Purpose Emergency response systems often face inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination and limited preparedness, hindering crisis management during disasters. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing resilience and response capabilities. This study aims to develop an integrated emergency response framework for facilities. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a quantitative research approach to gather data on emergency response infrastructure in Ghana. A structured questionnaire survey led to 159 responses from facility managers, engineers, architects, building inspectors, quantity surveyors and National Disaster Management Organisation officials. The sample was selected from 43 districts, municipalities and metropolitan areas using purposive and convenience sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including means, standard deviations, normalisation values and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The study identified two main factors affecting emergency response: technical (risk monitoring, forecasting, risk knowledge) and non-technical (preparedness, recovery capabilities, warning dissemination, response capacity). PLS-SEM demonstrated that risk knowledge, forecasting, preparedness and recovery capabilities significantly enhance emergency outcomes, such as saving lives and protecting property, emphasising the practical value of the framework. Practical implications The frameworks offer guidance to policymakers, emergency managers and infrastructure planners in designing emergency response strategies, improving stakeholder coordination, optimising resource allocation and enhancing communication networks. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using PLS-SEM to develop an emergency response framework for facilities. It combines crisis and facility management concepts to improve emergency response in facilities.
Abudu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.