Crisis Communications: Challenges faced by Remote and Rural Communities in North Eastern Ontario

Abstract

Factors such as remoteness, distances, low density of population, technological challenges and weather all impact the implementation of crisis communication plans in rural and remote communities. The organization studied experiences those challenges. It is a large, decentralized health care organization in north eastern Ontario that provides health care services to people who live in 42 per cent of the province's geographic area. Staff members of the organization were asked what they think are the most effective communications tools to utilize in a crisis. They agreed that the tools must be adaptable and that creative systems must be put in place not only to recognize the challenges, but to successfully overcome them. The research found that traditional, tried and tested conventional communication methods and direct human interaction are preferred, and are more effective than more modern, technology-based tools.