Handbook of critical incident analysis / edited by Richard W. Schwester.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Critical incidents such as school and university shootings, public health crises, natural disasters, and acts of terror and mass violence all too often explode into the social consciousness, dominate public discourse, and challenge our sense of security. This comprehensive handbook brings together a range of experts who provide a foundation for the field of critical incident analysis by examining specific incidents--9/11, the Virginia Tech massacre, the H1N1 pandemic, and more--through various methodological and disciplinary lenses. Handbook of Critical Incident Analysis will help students and professionals define the elements of critical incidents, recognize their antecedents, anticipate their consequences, and gather evidence for scholars and interveners who will ultimately confront future incidents. Chapters in Part I examine the evolution of critical incident analysis as a field of study, how researchers and practitioners analyze critical incidents, and what might constitute a critical incident. Part II considers different theoretical and policy perspectives that shape critical incident analysis. Part III focuses on current case studies and new trends in critical incident management. Designed as a comprehensive reference for scholars and professionals in such areas as public administration, emergency management, planning, and social psychology, the Handbook can also be used as a primary text for upper level undergraduate and graduate courses in these disciplines.