Safety, Security and Logistics - The Role of Networks and Simulation in Planning for the Next Healthcare Disaster
Joseph Rosen and David Sargent
Summer Computer Simulation Conference 2007 (SCSC 2007)
San Diego, California (USA), July 15-18, 2007
Abstract
Present response plans are not based on the reality of the threat, whether the threat is natural or intentional. Plans are also not based on the capabilities of the response system. A response system has several major components. These include command and control, responders, facilities, networks and logistics. There are two major response doctrines: evacuation and quarantine. There is a need to upgrade our responses in both areas in general and although there is some overlap in resources needed for either response, primarily a major revamping of our quarantine response to bio threats is needed at this time and for the next century. Networking, modeling and simulation technologies will play a major role in the future response to a disaster.
The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the past , present and future of response systems to disasters. We will emphasize the role of modeling and simulation in planning and preparing for disasters and the more recent concept of using simulation in near real time to create a “Performance Machine” to help leaders make better choices in the deployment of resources especially in regards to logistics during a disaster. We will use real examples from the recent past . These will include transportation disasters, natural disasters, and biological disasters.