beredskabsleder

Beredskabsleder is a Danish term for the person responsible for leading the emergency management of an organization or municipality during emergencies and crises. The beredskabsleder has the overall responsibility for command and control of the response, including risk assessment, decision making on protective actions, and the coordination of responders and resources.

During an incident, the beredskabsleder establishes the incident command, develops an incident action plan, and directs interagency cooperation among police, fire and rescue, health services, social services, utilities, and other actors. The role also includes safeguarding the safety of responders and the public, and ensuring effective public information and communication.

The beredskabsleder typically operates within a municipal emergency management structure and, for larger events, may be appointed as the incident commander or lead a multiagency leadership team. The position functions within national and regional frameworks for civil protection and crisis management, and interfaces with other authorities as needed.

Qualifications and training for beredskabsleder commonly cover concepts of the incident command system, crisis communication, risk assessment, interagency coordination, and regular drills or exercises. Many municipalities require formal training or certification to prepare for the leadership and coordination demands of the role.

In Denmark, the concept is a central element of the preparedness regime for civil protection and emergency management, and similar roles exist in other countries under different names.