Private wireless communications networks utilized by emergency services agencies are vital components of the nation's critical infrastructure. Reliable communications are essential for our nation's "first responders," and successful attacks on these networks could interrupt mission critical operations, compromise restricted information, and contribute indirectly to loss of lives. While the thre...

We use the term “Personal Safety Assistants” (PSAs) to refer to a family of mobile information systems that intend to reduce the risks of both citizens and responders in emergency responses. Using their mobile devices, they can access to personalized views of the emergency plans including context-aware evacuation instructions or real time guidance to specific locations for rescue operations, am...

This exploratory study examines how fire and police departments used online media during the 2012 Hurricane Sandy and how these media can be used to affect trust with members of the public during such an event. Using trust theory, we describe how online communications provide a means for emergency responders to appear trustworthy through online acts of ability, integrity, and benevolence. We co...

Accident detection systems help reduce fatalities stemming from car accidents by decreasing the response time of emergency responders. Smartphones and their onboard sensors (such as GPS receivers and accelerometers) are promising platforms for constructing such systems. This paper provides three contributions to the study of using smartphone-based accident detection systems. First, we describe ...

Accident detection systems help reduce fatalities stemming from car accidents by decreasing the response time of emergency responders. Wireless mobile sensor networks coupled with smartphones and their onboard sensors (such as GPS receivers and accelerometers) are promising platforms for constructing such systems. This paper provides three contributions to the study of using smartphone-based wi...

When a disaster strikes the management and coordination of available resources becomes a crucial and challenging task. Hereby, availability of information and effective communication is of utmost importance. Efficient support for first responders and decision makers, coordinating the assignments, is necessary to save time and lives, as many victims might not survive long without appropriate ass...

In disaster scenarios, emergency operators/first responders need to collaborate in order to reach a common goal. The use of mobile devices and applications in these scenarios is very valuable as they can improve collaboration, coordination, and communication amongst team members. But there are also risks involved while using these mobile applications, e.g., decreasing of performance. Most of th...

Chemical warfare agents are toxic weapons and emergency prehospital medical care providers should be well prepared, trained, and equipped to give response. Personnel need to be aware of the following medical issues regarding prehospital management of a chemical attack, event recognition, incident medical command and control, safety and protection, decontamination, isolation of the incident area...

Chemical warfare agents are toxic weapons and emergency prehospital medical care providers should be well prepared, trained, and equipped to give response. Personnel need to be aware of the following medical issues regarding prehospital management of a chemical attack, event recognition, incident medical command and control, safety and protection, decontamination, isolation of the incident area...