Zelenka, J., Kasanický, T. š, Gatial, E., Balogh, Z., Majlingová, A., Brodrechtova, Y., et al. (2023). Coordination of Drones Swarm for Wildfires Monitoring. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 144–151). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: As a result of climate change and global weather patterns, large forest fires are becoming more frequent in different parts of the world. The focus of the presented work is on creation of a complex coordination and communication framework for a swarm of drones specially tailored for use in preventing and monitoring of forest fires. The presented algorithm has been testing and evaluating using a computer simulation. The testing and validation in relevant environment is scheduled during a pilot demonstration exercise with real personnel and equipment, which will take place in Slovakia on April 2023. The presented work is a part of the SILVANUS EU H2020 project, whose objective is the creation of a climate resilient forest management platform for forest fire prevention and suppression. SILVANUS draws on environmental, technical, and social science experts to support regional and national authorities responsible for forest fire management in their respective countries.
|
Tolt, G., Rydell, J., Tulldahl, M., Holmberg, M., Karlsson, O., & Bissmarck, F. (2023). The MAX Drone for Autonomous Indoor Exploration. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 220–230). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This paper presents the concept and prototype implementation of a drone for Multi-purpose Autonomous eXploration of indoor environments – MAX. The purpose of MAX is to support first responders in the difficult task of assessing unknown and potentially dangerous or hostile situations in indoor or underground environments. The approach for addressing challenges associated with this task has been to construct a custom-designed drone based on requirements and conditions of first responder missions. This paper reports on the first phase of development of the MAX drone, aimed for experimentation with autonomy functionality in first responder contexts and for enabling further development of advanced higher-level planning functions. It describes the overall design of the MAX drone, its capabilities in terms of robust positioning and autonomous mission execution, along with the status of key enabling algorithms for exploration, such as target point selection and path planning.
|
Tolt, G., Rydell, J., Bilock, E., Eek, J., Andersson, P., & Nygårds, J. (2023). Real-time Multi-Sensor Positioning for First Responders. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 177–187). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This paper describes a concept for real-time positioning of first responders that includes a number of complementary sensors worn by the first responder, to increase accuracy and robustness in indoor and complex environments. By using sensors of different types, each with their own strengths and limitations, and fusing their respective outputs, the goal is to increase the usability of positioning information in time-critical and risky operations. This facilitates synchronization of activities and increases safety in the operation. The sensors included in the proposed real-time positioning module are shoe-mounted inertial measurement units, ultra-wideband radio, thermal and visual cameras, and GNSS. The fusion framework is based on factor graphs. This work-in-progress paper describes the individual sensor components and shows preliminary findings concerning the possibilities to improve position estimation through sensor fusion.
|
Tobias Andersson Granberg, Carl-Oscar Jonson, Erik Prytz, Krisjanis Steins, & Martin Waldemarsson. (2020). Sensor Requirements for Logistics Analysis of Emergency Incident Sites. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 952–960). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Using sensors to collect data at emergency incident sites can facilitate analysis of the logistic operations. This can be used to improve planning and preparedness for new operations. Furthermore, real-time information from the sensors can serve as operational decision support. In this work in progress, we investigate the requirements on the sensors, and on the sensor data, to facilitate such an analysis. Through observations of exercises, the potential of using sensors for data collection is explored, and the requirements are considered. The results show that the potential benefits are significant, especially for tracking patients, and understanding the interaction between the response actors. However, the sensors need to be quite advanced in order to capture the necessary data.
|
Tiina Ristmae, Dimitra Dionysiou, Miltiadis Koutsokeras, Athanasios Douklias, Eleftherios Ouzounoglou, Angelos Amditis, et al. (2021). The CURSOR Search and Rescue (SaR) Kit: an innovative solution for improving the efficiency of Urban SaR Operations. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 867–880). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: CURSOR (Coordinated Use of miniaturized Robotic equipment and advanced Sensors for search and rescue OpeRations) is an ongoing European H2020 project with the main objective to enhance the efficiency and safety of Urban Search and Rescue (USaR) operations on disaster sites. CURSOR's approach relies on the integration of multiple mature and emerging technologies offering complementary capabilities to an USaR system, so as to address several challenges and capability gaps currently encountered during first responder missions. The project's research and development are structured around an earthquake master scenario. CURSOR aspires to advance the state-of the-art in several key aspects, including reduced time for victim detection, increased victim localization accuracy, enhanced real-time worksite information management, improved situational awareness and rescue team safety.
