Title: A systems view of data integration for emergency response

Authors: Paul P. Salasznyk, Earl E. Lee, George F. List, William A. Wallace

Addresses: Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110th Street, CII 5107, Troy, NY 12180–3590, USA. ' Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110th Street, CII 5107, Troy, NY 12180–3590, USA. ' Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 208 Mann Hall, 2501 Stinson Drive, Campus Box 7908, Raleigh NC 27695–7908, USA. ' Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110th Street, CII 5117, Troy, NY 12180–3590, USA

Abstract: In the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and Hurricane Katrina, emergency response has acquired a new level of importance. Emergency managers must be prepared to respond to conscious acts of terror, caused by individuals wanting to inflict harm, as well as the more traditional natural calamities and human errors. Response must be faster, more integrated, and more intelligent in responding to these events in order to reduce the human, environmental and economic losses. One key element of improved response is improving the ability of the first responders (fire, EMS, police, etc.) to share data in time to support decision-making. This paper will discuss methods for improving data sharing, including how communications and computing technologies can facilitate the integration. Finally, a description of ongoing research in improving traffic incident management in the Capital District region of New York State will be presented.

Keywords: emergency response; traffic incident management; systems analysis; systems integration; computer aided dispatch; data sharing; system interoperability; data integration; emergency management; information technology; decision making; communications; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2006.011299

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2006 Vol.3 No.4, pp.313 - 331

Published online: 14 Nov 2006 *

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