Laypeople in fire protection: Their motivation, their emotions, their value [Laien im Brandschutz: Ihre Motivation, ihre Emotionen, ihr Wert]

von der Line, Mira; Thielsch, Meinald T.

Abstract

Fire events, a specific type of emergency situation, occur regularly and often cost people's lives. Early fire detection and involvement of (trained) laypeople in very early stages is essential, especially in fire-prone historical buildings. In an interview study (N = 25) and a quantification study (N = 238), we examined laypeople's motivation to help, their emotions, and their value – especially regarding behaviors – during fires. In Study 1, based on in-depth interviews using the critical incident technique, we inductively developed three category systems: 1) Key motivators included one's emotional bond to the object, altruism, self-protection, and self-efficacy. 2) Laypeople's emotions, such as stress at first but also calmness, were categorized. 3) We found that laypeople's primary value during fire incidents was their ability to provide support, e.g., knowledge of the building. In Study 2, we found quantitative support for the findings derived from Study 1. Additionally, we compared laypeople's and experts' assessments and compared reactions depending on fire size. Thus, our research shifts the focus from evacuation to active – and safe – involvement of laypeople. Our results are helpful for executives in emergency management, as they may find value in including laypeople when coping with emergencies.