Comparison of the effectiveness of wireless electronic tracking devices versus traditional paper systems to track victims in a large scale disaster.
We conducted an unblinded experimental comparative trial during a disaster drill involving DMATs using the WIISARD system and traditional paper tracking of casualties. We shadowed the paper work flow to collect data on 40 victims tracked by both systems. WIISARD captured patients as well as the paper system. However, WIISARDwas superior at tracking patient destinations and transporting units. WIISARD proved to be an effective victim tracking system.
Buono
Colleen J
CJ
University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Chan
Theodore C
TC
Killeen
James
J
Huang
Ricky
R
Brown
Steven
S
Liu
Fang
F
Palmer
Doug
D
Griswold
William
W
Lenert
Leslie
L
D004190:Disasters; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D013685:Telecommunications