|
Thomas Theodoridis, George Katsikas, Nicholas Vretos, & Petros Daras. (2022). A Symbiotic Orchestration Module for Multi-agent Collaboration in Disaster Response Scenarios. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 771–780). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: This paper presents the Symbiotic Orchestration Module, which facilitates the collaboration of smart agents in disaster response scenarios. By effectively orchestrating the actions of different agents in critical situations towards a common goal, it enhances the individual capabilities of the agents and unlocks new possibilities that are not available when agents act isolated. To achieve this, the Symbiotic Orchestration Module is composed of four sub-modules: a) the Mission Controller, which is responsible for keeping track of ongoing missions, agent allocations and for handling non-collaborative missions, b) the Symbiotic Operation Control Module, which handles collaborative missions proposed by the system, c) the Task Allocation Module, which automatically assigns available robots to incoming missions based on robot capabilities and mission requirements, and d) the Task Recognition and Optimal Sequencing Module, which is responsible for recognizing opportunities for agent collaboration and for system-wide goal optimization.
|
Spyros Chrysanthopoulos, Theofanis Kapetanakis, Giannis Chaidemenos, Stelios Vernardos, Harris Georgiou, & Claudio Rossi. (2020). Emergency Response in Recent Urban/Suburban Disaster Events in Attica: Technology Gaps, Limitations and Lessons Learned. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 984–989). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Emergency response operations in large-scale urban/suburban disaster events is often addressed by the standard protocols and international guidelines for collapsed buildings, heavy debris, etc. However, a wide range of First Responder (FR) operations need to address various other contexts, work environments and hazards. In this paper, two real disaster events are explored as use cases for such urban/suburban FR operations, namely a flash flood and a wildfire, both in Attica, Greece (2017-2018). Based on our team's experience from these mobilizations and active participation in both these events as FR actor in the field, we present the challenges, the complexity of such multi-aspect disaster events, the limitations of emergency response, the technology gaps of the FR teams, as well as the lessons learned during these deployments. Finally, we make some notes on future prospects and possible advancements in tools and technologies that would greatly enhance the operational safety and readiness of the FR teams in such events.
|
Sofie Pilemalm. (2022). Barriers to Digitalized Co-production: the Case of Volunteer First Responders. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 782–790). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT) and digitalization are often seen as enablers of co-production. But if its potential is not implemented, technology will rather act as a barrier. In Sweden, new types of “hybrid” co-production initiatives that engage civil citizen volunteers as first responders emerged a decade ago. Even though the benefits are recognized, the initiatives’ expansion are hampered by the ICT solutions. In this study, we explore why, by comparing the perspectives of national authorities, needs-owners, suppliers, and end-users. We describe the barriers, e.g., insufficient geofencing, to develop ICT for various mobile platforms, unavailability of a joint API, competitiveness and double roles among stakeholders, and ICT costs. We suggest how to address the barriers and argue that digitalized co-production of the type presented will likely increase. Here our study can contribute to the successive accumulation of knowledge.
|
Samuel Auclair, Pierre Gehl, Mickael Delatre, Christophe Debray, & Philippe Méresse. (2022). In-depth Analysis of Practitioners' Perceptions about Seismic Early Warning Prior to Aftershocks: The Point of View of the USAR Community. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 740–754). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams are particularly exposed to the risk of collapse of buildings due to aftershocks, making concept of earthquake early warning (EEW) particularly interesting. In addition to scientific advances in EEW, it is crucial to understand what are the real expectations and needs of USAR teams, and to what extent EEW solutions could meet them. In this study, we conduct a survey to collect insights from USAR rescuers: it highlights that aftershocks are a major concern for them. In this context, we find that the concept of EEW is very favorably received by the respondents, who consider different types of possible actions upon receipt of an early warning. This study provides a basis for the functional specifications of future solutions of EEW useful to all USAR teams, as well as for the definition of their modalities of engagement on the field.
|
Samuel Auclair, Christian Iasio,, reï Balgiu, Antoni Blasquez, Jean-Christophe Castagnos, et al. (2022). Post-earthquake Damage Assessment: Feedback from a Cross-Border Crisis Exercise. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1000–1007). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: In November 2021, a large-scale crisis exercise was organized in the heart of the Pyrenees. The main objective of this cross-border exercise between France, Spain and Andorra was to allow practitioners to prepare for a largescale earthquake, by testing the contribution of the tools developed within the framework of the European project POCRISC. Among the different functions activated during the exercise, this article focuses on the particularly critical function of emergency assessment of building damage. It analyses the feedback from the exercise participants asked to evaluate the deployment, coordination and operation of the damage assessment function, including the use of a tool developed specifically for these activities.
