An Integrated Civilian Medical Response to Mass Casualty Incidents
Abstract
U.S. military and civilian populations have much to accomplish in the effort to enhance preparedness for potential mass casualty incidents. In this effort, CIMERC has partnered with many regional, national, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. The proposed projects will benefit from the comprehensive network and the proven success of the respective institutions in integrating diverse interests and expertise into a large-scale biodefense initiative. Command and control projects on imaging include developing a virtual whiteboard hardware and software system, creating aerial robot platforms equipped with wireless cameras, acquiring and distributing processed images to wired and wireless hardware, and deploying sensor networks for casualty localization. Biodefense, assessment, implementation, and evaluation will be enhanced by means of algorithm development for predictive systems that can automatically identify developing scenarios and alert relevant personnel at critical moments. These projects include non-thermal plasma sterilization using dielectric barrier discharge and magnetic gliding arc devices to sterilize air contaminated with bioaerosols, development of a numerical model to address anthrax spore release in an apartment complex and subsequent disinfection, use of near-infrared (NIR) diffuse optical tomography to evaluate skin burn damage, and use of predictive syndromic surveillance in medical facilities. Readiness and response training will be enhanced to further prepare the nation's emergency response workforce. These projects include the development of a Rural Response Network test bed for rural medical preparedness and the establishment of the Mass Casualty Incident Education Forum. The latter answers the need for a web-based educational system that interfaces with existing training modalities and facilitates learning and assessment throughout response communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA434839
Entities
People
- Banu Onaral
Organizations
- Drexel University