlands and the north of Germany are mostly categorized in lowlands. Excepting Spain all countries have big rivers that cause special requirements.

The climate is temperate / moderate in Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and Great Britain, but Spain is in the Mediterranean climate zone with typical hot summer periods.

All countries are still a Monarchy, except of the Federal Republic of Germany, and belong to the remaining eight Monarchies in Europe. In this case it is important to keep in mind that the power of the Monarchists is hereditary and have more representative responsibility nowadays.

There are big differences in the population. Germany is the most populated country in Europe with its more than 82 million people. Great Britain’s population is around 63 million people, followed by Spain with 46 million people. The Netherlands is populated by 17 million people and the Danish population is about 5,5 million people.

The demographic trend shows a moderate growing of the population for all participating countries, except of Germany, that is decreasing with 0,2% per anno. The highest growing rate is for United Kingdom with 0,553%. The second is the Netherlands with 0,452%. Denmark is growing with 0,239% and Spain’s growth rate is about 0,15% actually.

The economic system of all participating countries is quite similar. The market economy is mainly capitalistic with providing a high level of social services. If we look at the composition of the GDP we can summarize all countries get their main part for the GDP from the service sector (Great Britain 80%, Denmark 77%, Netherlands 73%, Spain 71% and Germany 70%). Between 30 and 20% of the GDP relies on the classic industry sector. Germany has the biggest industry sector in Europe that is making about 30% of the GDP. Spain as one of the biggest industries of the European Union has about 26% of its GDP from the industry sector. The Netherlands gains 24% of the GDP from the industry sector. The motherland of industrialization Great Britain has 20% of its GDP from the industry sector nowadays. Denmark has the smallest industry of the participating countries of this study. 19% of the GDP is caused by the Danish industry. All participating countries are industrialized and have a high standard of living for its people. A typical significant value is a low total quantity of the agricultural sector for the GDP. In the United Kingdom and Germany is the share of the agricultural sector below 3%. Spain and Netherlands have an average of 3% of the agricultural sector for its GDP. Denmark gets 5% of its GDP from the agricultural sector.

The health system expenditures are on a quite similar level as well. The Netherlands spend 10,8% of the GDP for the health expenditures every year. The life expectancy at birth is 80,91 years total. Germany spend 10,7% of its GDP for the health expenditures. The life expectancy at birth is minimal lower with total 80,19 years. Spain’s expenditures of the health system cause costs of 9,7% of its GDP. The life expectancy at birth is the highest in comparison to all other participating countries with 81,27 years total. Great Britain spend expenditures of 9,3% of its GDP for the health care system. The life expectancy is 80,17 years at birth for the total population. Denmark has expenditures that cause costs of 7% of its GDP. This value is the lowest as well as the life expectancy at birth with 78,78 years total in comparison to the other countries that are part of this study. This part represents the high average of standard for the health care system of all analysed countries.

These facts about the geography, climate, governmental type, population, demography, economy and health system form the basis for the cultural preferences of each country, but the analysis of the different emergency management systems indicate both, explicit and ascertainable information about the cultural differences. Also the differences between the countries are more pronounced than in all other cases of this study. This part has a high influence for any further documents that rely on this deliverable.


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In Spain the competent authority for civil protection is the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergency (Dirección General de Protección Civil y Emergencias). It is assigned to the Ministry of Interior. In order to perform the aforementioned functions, the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies is organized into the following units:

• The Sub-Directorate of Planning, Operations and Emergencies

• The General Sub- Directorate of Resources and Subsidies

• The Training and Institutional Relations Division.

At the level of the autonomous communities each one creates territorial plans. Establishing Emergency Medical Services is an individual task of the regional governments all regions have their own Public Health Services which provides Emergency Medical Services. The existing legal loophole at national level has forced the Fire Services to organise themselves basing on their particular needs and possibilities. Therefore, nowadays the dimension, structure and management of the Fire and Rescue Services are different throughout Spain.

The Military Emergency Unit (Unidad Militar de Emergencias, UME), is a special unit of the Spanish military whose sole job is disaster reaction. This unit is subject to the Defense Ministry. In disasters like (forest) fire, great accidents etc. they engage all over the country, regardless of regional boundaries.

