EURO 2025 Leeds
Abstract Submission

2486. Strategic Positioning of Temporary Emergency Medical Facilities: A Decision Support System for Earthquake Preparedness

Invited abstract in session WC-55: Strategic Facility Location and Inventory Prepositioning, stream Humanitarian Operations.

Wednesday, 12:30-14:00
Room: Liberty 1.09

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Simona Cohen Kadosh
Logistics, Sapir Academic College
2. Sagit Kedem-Yemini
Logistics, Sapir Academic College
3. Yuval Bitan
Ben Gurion University of the Negev
4. Zilla Sinuany-Stern
Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben Gurion University of the Negev

Abstract

This work introduces a Decision Support System (DSS) for optimal placement of Emergency Treatment Sites (ETSs) following earthquakes. ETSs are temporary medical facilities that treat minor injuries—the majority of casualties—reducing hospital overcrowding. Unlike traditional fixed-site planning, our approach adapts to specific disaster conditions.
The DSS integrates three key components: a GIS-based spatial database analyzing earthquake damage and population distribution; a simulation-based decision engine evaluating potential locations based on accessibility and population proximity; and a user-friendly interface for emergency planners to quickly implement recommendations.
Our DSS integrates a location network characterization with a hybrid simulation/optimization model to determine the number and optimal locations of ETSs. It is designed as a standalone tool that functions without internet connectivity (often disrupted during disasters). The DSS supports both advance planning and real-time emergency response.
Though still under development, the system builds on earlier research testing various site selection methodologies. It offers emergency managers a structured yet flexible framework for ETS placement decisions. Ongoing work focuses on system refinement, field testing with actual data, and incorporating additional dynamic variables to enhance earthquake response capabilities using operations research principles.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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