In Iceland we are fortunate to have people the specialize in rescue when natural disasters, accedents or fire occur, so called first responders.
Earlier research indicate that during rescue operations, the coordination of different first responders are of great importance, and that those leading the rescue efforts need to avoid central management. Earlier research indicate that servant leadership is an effective way to manage, but not much research is behind the use of it in managing and coordinating rescue efforts and not much research has been done on the experience of a larger group of responders on the control of different operations. It is therefore important to dig into the experience of field managers of such methotds.
The goal of the research was to shed a light on the emphasis of experienced field managers in controlling operations and to seek answers to the following research questions:
What is the experience of field managers and their emphasis in controlling operations in the field. Does that emphasis relate to the ideology of servant leadership?
The research indicate that field controllers do emphasise the co-operation of different first responders, attained with empowerment, active listening and a good overview. The results also indicate that those ways of management do relate to some key elements of servant leadership, i.e. foresight, active listening, empowerment, peer equality, inner strength and co-operation.

The findings of the research can lead to better knowledge on effective emphasis in managing rescue efforts and be a tool for first responders and others, dealing with disasters.