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GPS Devices in a Simulated Mass Casualty Event
Prehospital Emergency Care
|August 18, 2018
Summary
Emergency department staff found global positioning system (GPS) trackers beneficial for patient tracking during a simulated mass casualty event. These GPS devices improved real-time tracking and situational awareness, potentially enhancing patient management in disasters.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Disaster Preparedness
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Mass casualty events pose significant challenges to emergency department (ED) operations.
- Effective patient tracking is crucial for managing large influxes of patients during disasters.
- Simulated drills are essential for evaluating new technologies in emergency response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate emergency department staff perception of global positioning system (GPS) devices as a patient tracking tool.
- To assess the utility of real-time geolocation technology in a simulated mass casualty incident.
- To determine the impact of GPS tracking on situational awareness and patient management during a disaster drill.
Main Methods:
- A simulated mass casualty event involving pediatric patients was conducted.
- Global positioning system (GPS) devices were attached to select patient actors.
- Emergency department staff utilized a real-time geolocation map and completed post-event surveys and feedback sessions.
Main Results:
- Registered nurses, attending physicians, and fellows perceived GPS devices as advantageous for disaster patient care.
- Real-time tracking via GPS improved situational awareness, irrespective of prior emergency medical services (EMS) radio communication.
- The technology facilitated multi-screen tracking, enhancing overall operational awareness.
Conclusions:
- Emergency department staff reported that GPS trackers enhance real-time patient tracking during mass casualty events.
- The implementation of GPS technology holds potential for improving patient management in disaster scenarios.
- GPS tracking can be a valuable tool for augmenting situational awareness and operational efficiency in emergency settings.
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