Question

What does 'Prioritize Adaptability' mean for exercise organizers during a DMEx?

• A. Sticking strictly to the initial plan, without any changes.
• B. Having the flexibility to adjust scenarios and introduce new elements based on performance.
• C. Allowing participants to decide the exercise objectives during the event.
• D. Adapting the post-exercise evaluation criteria based on desired outcomes.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Having the flexibility to adjust scenarios and introduce new elements based on performance.

This principle acknowledges that real disasters are unpredictable. Instead of rigidly following a pre-set script, adaptable exercise organizers in Kochi or anywhere else will:

• Observe participant reactions: See if teams are responding effectively or struggling.

• Introduce injects: Add new, unexpected challenges (e.g., a sudden power outage, a new casualty report, communication failure) to test decision-making under stress and force participants to think on their feet.

• Modify the scenario: Adjust the exercise's flow based on what needs further testing or what's going well.

This approach ensures the DMEx remains challenging, realistic, and highly effective in identifying true strengths and weaknesses in the response system, leading to more robust preparedness.