Frontline crisis response is challenging. Emergency responders, soldiers, and humanitarian aid workers all operate at the frontlines of threatening, uncertain crisis situations on a daily basis. Under intense pressure, they need to make a range of difficult decisions: to follow preexisting plans or improvise; to abide by top-down instructions or take discretionary actions; to get emotionally involved or keep a rational distance? These dilemmas define their work but, until now, have not been subjected to systematic investigation. This book conducts in-depth studies of eleven such dilemmas by integrating a wide array of research findings on crisis response operations. The comprehensive overview of crisis response research shows how frontline responders deal with these dilemmas amidst the chaos of crises and forms the basis for the formulation of a theory of frontline crisis response. As such, this book will undoubtedly help to understand, evaluate, and advance crisis response operations.

‘I highly recommend Frontline Crisis Response for anyone looking for an in-depth guide on how to effectively handle crisis situations. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and empirical knowledge and mindset needed to respond to crises, whether it be in a professional or educational setting. The author presents deep insights and real-world examples to help readers understand how to navigate through complex and challenging situations. Whether you are an experienced crisis responder or a student, Frontline Crisis Response is an indispensable resource that will give you the confidence and capability to act when it matters most.’

Aida Alvinius - Associate Professor, Department of Security, Strategy, and Leadership, Swedish Defence University (SEDU)

‘Today it is enough to open the closest newspaper, turn on the TV, or go online to understand how, unfortunately, timely and important this book is. Frontline Crisis Response is an exceptional collection of insights into frontline crisis response and a must-read for anyone who wants to understand its dynamics. What makes this book stand out is that it provides a rare reflection on dilemmas faced by ‘boots on the ground’ as well as those higher up in the organization. This is important as a crisis rarely include simple solutions.’

Markus Hällgren - Professor in Management and Head of Research, Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University, Sweden

‘Enlightening and highly topical, Frontline Crisis Response is a welcome and relevant contribution to the emerging body of scholarship about crisis management and response.  It will appeal to postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in fields including Crisis Management, Disaster Studies and Humanitarian Research. Since Jori P. Kalkman addresses the multiple, complex dilemmas faced by emergency responders, soldiers, and humanitarians during crisis response operations, this book will also be very useful for practitioners and policymakers.’

Kees Boersma - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam