title: Evaluation of a Scalable Information Analytics System for Enhanced Situational Awareness in Mass Casualty Events.
abstract: We investigate the utility of DIORAMA-II system which provides enhanced situational awareness within a disaster scene by using real-time visual analytics tools and a collaboration platform between the incident commander and the emergency responders. Our trials were conducted in different geographical areas (feature-rich and featureless regions) and in different lighting conditions (daytime and nighttime). DIORAMA-II obtained considerable time gain in efficiency compared to conventional paper based systems. DIORAMA-II time gain was reflected in reduction of both average triage time per patient (up to 34.3% average triage time reduction per patient) and average transport time per patient (up to 76.3% average transport time reduction per red patient and up to 66.3% average transport time reduction per yellow patient). In addition, DIORAMA-II ensured that no patients were left behind or transported in the incorrect order compared to the conventional method which resulted in patients being left behind and transported in the incorrect order.
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Aura
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7526-6343
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ganz
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors.forename: James M
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6604-6584
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schafer
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Zhuorui
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8076-9594
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.affiliation: Intermedix Corporation, 1800 S. Bell Street, Suite 210, Arlington, VA 22202, USA.
authors.forename: Graydon
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-9944-6090
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.affiliation: Disaster Preparedness Program, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciottone