Director of Emergency Management University of Hawaii
Emergency managers make high-stakes decisions under uncertainty, time pressure, and incomplete information, yet many training approaches cannot replicate such conditions. Serious simulation gaming is a practical, effective way to better prepare teams for real-world emergencies. Building on decades of defense and emergency management use, serious games are now being adapted for public safety and public health to improve preparedness, coordination, and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI decision systems. Unlike traditional tabletop exercises, simulation games put participants in defined roles where their decisions directly shape outcomes, revealing key challenges and assumptions. This interactive session explores how serious simulation games train and exercise emergency management teams by testing plans, role coordination, and decision-making in complex, evolving incidents. The session dives into a case study on Rice University Crisis Management Team’s use of the Emergency Management Cascading Effects: City Blackout game. In post-game surveys, 80%+ of players were highly satisfied and found the training highly relevant for improved communication under pressure, understanding of roles, resource prioritization, and appreciation of planning to reduce cascading impacts. Attendees will also play a fast-paced ICS game that reinforces command and section responsibilities, demonstrating how serious games can be engaging, efficient, and highly effective.
