%0 Journal Article
%T Mass casualty modelling: a spatial tool to support triage decision making
%A Ofer Amram
%A Nadine Schuurman
%A Syed M Hameed
%J International Journal of Health Geographics
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1476-072x-10-40
%X This web-based SDSS utilizes pre-calculated driving times to estimate the actual driving time to each hospital within the inclusive trauma system of the large metropolitan region within which it is situated. In calculating and displaying its results, the model incorporates both road network and hospital data (e.g. capacity, treatment specialties, etc.), and produces results in a matter of seconds, as is required in a MCI situation. In addition, its application interface allows the user to map the incident location and assists in the execution of triage decisions.Upon running the model, driving time from the MCI location to the surrounding hospitals is quickly displayed alongside information regarding hospital capacity and capability, thereby assisting the user in the decision-making process.The use of SDSS in the prioritization of MCI evacuation decision making is potentially valuable in cases of mass casualty. The key to this model is the utilization of pre-calculated driving times from each hospital in the region to each point on the road network. The incorporation of real-time traffic and hospital capacity data would further improve this model.On July 7th, 2005, a series of terrorist attacks shook the London transit system [1]. Four bombs exploded almost simultaneously in a coordinated attack that left the city in a state of chaos [2]. Based on the sheer number of casualties, the incident has been described as the largest mass casualty incident in the United Kingdom since World War Two. Altogether, 775 people were injured in the attack, of which 56 died and 55 were critically injured. Casualties were divided amongst six hospitals (inclusive) within the city, based on hospital proximity, capacity and capability [2].The following paper describes a spatial decision support system (SDSS) intended to help determine where best to evacuate patients during a mass casualty incident (MCI) of this type.Mass casualty incidents are those that, by the sheer number and severity
%U http://www.ij-healthgeographics.com/content/10/1/40