Simedis 2.0: On the road toward a comprehensive mass casualty incident medical management simulator

Ruben De Rouck, Michel Debacker, Ives Hubloue, Selma Koghee, Filip Van Utterbeeck, Erwin Dhondt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Mass casualty incidents still cause a huge amount of deaths and injuries in the 21st century. Research on these events is challenging due to inherent ethical and logistical difficulties. Computer simulation models can overcome these difficulties, and offer evidence on which to base policy and decisions. In this paper a discrete event simulation model is described, designed to analyze prehospital policies and commonly made decisions. We studied an airplane crash scenario and analyzed mortality as a primary and treatment and transport times as secondary outcome measures. We implemented resource dispatching, search and rescue at the disaster site, triage, treatment and evacuation of victims to healthcare facilities. Overall we conclude that for this particular scenario - where treatment capacity is sufficient - the best outcome for victims can be achieved by the combination of triage, pre-triage and quick distribution of victims to regional hospitals.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWSC 2018 - 2018 Winter Simulation Conference
Subtitle of host publicationSimulation for a Noble Cause
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2713-2724
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781538665725
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2018
Event2018 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2018 - Gothenburg, Sweden
Duration: 9 Dec 201812 Dec 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings - Winter Simulation Conference
Volume2018-December
ISSN (Print)0891-7736

Conference

Conference2018 Winter Simulation Conference, WSC 2018
Country/TerritorySweden
CityGothenburg
Period9/12/1812/12/18

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