Technology, Vision and Needs Analysis for Advanced Emergency Response

This project will lay the foundation for developing a new, advanced system for emergency response for the Y2030.  More specifically, it provides the beginnings of a vision for the future of emergency response and rescue as it might appear under a fully Integrated Active Transportation System (IATS) [1]. 

As a first step toward any future vision, it is useful to establish a baseline upon which to build.  Using a ‘systems approach’, the emergency response process was divided into individual functional steps, using response to a car crash as a case in point.   Key issues and desired capabilities are identified for each functional step.  Technologies that fall into three categories (state-of-the-practice, state-of-the-art and future art) are identified.  The intent is to determine where future research effort might best be focused in order to make a ‘generational leap’ in emergency response capabilities. The project then defines a vision for the future of emergency response and rescue – a vision which could well be realized by the Year 2030 as part of the planned Integrated Active Transportation System.  Work is continuing to assess functional needs and potential future technologies (including cyber technologies), after which specific areas will be targeted for focused research and development.  Selected issues and technologies for each function are provided in the Figure below as an example of the process.

[1] Lee, K. “Advanced Research for Integrated Active Transportation System (IATS);  A Revised Role, Vision & Approach”, Presented at the National Workshop on New Research Directions for High Confidence Transportation CPS: Automotive, Aviation & Rail, Vienna, VA, Nov 18, 2008.  [2] Photo courtesy of AirEvac LifeTeam Jan 2010.