(A34) Space Technology to Support Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Medical and Rescue Teams

Abstract

Space technology plays important role during emergency as well as non-emergency situation to provide the information that is relevant for disaster preparedness and to the rescue and emergency medical teams. During emergency situation, first and immediate information rescue and medical teams like to have is the area impacted, severity of the disaster and the population at risk. Such information is of critical nature for emergency medical teams in order to plan and mobilize the medical personnel, resources and infrastructure needed to provide effective medical services. Space based observation is the most efficient way to provide this preliminary information. Often emergency maps generated based on the space based observations are useful to the medical and rescue teams during emergency situation while detailed information from the field is still awaited. UN-SPDIER offers the platform for providing such services effectively by connecting with the end users the international and regional mechanism that provides such information. During non-emergency phase, the space technology contributes in strengthening disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts, especially through telemedicines and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies. These tools integrated with Geographical Information System (GIS) provide effective mechanism for predicting risks (risk mapping) and early warning. It also ensures the rapid distribution of information during catastrophic events. In recognition of these needs the United Nations General Assembly established the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER). The programme aims at providing universal access to all types of space-based information by: being a Gateway to space information for disaster management support; serving as a Bridge to connect the disaster management and space communities; and being a Facilitator of capacity-building and institutional strengthening.