Evacuation Procedures Research Articles

Evacuation efficiency and survival rate of bent-over walking during horizontal cabin fire evacuation

Bent-over walking is a common and neglected fire evacuation behavior. To provide bent-over walking data for evacuation research, bent-over walking speed under different deck environment was obtained through experiments. In addition, to compare the differences of walking, bent-over walking and crawling in cabin fire evacuation, we used numerical simulations to test the impacts of fire location, distribution of persons at day and night, personnel evacuation to the nearest point, and directional movement on evacuation efficiency. Fire and personnel evacuation were simulated using the Fire Dynamics Simulator model. The numerical simulation results confirm that bent-over walking has a higher evacuation efficiency and survival rate as compared with walking and crawling. In addition, by comparing experimental data with the numerical simulation results, we identified a critical impact of the interaction between personnel evacuation behaviour and fire environmental factors on evacuation efficiency and mortality rate. The speed data of different evacuation behaviors obtained by the experiment is a very important factor in the study of ship evacuation, and the simulation results will provide guidance for ship fire evacuation procedures.

Spatial Dynamics Of Tsunami Prone Areas In Kalianda Sub-District, South Lampung Regency

Kalianda Sub-District is one of the areas that is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis because it is located on the west coast of Sumatra Island and the Sunda Strait has a potency from the eruption of Anak Krakatau Volcano. Increasing population growth also increases the risk of disaster impacts that are difficult to predict. This research aims to analyze the spatial dynamics of tsunami-prone areas in Kalianda District. This research uses multi-temporal land cover data, driving data on built-up land development factors, existing roads, slope, distance from the coastline, and distance from rivers. The method used is Cellular Automata Markov Chain which is used to model the development of built-up land, and the Berryman method for tsunami hazard analysis . Based on modeling results for 2031, the type of built land cover will experience a large increase. The tsunami danger level in Kalianda District is dominated by the low level covering an area of 4,741.80 ha, then the high level covering an area of 3,047.29 ha and the medium level covering an area of 1,243.66 ha. According to research results, the number of tsunami-prone areas increases every year. Therefore, we need to improve education and outreach to the public about tsunami dangers and effective evacuation procedures. The development and maintenance of evacuation support infrastructure, as well as the implementation of a reliable early warning system, are also very important to increasing community preparedness for tsunami disasters.

Surgical abortion service reorganization in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a unique experience of attending second trimester D&E procedures under spinal anesthesia as emergency procedures.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a massive shift in how health care systems interact with COVID testing for patients. To avoid delay in accessing second trimester surgical abortion at our hospital (St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College) during this pandemic, dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures were attended as emergency cases, instead of as elective surgical procedures, which then required adherence to the universal preoperative COVID-19 testing protocol. This study aimed at documenting the experience of this unique abortion service adjustment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021. We reviewed second trimester surgical abortion cases managed with D& E procedures, performed under spinal anesthesia using the emergency COVID-19 pre-operative testing protocol. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and simple descriptive statistics were applied. Percentages and proportions were used to present the results. Nineteen cases of second trimester D&E cases were reviewed. The median gestational age of the abortion clients was 21.57 weeks. Eight of 19 cases had cervical preparation with overnight intra-cervical Foley catheter placement while the rest 11 (57.9%) cases had their cervical preparation with Laminaria. The median time interval from initial evaluation of the abortion client to time of doing D& E procedure was 21.83 h. Surgical abortion service reorganization enabled abortion clients to access dilation and evacuation procedures within 24 h of their initial presentation. This prevented significant delays in accessing abortion care that could otherwise have occurred as a result of adhering to the preoperative COVID-19 testing protocols applied to elective surgeries.

Assessment of Fire Safety Measures in On-Campus Housing Facilities

Universities, including Caleb University, offer various on-campus housing options, such as hostels and private residences. Ensuring fire safety in these facilities is paramount for the protection of students, staff, and property. This study investigates the fire safety measures in place at Caleb University's male hostel, examining both the physical infrastructure and the awareness and training of residents and staff. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a physical inspection of fire safety equipment and infrastructure with semi-structured interviews to assess the comprehensiveness of fire safety protocols and awareness programs. The findings reveal significant gaps in both the awareness and implementation of fire safety measures. Only 33% of the staff and 69% of students are aware of any fire safety programs, and 86% of the staff and 65% of the students lack knowledge of evacuation protocols. These deficiencies highlight the need for structured and mandatory fire safety training, regular drills, and clear communication of evacuation procedures. Recommendations include the development of comprehensive fire safety programs, integration of fire safety education into the curriculum, regular maintenance of fire safety equipment, and partnerships with local fire safety authorities. Implementing these measures can improve the safety and preparedness of Caleb University’s residential facilities, providing a safer living environment for all residents.