|
Ryan K. Williams, Nicole Abaid, James McClure, Nathan Lau, Larkin Heintzman, Amanda Hashimoto, et al. (2020). Collaborative Multi-Robot Multi-Human Teams in Search and Rescue. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 973–983). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Robots such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed for search and rescue (SAR) can explore areas where human searchers cannot easily go and gather information on scales that can transform SAR strategy. Multi-UAV teams therefore have the potential to transform SAR by augmenting the capabilities of human teams and providing information that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our research aims to develop new theory and technologies for field deploying autonomous UAVs and managing multi-UAV teams working in concert with multi-human teams for SAR. Specifically, in this paper we summarize our work in progress towards these goals, including: (1) a multi-UAV search path planner that adapts to human behavior; (2) an in-field distributed computing prototype that supports multi-UAV computation and communication; (3) behavioral modeling that yields spatially localized predictions of lost person location; and (4) an interface between human searchers and UAVs that facilitates human-UAV interaction over a wide range of autonomy.
|
Paulini, M. S., Duran, D., Rice, M., Andrekanic, A., & Suri, N. (2023). KENNEL Threat Detection Boxes for First Responder Situational Awareness and Risk Management. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 208–219). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: KENNEL is a deployable IoT-based system consisting of a network of unattended ground sensors, known as Threat Detection Boxes (TDBs), which may be outfitted with any variety of custom and commercial-off-the-shelf sensors for hazard detection. The KENNEL system fills a technological gap for sensor fusion, interpretation, and real-time alerting via existing information management systems, such as Team Awareness Kit (TAK). First responders face a critical need for improved situational awareness, detection, and response to hazardous events. KENNEL provides a first of its kind, low-cost sensing & data fusion platform that is highly extensible, configurable, and self-sustaining, opening a world of modernization and innovation possibilities across the first responder domain. TDBs may also be statically or ad hoc deployed, improving flexibility, stand-off hazard detection, and resilience in the operational domain. From critical infrastructure monitoring to wearables, the system affords timeliness of critical information for effective risk management and increased personnel safety.
|
Osaragi, T., Suematsu, T., Oki, T., & Kakizaki, A. (2023). Local Disaster Mitigation Technology with Travel Support Application. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 112–125). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Efficient and rapid rescue activities are vital in the immediate aftermath of a large-scale disaster. However, the locations of the tasks requested (e.g. rescues, relief, special care, and assistance) and those who support, assist, or respond are often spatially separated. In this paper, we developed a Web application (travel support application) to support the efficient travel of responders by integrating a method of optimizing travel and navigation for rescue activities and a system of real-time disaster information collection and sharing. We then demonstrated the efficiency of the travel support application through some field experiments. Also, we conducted a demonstration experiment assuming a flood disaster at the crisis management office of a local government. Finally, the possibility of using the developed system at non-emergencies was examined to address the common problem of disaster prevention systems.
|
Ophélie Morand, Caroline Rizza, Stéphane Safin, & Robert Larribau. (2022). Improving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation by Building Trust between Dispatchers and Citizens through Simulation Workshop. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 791–802). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Improving the survival rate of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) remains an important public health issue. Indeed, current survival rates are approximately 10% and can be significantly enhanced by early Cardiopulmonary reanimation (CPR) and early defibrillation. Bystanders are most likely to perform these acts, but few resources (such as digital apps) are dedicated to them due to a lack of confidence in their abilities from them and from the professionals. In order to build trust and collaboration between the dispatchers and the bystanders, an OHCA simulation workshop was conducted involving the whole survival chain. The main idea consisted in getting the participants to interact via an application dedicated to bystanders which provided a CPR demonstration video. The aim was to analyze the effects of this video on the CPR itself and especially on the lived-experience of the participants. A further objective was to assess how the shared workshop would affect the relationship between the stakeholders.
|
Michael Holzhüter, & Ulrich Meissen. (2020). A Decentralized Reference Architecture for Interconnected Systems in Emergency Management. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 961–972). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Optimal communication and information exchange are key elements for handling complex crises or disaster situations. With the increasing number of heterogeneous ICT systems, also raises the importance of adequate support for interconnectivity and information logistics between stakeholders to thoroughly gather information and to make quick but precise decisions. The main purpose of the information exchange is then to manage the crisis as quickly as possible, to provide full information to protect first responders' health and safety, to optimally dispatch resources, and to ensure coordination between different relief forces. Based on an end user survey with a particular focus on first responders, this paper introduces an evolutionary architecture to enable information exchange in crises situation or disasters. The aim is to provide a decentralized approach among heterogeneous ICT-systems which abstracts from the underlying communication technologies and heterogeneity of connected systems and fulfills the functional and non-functional requirements from end users.
