Abstract: This paper describes the development of a framework targeted to technology providers to better understand the grand domain challenges of the emergency response and management community (EM). In developing this framework, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers interviewed subject matter experts (SMEs) across the EM domain and corroborated these findings with current literature. We are presently examining relationships and dependencies within the framework. We anticipate that a thorough understanding of these gaps and dependencies will allow for a more informed approach to prioritizing research, developing tools, and applying technology to enhance performance in the EM community.

Abstract: To overview the site of operation in case of an emergency is crucial for effective emergency management. This is a difficult task, in particular within large buildings or underground structures. Information about the whereabouts of the staff is a key element of effective disaster management. This paper presents an indoor positioning system which is able to track and locate people within buildings independent of any infrastructure (global navigation satellite system, WLAN installations, etc.). The system is based on inertial measurement units computing the track of its wearer and a component verifying this position estimates using floor plans of the building. This novel approach allows robust tracking and locating of action forces within buildings and underground structures.

Abstract: Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have the potential to provide United Nations (UN) humanitarian agencies and their partners with much needed disaster related information and improved management of resources. However, the technical nature of these tools requires considerable expertise to fully benefit from satellite images and related geographic information. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is implementing the UNOSAT service on behalf of the UN Institute on Training and Research (UNITAR) together with several private actors. UNOSAT provides the UN and its partners with the expertise in Earth Observation (EO) and GIS applications. As a crisis is part of a spectrum of disaster related events, UNOSAT provides services in all phases of humanitarian assistance, including planning, crisis response, relief and development. UNOSAT's objectives are to facilitate the territory planning and monitoring processes of local authorities, local technicians, development project managers and humanitarian field operators working in coordination with or within the framework of UN activities, on issues such as disaster management, risk prevention, peace keeping operations, post conflict reconstruction, environmental rehabilitation and social and economic development. A key part of this work is to accelerate and expand the use of accurate geographic information derived from EO-satellite imagery. UNOSAT is also involved in several international initiatives aimed at improved crisis response and management, such as the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”, an important asset in providing timely information to relief personnel on the ground. By working closely with its UN sister agencies, UNOPS/UNOSAT offers a one-stop-shop for satellite imagery and GIS services related to disaster response & management within the United Nations. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.

Abstract: The research on technology for emergency management is usually based either on studies in the field that focus on workers using current tools or on the development, testing, and deployment of novel software tools used in controlled settings. Little is known about the effects of the new collaborative media and work conditions 'in comparison to' the current media and conditions. In 2007, we presented at ISCRAM a method for studying common ground development through a paper prototype in face-to-face collaboration and subsequently presented preliminary findings on common ground development. In this paper we present preliminary findings from an analogous experiment on teams working remotely via a geo-collaborative software prototype. We compare these findings with those from the prior paper prototype study. We use this comparative research design to explore implications for system design and theory development in computer-supported cooperative work.

Abstract: In crisis situations different organizations have to cooperate to gain shared situation awareness and to take accurate decisions. However, several evaluation studies of crisis mitigation processes indicate that it is hard to effectively coordinate efforts of all organizations involved. The goal of our project is to improve coordination in crisis management teams, by improving the interaction processes in a crisis management team. The project consists of two main steps. First, the development of MIRROR, i.e. an overview of 16 relevant factors that influence team interaction. Second, the development of a training based on MIRROR. We expect MIRROR and its training module to be a useful tool for team members of crisis teams. In addition, MIRROR has the advantage that it can be applied in non-crisis teams, during daily situations, as well. This enlarges the chances for potential team members of crisis teams to increase their team interactions skills. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: I will demonstrate ESi's WebEOC Resource Manager® tool, which enables users to catalog and deploy resources in a manner that is compliant with FEMA's National Incident Management System (NIMS). The system is a proven and tested deployed in over 25 states throughout the U.S. The tool provides real-time data sharing in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Abstract: This paper discusses the applicability of Cooperating Smart Spaces in the disaster management realm and their potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue relief teams. The Cooperating Smart Space is a novel concept that combines and extends pervasive computing and social computing to support smart space management and community collaboration. Based on an analysis of current practice, we illustrate how the concept can be exploited in the assessment of a disaster scenario in order to improve information management, collaboration between expert teams and cooperation with online volunteers outside of the disaster zone. We present the results of an initial user evaluation by disaster management experts and conclude with important implications for the design of a Cooperating Smart Space platform. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: One problem for public safety organizations in a disaster is the management of response activities and their dependencies on an intra-and inter-organizational level. Our interviews with end users have shown that current solutions for managing activities are complicated to use in the crisis by teams in the field and also in operation centers, when facing continuous unexpected events and cross-organizational activities. We propose an activity centric system for managing crisis response activities for such situations. We give an example how this system is used in a crisis within one organization and cross-organizations. Afterwards, we explain the evaluation of the solution. This research contributes not only to the crisis management domain, but also to the business process management domain by providing an alternative view on activities in highly dynamic scenarios.