Evaluation of blood evacuation efficiency using 99m Tc-RBC imaging: a comparative study of exsanguination tourniquet rings and Esmarch bandages.

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the Esmarch bandage and exsanguination tourniquet rings (ETRs) in blood evacuation procedures using a controlled intra-subject design involving healthy volunteers. A total of 20 healthy adult volunteers (12 males, 8 females) were recruited from the community. Participants underwent blood evacuation procedures on both legs, using the Esmarch bandage on one leg and the ETR on the other. The order of the procedures was randomized. Blood evacuation time, overall blood evacuation rate, and calf blood evacuation rate were measured using 99m Tc-labeled red blood cell imaging. Paired t -tests were conducted to compare the effectiveness of the two methods. The ETRs demonstrated a significantly faster blood evacuation time compared to the Esmarch bandage (mean difference = -41.72 s, P < 0.0001). The overall blood evacuation rate was slightly higher for the ETRs (mean difference = 1.717%), though not statistically significant ( P = 0.3680). The calf blood evacuation rate was significantly higher for the ETRs (mean difference = 6.86%, P = 0.0225). No significant discomfort or adverse reactions were reported by any participants. ETRs are more efficient in terms of blood evacuation time and calf blood evacuation rate compared to the Esmarch bandage, without causing significant discomfort or adverse reactions. These findings suggest that ETRs could be a preferable option in clinical settings for blood evacuation procedures.

Lessons from Iceland: Natural Disaster Planning and Response

Summary This case study evaluates Iceland’s emergency response plans for mitigating the impact of natural disasters on tourists. Recent natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from late 2023 to early 2024, are discussed to illustrate the implementation of these plans. The study outlines the main components of Iceland’s emergency response plan, highlighting the roles of government agencies, police districts, and tourism-related groups. It emphasizes the plan’s effectiveness in prioritizing the safety of tourists through evacuation procedures, mitigation measures, and coordination among stakeholders. Recommendations for improvement include the implementation of disaster aid insurance plans and regular reviews and adjustments to the emergency response plan. These recommendations aim to enhance preparedness and resilience in the face of future disasters. Information © The Authors 2024

Development of measured hydrodynamic information-based flood early warning system for small streams

In general, small stream basins, characterized by narrow channels and steep slopes, face heightened vulnerability to climate change-induced flooding, posing challenges for evacuation procedures. With the increasing intensity of floods and typhoons in recent years, urgent measures are necessary to mitigate damage in such areas. This research endeavors to address these challenges by developing a novel small stream flood early warning system (SSFEWS) tailored to small streams and piloting its application. The proposed system integrates real-time hydrodynamic data collection, flood probability forecasting, and proactive warning issuance through an amalgamation of IoT-based sensor networks, statistical models leveraging measurement data, a robust constrained nonlinear optimization algorithm (RCNOA), and four-parameter logistic method (4PL). Moreover, system accuracy and reliability are enhanced by an automated iterative process that continuously refines forecasting model parameters via a user-defined rainfall-discharge nomograph and rating curve using RCNOA and 4PL. The developed SSFEWS is expected to contribute to the safety of the community as well as prevent possible small stream-related casualties by enabling efficient disaster response.© 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of emergency evacuation in complex rail transit station

Post-earthquake fires in populated stations pose a significant threat to passenger safety, necessitating the implementation of efficient emergency evacuation procedures to adequately safeguard lives and property. Utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Pathfinder, this study innovatively delves into the emergency evacuation optimization measures under a post-earthquake fire. Three pivotal research questions are explored: a comparative analysis of the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) versus the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) to evaluate the safety of evacuation procedures; a focused examination of critical time points and influential factors during evacuation process; and the formulation of optimization measures to enhance evacuation efficiency. The Beijing Xiyuan rail transit station was chosen as a case study, with four post-earthquake fire scenarios simulated. Additionally, the impact of obstacles and injured personnel resulting from the earthquake was considered. The results show that: (1) During evacuations, critical issues arise at specific time points. The entrances of escalators/stairs, turnstiles, and exits are key sites, where congestion becomes critical issues. (2) Evacuating rescue personnel through public non-paid areas saves 9.1 % of the evacuation time compares to crossing turnstiles. (3) The most impactful measures for optimizing evacuation is that trains arrive in only one direction, followed by the deployment of evacuation guidance. Thus, key control time points and optimization measures for the evacuation process of complex urban rail transit stations can be obtained. The findings provide insights and guidance for optimizing emergency evacuation in rail transit stations to mitigate post-earthquake fire risks and ensure public safety.

