Abstract This research identifies the resource management systems currently deployed during emergencies, the level of satisfaction with these systems and what constitutes an effective Resource Management System (RMS) in an emergency context. The data for this study was gathered data using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on a theoretical framework developed following an extensive literature review. The results and recommendations are based on data from 352 respondents. The results of this study revealed that 66.19% of respondents used a mix of both paper and computer based systems to manage their resources. With a system designed in house and a generic “off the shelf” resource management system being the most popular at 41.43% and 30.95% respectively. With regard to resource management systems, the top six characteristics valued by respondents were: reliability; ease of use; ease of access - on site; accuracy; ease of access - off site; and flexibility. Respondents who used a generic or bespoke resource management system were more than three times more satisfied with their system than respondents using a paper based approach and just under twice as satisfied as those using a system designed in house. Keywords Emergency Management; Resource Management System; Disaster Management; Incident Management System; Effective Resource Management.