Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

Examining the Impact of Specialized Firefighter Training on Improving Crisis Management Performance in Urban Incidents (Case Study: Karaj City, 2022–2024)

Authors
R. Khorshidi 1
R. Sarvar 2
M. Moghoufehei 1
1 M.A. Graduate in Crisis Management, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 Full Professor and Faculty Member, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/tdas.2025.255654
Abstract
Karaj, located at the southern foothills of the Alborz Mountains, is exposed to frequent natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods, which places high demands on the crisis management capabilities of its fire service. This study examined changes in the crisis management performance of firefighters in Karaj following specialized training programs delivered between 2022 and 2024. Using a pretest–posttest design, data were collected from 100 firefighters with a researcher-designed questionnaire whose validity was confirmed and whose reliability was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.87). Performance was assessed in three dimensions: structural–organizational status, productivity and efficiency, and financial performance. Data were analyzed in SPSS with paired-samples t tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with pretest scores as the covariate. Mean scores increased significantly after training in all three dimensions (p < 0.05): structural–organizational status from 31.12 to 34.65, productivity and efficiency from 29.87 to 33.91, and financial performance from 31.05 to 34.98. These findings suggest that specialized training is associated with improved crisis management performance in the fire service and may contribute to urban resilience. Because the study lacked a control group and relied on self-reported measures, future research should use controlled designs and objective indicators of operational performance, such as response times and incident outcomes.
Keywords
Specialized Training
Crisis Management
Organizational Performance
Firefighters
Karaj
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Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science
Volume 7, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 197-208

  • Receive Date 11 March 2025
  • Revise Date 28 May 2025
  • Accept Date 03 June 2025