Enhancing smoke management in underground parking areas using jet fan systems with a focus on dead-end areas

This study delves into the utilization of jet fans in underground parking structures for smoke management during fires, with a specific focus on enhancing smoke control near critical areas adjacent to dead-end sections through innovative jet fan designs. Through the analysis of airflow patterns and computational fluid dynamic simulations, the research aims to effectively contain smoke and prevent its dispersion to unaffected zones. Findings underscore the significance of parking layout designs in ventilation strategies and soot dispersion rates. Altering the downward orientation of the jet fan outlet results in a notable portion of smoke being confined within the parking facility. Additionally, widening the jet fan outlet, as proposed in the design, can enhance smoke evacuation in all directions. Two hazard detection scenarios were executed within the parking structure following the British standard (BS), with one scenario simulated as a fire ignition source. The chosen scenario considers all escape routes and evacuation procedures within the underground parking area based on architectural specifications. By employing OpenFOAM software with the buoyantBoussinesqPimpleFOAM solver, the study assesses the efficacy of this approach, achieving a reduction in airflow irregularities of over 30%. It also provides valuable insights for designers to refine their comprehension of jet fan design, recommending tailored designs for specific zones. This research offers practical guidance for designers to optimize jet fan configurations for effective smoke control in underground parking facilities.

Literature Review: Human Behaviour and Evacuation Fire System

Human behavior during fire emergencies significantly influences evacuation processes and overall safety outcomes. This literature review synthesizes findings from various research journals to explore the complexities of human behavior and evacuation dynamics in fire incidents. Key factors such as decision-making, evacuation timelines, and the impact of environmental factors on evacuation efficiency are examined. The study underscores the critical role of understanding human behavior in formulating effective fire safety strategies, particularly in residential settings where behavioral responses differ from those in public, commercial, or industrial spaces. Insights from this review emphasize the need for further research into the interplay between spatial planning, demographic factors, and infrastructure in optimizing evacuation procedures for enhanced fire safety in urban environments.

PEDIATRIC OCULAR TRAUMA MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF EFFECTIVE INTRA-ORBITAL FOREIGN BODY IOFB EXTRACTION

Highlights: The rare nature of Orbitocranial Injury with Intraorbital Foreign Body (IOFB). Utilizing a 3D Head CT Scan to ascertain the precise location of the IOFB and its impact on anatomical structures is pivotal in shaping immediate treatment strategies, thereby reducing the potential for complications. Abstract: Introduction: Penetrating intraorbital foreign body (IOFB) injuries are a rare form of traumatic injury. Recognized as a surgical emergency, meticulous history-taking and a thorough examination are essential for determining the trauma's mechanism and cause, facilitating accurate diagnosis and effective disease management. Case Illustration: In the emergency room, a 5-year-old female patient was presented with a craniofacial injury resulting from an IOFB. An evacuation procedure, conducted through a subsidiary incision, was performed to extract the foreign body. Interestingly, the object removed from the orbital cavity was a plastic foreign body, initially suspected to be a fractured orbital bone. Discussion: The clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of orbital foreign body injuries can differ based on the material composition of the foreign body. In cases of intraorbital foreign body trauma, the primary treatment goal is foreign body removal. Conclusion: Precise and accurate initial management in the emergency department is crucial. Early diagnosis, aided by a 3D head CT scan, is instrumental in locating the IOFB and identifying the involved anatomical structures. This, in turn, enables timely treatment decisions to minimize the risk of complications.

