Real-time video from remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS): a tool for improved decision-making in mass casualty incidents
by Eirik Bjorheim Abrahamsen; Jon Tømmerås Selvik; Eivind Rake; Sindre Aske Høyland; Håkon Bjorheim Abrahamsen
International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (IJTPM), Vol. 19, No. 3, 2019

Abstract: In mass casualty incidents, the emergency services must make several important and challenging strategic decisions, characterised by large uncertainties. In this paper, we explore and assess real-time video from remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) as a key tool for reducing uncertainties and thereby improving the situation assessment and decision-making in mass casualty incidents. To study the usefulness of such a technical solution, we consider two mass casualty incidents that occurred in Norway in 2011. Our study shows that a number of uncertainty factors related to missing information, unreliable information, ambiguous or conflicting information, and complex information influenced decision-making at the Oslo government district bombing and Utøya Island shooting. We also find that the use of a remotely piloted aircraft system could have reduced these uncertainties and in general improved the situation assessment in these incidents, highlighting the value of a remotely piloted aircraft system in mass casualty incidents.

Online publication date: Fri, 26-Jul-2019

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