“Fight or flight”—A study of frontline emergency response workforce's perceived knowledge, and motivation to work during hazards

This study aims to identify different frontline emergency response workforce's perceived knowledge of hazards and their willingness and motivations to go to work during them. An online version of the “Fight or Flight” survey was distributed and collected from Norwegian emergency personnel during the spring of 2023. Findings reveal a gap between the participants' knowledge levels and their overall willingness to go to work. Furthermore, the study identified family safety as the main motivational factor. The study shows the need for educational initiatives, and for managers to incorporate the knowledge of employee motivational factors into their hiring processes, frameworks, and management systems to ensure the best possible working conditions for their employees and their families.