Abstract: The collaboration between humans (actors) and artificial entities (agents) can be a potential performance boost. Agents, as complementary artificial intelligent entities, can alleviate actors from certain activities, while enlarging the collective effectiveness. This paper describes our approach for experimentation with actors, agents and their interaction. This approach is based on a principled combination of existing empirical research methods and is illustrated by a small experiment which assesses the performance of a specific actor-agent team in comparison with an actor-only team in an incident management context. The REsearch and Simulation toolKit (RESK) is instrumental for controlled and repeatable experimentation. The indicative findings show that the approach is viable and forms a basis for further data collection and comparative experiments. The approach supports applied actor-agent research to show its (dis)advantages as compared to actor-only solutions.

Abstract: This review addresses current educational and research efforts in disaster medical education (DME) in the United States. Since the events of 9/11, DME has received greater attention. However substantial problems remain in terms of ensuring that large numbers of medical students and residents are exposed to high quality DME – not only Emergency Medicine residents. Barriers to widespread adoption of DME include lack of performance metrics, disagreement task areas, and lack of emphasis on physician leadership. Further, such efforts must ensure retention of key information over periods that are disaster free; utilize objective training metrics that will allow for an evidence base to form; and develop low cost, scalable training approaches that offer greater fidelity to the disaster environment than classroom based instruction. To improve the state of the art, we argue that DME research must move toward a translational science model that integrates important advances in basic information science into application that improve the clinical performance of frontline medical staff who are called on to respond to individual and community needs in the aftermath of disaster. Mid-fidelity, team-in-the-loop simulations developed for disaster manager training may provide an avenue toward improved DME by exposing medical students to scenarios that fundamentally challenge their assumptions in real-time game play. This can be accomplished with lower costs and greater scalability than live exercise or mock-up training approaches. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: Whether it’s an infectious disease, a natural disaster, a human-made disaster, or a loss in utilities and resources, state and local leaders need visibility into the real-time resources of the entire healthcare continuum from labs, hospitals, long-term care settings, and shelters. By connecting public health and healthcare systems, information, and resources, leaders can be more agile and predictive in where to deploy limited resources before and during an emerging situation. The panelists will discuss how technology and data analytics can be utilized in real-time to resource decisions, bi-directional communication, transparency to stakeholders, and policy development. They will also explore the public health and healthcare continuum for mutual strategy, predictive modeling and reduction of excess loss of life. The panel will consist of a short introduction by each panelist followed by a facilitated discussion, and questions from the audience.

Abstract: In this paper, we propose the use of an ontology-based and semantic technologies approach to improving shared situation awareness amongst teams dealing with emergency situations. We have also identified that shared and team situation awareness tends to be viewed only in terms of cooperative task completion and so we have tried to describe their important relationship with team decision making. The applicability of our approaches is demonstrated by a case study of mass evacuation in the case of a tsunami event. We show how ontology can be used to represent context-based situations and how the axioms and rules can improve team situation awareness.