|
Masahiro Watanabe, Yu Ozawa, Kenichi Takahashi, Eri Takane, Tetsuya Kimura, Soichiro Suzuki, et al. (2021). Hardware Design and Tests of SMURF V1 Platform for Searching Survivors in Debris Cones. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 849–866). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: When a large-scale disaster such as earthquake occurs, a huge number of victims will be trapped under debris in a wide area. Rescue activities in debris are technically not easy and endanger the first responders. There are several methods for improving safety and efficiency of rescue operation, but their availability is limited to a certain area or short operating time. Our project called CURSOR is developing tools to comprehensively search victims using a large number of ground-based robots entering debris transported by aerial drones. Here we show the development of the exploration robot collecting information with several sensors. The robot system was designed based on the requirements and performance was evaluated by ruggedization tests and mobility tests. No critical problem was found in the durability, and the mobility showed as the same as the ordinary wheel. To improve the mobility, we are planning to apply a proposed unique track mechanism.
|
Lorscheidt, J., Wehbe, B., Cesar, D., Becker, T., & Vögele, T. (2023). Increasing diver safety for heavy underwater works by Sonar-to-Video Image Translation. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 166–176). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Supervision of technical dives is particularly important in emergency and disaster response operations to ensure the safety of divers in unexplored locations with uncertain conditions. Diver monitoring relies primarily on voice communication and a video stream that gives the operator a first-person view of the diver. However, in many cases underwater visibility can drop to just a few centimeters, leaving the diver only able to feel his way with his hands and the operator depended only on voice communication, making it very difficult for both of them to identify upcoming hazards. In the DeeperSense research project, we are attempting to reduce the limitations caused by poor underwater visibility by using a sonar in combination with an AI-based algorithm designed to translate the sonar signal into a visual image that is independent of the turbidity of the water and gives an overview of the situation where the eye can no longer see anything. Laboratory results show that visual information can be recovered from sonar data.
|
Lennart Landsberg, Alexandra Braun, Ompe Aimé Mudimu, & Klaus-Dieter Büttgen. (2021). Considering end user needs when developing new technologies – a new plug and play sensor technology for locating trapped victims. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 922–928). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Building collapses often happen unexpectedly and suddenly. Consequently, people are often buried under the debris. What follows is a complicated search by first responders, which is characterized by time pressure and danger. In the research project SORTIE, a modular and UAV-based technical system is being developed to support the first responders in their search efforts. During the first phase of this project, an extensive requirements analysis was conducted with the involvement of end users. This ensures that the developed technology meets the requirements for later use under realistic circumstance. The project consortium has good experience with this operational approach and is in close cooperation with end users who are part of the consortium. In addition to a comprehensive understanding of building collapses and prevailing conditions, the technical partners were also able to identify requirements that they might not have discovered without the involvement of end users and the appropriate methods.
|
LaLone, N., Dugas, P. O. T., & Semaan, B. (2023). The Crisis of Designing for Disaster: How to Help Emergency Management During The Technology Crisis We Created. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 126–143). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Emergency Management (EM) is experiencing a crisis of technology as technologists have attempted to innovate standard operating procedures with minimal input from EM. Unsurprisingly, there has yet to be a success. Instead, technologists have focused on consumer culture and fostered a slow-moving crisis as the gap between what consumers and EM can do is deep. At present, the most ubiquitous aspect of technology in disaster is its capacity to exacerbate response, create new kinds of disaster, and create consumer expectations that EM cannot meet. In the present work, we highlight how and why technological production needs to shift its ontological premises dramatically to meet the needs of technology for first responders. From supporting practice to taking a few steps back from the bleeding edge, we offer a range of suggestions based on the technological capacities of emergency management in the present and in the future.
|
Kyriaki Christaki, Dimitrios Tsiakmakis, Ivanka Babic, Guillaume Inglese, Konstantinos Konstantoudakis, Gabriele Giunta, et al. (2022). Augmented Reality Points of Interest for Improved First Responder Situational Awareness. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 755–770). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Situational awareness is a vital component of any disaster response mission, both in terms of first responder (FR) safety and efficiency. Points of interest (POI) can pertain to hazards known beforehand, risks discovered during the course of a mission, victims, entry and exit routes, important equipment, and more. Although communications and technical means can expand an individual FR’s situational awareness, they depend on clarity and can increase cognitive load, as this expanded volume of information must be held in each FR’s memory. Augmented reality (AR) can visualize POIs in context with the environment in a clear and intuitive way and reduce cognitive load as the don’t rely on a user’s memory. This paper presents an AR solution for FR team situational awareness, comprising four interconnected and collaborating situational awareness tools sharing a common pool of virtual POIs, alongside a range of different functionalities particular to each.