In the Netherlands the actual responsibility lies on the municipal level. This primary governmental level is represented by the mayor. He is leading the administrative and political work, while the fire chief from the local fire department has the operational command. The police and medical forces work quite closely together with these authorities in this time. If a disaster occurs the Royal Commissioner acquires these official duties. The Royal Commissioner links between local and national level of government. The central government is responsible for the quality of the national disaster management. In this case the National Crisis Centre (NCC) is provided to ensure administrative, political and operational business continuity. Also the communication to multi agencies is possible.

In Germany the federal government is responsible for civil defence activities, but transfers the actual activities to the county and city level. The federal services related to civil and disaster protection was consolidated and is now centrally provided by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for public security, protecting data security, internal security and the protection of the constitutional order for civil protection against disasters and terrorism, for displaced persons, administrative questions, and sports security at the national borders - whether it be auto, pedestrian, rail, air or sea travel - falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police. The Federal Police (Bundespolizei or BPOL) is subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior.

On state level, disaster management (incidents that would affect more than one city or county) is implemented. Like in the civil defence, the actual activities are transferred to the level of counties and cities, but each constituent state provides its own legislation for this topic. Every state maintains its own state department for disaster management, located in the most cases at the state ministry for inner affairs or a similar institution.

80% of the German rescue service and 95% of the German disaster medical relief are realised by Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). NGOs and Government Organisations (GOs) employ more than 1.2 million volunteers and approximately 100,000 professionals. Rescue service is carried out by professionals, disaster relief by volunteers.

The Danish Emergency Management System (EMS) is quite different. The private sector is ensuring the normal business continuity for the country with private organisations. In this case the private sector organisations are responsible for the normal level of civil defence. Further the Ministry of Defence (DEMA) is responsible for the planning and preparedness of Denmark in case of an incident. For this case there is the three-tiered emergency response system. On the first level the municipalities are responsible in case of an incident. If the incident scale exceeds the own capabilities level two is activated. This implements assistance from designated support centres. If the capabilities are still inappropriate level three is activated. For this case the national fire and rescue centres, which are run by the DEMA, start to support the local authorities.

The structure of emergency management in United Kingdom is decentralized. Most emergencies and incidents, based on scale or complexity, are handled at local level with no involvement of Central


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Government Local. In most cases the police are considered one of the leading responding actors in local disasters. When police are given the task of responding to disasters at the local level, the Police Gold Commander is appointed by the local Chief Officer with the primary mission of managing the response. The Police Gold Commander is usually chaired by Strategic Coordination Group.

If the impact of the emergencies is within the boundaries or capabilities of local government, appropriate local emergency services and authorities are being activated to take control of the situation. However, if the incidents and emergencies are of more consequential impact and casualties, the support, involvement and coordination of Central Government becomes necessary and vital. The coordination and response of Central Government, through appropriate Lead Government Department (LGD), is provided when the impact degree, scale and complexity of disasters is relatively hard to manage.

In addition to local emergencies or incidents – such as road accidents, small impact flood events, etc., (which are mainly handled by local authorities and first responders as police, fire, and health organizations) – the engagement and response provision of UK central government is based on three different levels of emergencies. The specific functions and activation of government of department and ministers are done based on seriousness of disaster. In general, Level 3 is regarded as catastrophic emergency, Level 2 as serious emergency, and Level 1 as significant emergency level.

Further detail sociology study of specific cultural requirements that mean i.e. the different situation of people behaviour for each country, would go beyond the scope of this study and was no benefit for future documents in case of the DISASTER project. Also it is impossible to characterize a country in a cultural profile in its whole, because of enormous differences between people in each region. In this case we abstained from a detailed examination of the cultural background. Especially the presentation of cultural backgrounds in case of scientific research in order of the Emergency Management Systems would result several difficulties. Obviously the culture had a historic influence on the origin of specific types of different EMS for each country, but in general, for future research work within the framework of the DISASTER project, it is important to show up the current situation of processes and cooperation of the EMS. It is a fact that cross-border operations are a current development and do not rely on historic or cultural growth. In the special case of the circumstances of operational urgency it is impossible to make a challenge on self-generated decisions. Furthermore this is the area of responsibility of the affected EMS. The current cultural background is unnecessary for the actual processing of an incident.


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