A Markov Decision Process Model for the Optimal Dispatch of Military Medical Evacuation Assets
Abstract
We develop a Markov decision process (MDP) model to examine military evacuation (MEDEVAC) dispatch policies in a combat environment. The problem of deciding which aeromedical asset to dispatch to which service request is complicated by threat conditions at the service locations and the priority class of each casualty event, assuming MEDEVAC requests arrive sequentially, with the location and the priority of each casualty known upon arrival. The United States military uses a 9-line MEDEVAC request system to classify casualties using three priority levels. An armed escort may be required depending on the threat level indicated by the request. The proposed MDP model indicates how to optimally dispatch ambulatory helicopters to casualty events in order to maximize the steady-state system utility. Utility depends on casualty numbers, priority classes, and the locations of MEDEVAC units and casualty event. Instances of the dispatching problem are solved using a value iteration dynamic programming algorithm. Computational examples investigate optimal dispatch policies under different threat situations and potential armed escort delay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA598856
Entities
People
- Sean K. Keneally
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology