Course on Emergency Telecommunications

In response to the needs identified by the young participants in the ITU-TELECOM–Youth Forum, held in Busan, Korea, from 7 to 11 September 2004, the Youth Programme of the ITU Development Sector in conjunction with the ITU Focal Point for Emergency Telecommunications has developed a basic course on Emergency Telecommunications.

This particular course on Emergency Telecommunications was specifically targeted to young men and women, with no prior knowledge of emergency management or technologies related to emergency warning and relief.

The material of the course covered the following topics:

• Introduction to Emergency Telecommunications and Disaster Management
• Role of Emergency Telecommunications at various stages of Disaster Management (Disaster Prevention, Early Warning, Response and Relief)
• Building resilient telecommunication infrastructure for disaster mitigation
• Multi-Hazard role of ICT in Disaster Management
• Contribution of an effective ICT for Disaster Mitigation to Economic and Social Development
• Practical Measures to be taken when disasters strike to enhance response and relief (including a check list)

The course was made available through the ITU’s e-Learning Centre from 3 October to 5 November 2005 and very much appreciated by the participants who considered a useful tool for emergency response and a valuable knowledge in “Early Warning” that could be applicable for young people worldwide.

Therefore, this basic course on Emergency Telecommunications was also developed in a web-based format to be delivered through CD-ROM and/or Internet. This training resource is now distributed worldwide through the Administrations in order to make it freely available for the young people through educational institutions, universities and internet-cafes.

Through this course ITU/BDT/Youth Programme aims at providing for the youth worldwide, a basic knowledge in Emergency Telecommunication and contributing to the young people prevention and mitigation in disaster situation.

This follow-up project of the Youth Forum Asia 2004 is aligned with ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau’s ongoing work in the area of Emergency Telecommunications. For more information, click here..