ORAHS2024
Abstract Submission

136. Strategic positioning of mass transportation vehicles in the event of disasters

Contributed abstract in session TB-3: Humanitarian Logistics and Blood Supply, stream Regular talks.

Tuesday, 11:00-12:30
Room: Room S2

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Florentina Hager
CHOIR, University of Twente
2. Melanie Reuter-Oppermann
Maastricht University, ILS Mannheim

Abstract

Efficiently providing medical care during mass-casualty incidents, characterized by a sudden surge in demand, presents a complex logistical challenge. Time becomes a critical factor, affecting survival rates and emphasizing the need for rapid casualty transfer to medical centres. However, as local capacities in disaster-stricken areas can be congested, disaster managers must consider the establishment of temporary medical centres or the transport of casualties to distant permanent facilities. While temporary facilities provide relief to the congested capacities in disaster areas and minimise transportation time, they necessitate setup time and can only provide limited care. Conversely, mass transportation vehicles may facilitate rapid transfers but require careful positioning for optimal efficiency. However, in the optimal placement of mass transportation vehicles, decision makers should consider several aspects related to both the specific characteristics of the different types of disasters and the interaction between the different transportation modes. Our research therefore focuses on the strategic positioning of mass transportation vehicles for the transportation of casualties after a disaster. By optimizing the location for multiple transport modes simultaneously, we take into account the interaction of the different means of transport and at the same time the specific characteristics of a disaster.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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