Development of a Public Health Emergency Management Mechanism in the Case of Ammonia Leakage in an Ice Factory in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This Action Research aimed to study the situation, develop a mechanism, and examine the results of applying the emergency public health management mechanism for ammonia leakage in ice production facilities in Khon Kaen Province. A significant public health concern exists as 50 out of 51 facilities (98.04%) are scattered near communities and lack a concrete risk management system. Key informants, selected through purposive sampling, included 6 factory operators and 7 related government officials. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and brainstorming sessions, and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed a situation characterized by "individual strength but systemic vulnerability." Prevention relied heavily on personnel experience but was undermined by aging equipment. Preparedness was the weakest area; most factories conducted fire drills but had never specifically rehearsed for an ammonia leak. Response was typically managed internally, with external agencies notified only after escalation. Recovery was legally driven but lacked a systematic lesson-learned process. This research led to the development of an integrated management mechanism focusing on four key areas: 1) establishing an "integrated assessment team" and financial support measures; 2) promoting "specialized drills" linked to community plans; 3) creating a "single emergency hotline" with clear role definitions; and 4) establishing a "risk insurance fund" and a "joint lesson-learned" process. This developed mechanism provides a crucial framework for enhancing emergency management effectiveness and ensuring sustainable community safety.

Keywords: Public Health Emergency Management, Ammonia Leakage, Ice Factory, Action Research, Khon Kaen Province