|
Konstantinos Konstantoudakis, Georgios Albanis, Emmanouil Christakis, Nikolaos Zioulis, Anastasios Dimou, Dimitrios Zarpalas, et al. (2020). Single-Handed Gesture UAV Control for First Responders – A Usability and Performance User Study. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 937–951). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have increased in popularity in recent years and are now involved in many activities, professional and otherwise. First responders, those teams and individuals who are the first to respond in crisis situations, have been using UAVs to assist them in locating victims and identifying hazards without endangering human personnel needlessly. However, professional UAV controllers tend to be heavy and cumbersome, requiring both hands to operate. First responders, on the other hand, often need to carry other important equipment and need to keep their hands free during a mission. This work considers enabling first responders to control UAVs with single-handed gestures, freeing their other hand and reducing their encumbrance. Two sets of gesture UAV controls are presented and implemented in a simulated environment, and a two-part user study is conducted: the first part assesses the comfort of each gesture and their intuitive association with basic flight control concepts; and the second evaluates two different modes of gesture control in a population of users including both genders, and first responders as well as members of the general populace. The results, consisting of both objective and subjective measurements, are discussed, hindrances and problems are identified, and directions of future work and research are mapped out.
|
Kerrianne Morrison, Yee-Yin Choong, Shanee Dawkins, & Sandra Spickard Prettyman. (2021). Communication Technology Problems and Needs of Rural First Responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 817–834). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Although new technology may benefit rural first responders to help them serve their communities, to date little is known about what communication technology problems rural first responders most need addressed and what future technology they desire. To explore the context of use and communication technology problems and needs of rural first responders, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 63 rural first responders across four disciplines: Communications (Comm) Center & 9-1-1 Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, and Law Enforcement. Using qualitative data analysis, interview data were sorted into problems and needs categories. Rural first responders' greatest problems were with reliable coverage/connectivity, interoperability, implementation/information technology (IT) infrastructure, and physical ergonomics. Rural first responders' greatest need for new technology was to address their current problems, but they were interested in new technology that leverages real-time technology and location tracking. Implications for researchers and developers of public safety communication technology are discussed.
|
K. K. Ramakrishnan, Murat Yuksel, Hulya Seferoglu, Jiachen Chen, & Roger A. Blalock. (2021). Resilient Communication for First Responders in Disaster Management. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 903–912). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Effective communication among first responders during and in the aftermath of a disaster can affect outcomes dramatically. In this paper, we discuss the design of a resilient architecture that enables effective first responder communications even in such challenging scenarios. Our ReDiCom (Resilient Disaster Communications) network architecture builds resilience into the framework across all the layers. The information layer allows communication by roles and identities instead of addresses to support communication among dynamically formed first responder teams. The network layer provides robust and resilient communication even when facilities are error- and disruption-prone. The coded communication and computation further improve resilience and enable efficient data processing in disaster management.
|
Holzhüter, M., Huhle, G., Reuter-Oppermann, M., Hellriegel, J., & Klafft, M. (2023). Acceptance study on application systems to improve situational incident management through bi-directional communication between citizens and decision-makers in emergencies and crises situations. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 197–207). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Efficient hazard prevention and disaster control depend on situational awareness. Situational information is – among others – provided by citizens on the ground. Disaster managers are often reluctant to use such information on a large scale or in a systematic way for fear of being overwhelmed by information overload in a stressful crisis. New information technologies for crisis management are strongly dependent on the acceptance of the people using them and can only be successful as socio-technical systems. Therefore, 354 employees of public and private emergency operation centres as well as members of crisis management teams were asked to assess different information sharing technologies. 504 people from the public responded to an online survey about their willingness to use such technologies. The results indicate a high level of acceptance by both user groups for bi directional communication technologies for situation management and the improvement of situational awareness.
|
Henry Agsten. (2020). Effects of Smartphone-Based Alerting on Reducing Arrival Times for Volunteer Fire Departments. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 990–994). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This practitioner paper describes the efforts of a volunteer fire department in Germany to reduce the time to arrive at a place of emergency. It presents the former situation, identifies reasons for delays and highlights the volunteers' first years in utilizing an existing smartphone application for alert and response as a mean to optimize their times of arrival. The paper finally evaluates the effects of the application's usage.
|
