The roles of information systems in emergency response system and how the individual would use it.

In emergency response management the basic network involves receiving information and then the mobilization of the necessary emergency services and first responders to the disaster area. This is should include a first wave of core emergency services, such as firefighters, police and ambulance crews, but the size of the emergency determines the amount of resources allocated to any disaster. In receiving information there needs to be a way to provide and obtain accurate and timely information about the event and keep communication open and flowing with all the responders. It should have a way for key people to communicate and keep everyone updated by graphics, voice or video system. This could be done through a mix of broadband wireless access and sensor networks. Offering a WiMAX based system would allow “easy implementation, full user mobility, secure and reliable communications, easy interconnection with heterogeneous networks, and high transport capacity.” [Tarchi] Sensor networks are designed to collect and process data and then transmit such relevant information to the end users in a distributed way. This is because the amount of information gathered by sensor networks is vastly and would need to be processed before being readable, much less interpreted by an operator. This system would have to in some way be able to differentiate between main key people and then others.
A well-rehearsed emergency plan developed as part of the preparedness phase enables efficient coordination of rescue. Where required, search and rescue efforts commence at an early stage. Depending on injuries sustained by the victim, outside temperature, and victim access to air and water, the vast majority of those affected by a disaster will die within 72 hours after impact.[Harrald] With