Emergency response includes any systematic response to an unexpected or dangerous occurrence. The goal of an emergency response procedure is to mitigate the impact of the event on people and the environment.

Emergency response is the implementation of planning and preparedness during an emergency. Implementation includes the decisions, actions, and application of resources used to mitigate the impact of the emergency.

Emergency response is the phase of the disaster-management cycle that often attracts the most attention and resources. Emergency response is sometimes a cyclical process, involving repeated assessment, planning, action and review, to respond appropriately to needs and capacities as they evolve.

Moreover, the way the emergency response has been planned and the way the emergency is managed will have a significant influence on post-disaster recovery and future development possibilities. The emergency response phase should therefore be seen as a critical part of the disaster-management cycle.