Introducing WALKER – Safeguarding Cultural Heritage through Evacuation Run Maps

The crisis management cycle contains the step Preparedness, in which the development of disaster plans takes place. Run plans for fire fighters are a well-established means for enhancing preparedness in public buildings. A wide array of plans is available, serving to aid firefighters in swiftly orienting themselves during emergency situations on-site. These plans may also include detailed information as needed, providing tactical insights into critical elements within the building. In this practitioner paper, we present the adaptation of run plans to the realm of cultural heritage preservation. We utilize the existing format for the communication of information about the safe handling of cultural heritage to the command staff and the fire fighters. These cultural heritage escape plans offer guidance on the safe handling, evacuation procedures, and the prioritization of cultural heritage items in the case of an emergency and can be added to the existing tactical firefighting plans in public cultural heritage institutions. The evacuation plan format has been developed by the Munich County Fire Fighters and was manually implemented for all cultural heritage objects of the Bavarian Palace Department. The format has proven beneficial. With this format, we aim to enhance the preparedness of cultural heritage sites against natural disasters. Given the inherent sensitivity of cultural heritage objects, which require careful handling, these escape plans encompass instructions for the secure dismantling and evacuation of these items to designated safe areas. Furthermore, we introduce the software WALKER, a specialized tool designed for the creation of evacuation plans tailored to cultural heritage contexts. WALKER has been deployed for test usage for cultural heritage institutions for testing and evaluation of its potential. Both evacuation maps and WALKER are part of an integrated crisis management for cultural heritage and can be classified as part of the Preparedness step in the crisis management cycle. Furthermore, when the plans are implemented during the response, they can also be considered part of the phase Response.

Awareness of disaster preparedness between administrative staff and residents in the vicinity of the Genkai and Ikata nuclear power plants following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster.

When considering disaster preparedness, one challenge is mitigating the health impacts of evacuations. Nuclear disaster preparedness has evolved based on past experiences from numerous disasters, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reporting on the awareness of administrative staff, medical personnel, and residents in the areas surrounding nuclear power plants (NPPs). This study reports on a survey aimed at gaining insights into the understanding and current state of disaster preparedness and elucidating the differences in perceptions of nuclear disaster preparedness among the relevant stakeholders surrounding NPPs. Interview surveys were conducted from 14 to 16 September 2022 in the area surrounding Kyushu Electric Power's Genkai NPP in Saga Prefecture and from 11 to 13 January 2023 in the area around Shikoku Electric Power's Ikata NPP. The surveys targeted administrative, medical, and nursing care facilities and residents. Responses from 57 participants indicated a lack of awareness of natural and nuclear disasters, challenges in evacuation planning, and a gap between nuclear disaster training and residents' understanding of evacuation protocols. This study highlights inadequacies in nuclear disaster preparedness and the need for a better understanding among residents regarding evacuation procedures. This study identified three key issues: (1) a lack of awareness about disasters, including nuclear disasters; (2) concerns about complex disasters and the difficulties in creating evacuation plans; and (3) a discrepancy between nuclear disaster training and residents' understanding of evacuation procedures. To bridge this gap, it is important to deepen residents' understanding of nuclear disasters, continuously convey the lessons learned from the FDNPP accident, and regularly reassess and update nuclear disaster preparedness strategies.

Emergency Communication System for Hills and Forest Region Using IOT

This project presents an innovative approach to establishing robust communication systems in remote areas devoid of traditional network infrastructure. By harnessing the power of IoT and LoRa technology, the project proposes a Long Distance Communication System that not only facilitates connectivity but also supports critical emergency evacuation procedures. The cornerstone of this system is the LoRa Mesh Library, which enables a decentralized network topology, ensuring seamless communication even in the most challenging environments via ad hoc network. The project further explores QoS routing and traffic scheduling within 802.11 wireless mesh networks to guarantee consistent and quality communication links over long distances. Additionally, it integrates Secure IT, a security framework utilizing Firebase, Google Map, and Node.js, to provide real-time location-based alerts, enhancing the safety of individuals in emergency situations.Thisabstractencapsulatestheproject’smultifacetedapproach to overcoming the limitations of current communication infrastructures, offering a scalable, secure, and efficient solution that has the potential to revolutionize connectivity in isolated regions worldwide.

Identification of primary input parameters affecting evacuation in ventilated main control room through CFAST simulations and application of a machine learning algorithm to replace CFAST model

Accurately predicting evacuation time in a ventilated main control room (MCR) during fire emergencies is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel at nuclear power plants. This study proposes to use neural networks alongside consolidated fire and smoke transport (CFAST) simulations to serve as a surrogate model for physics-based simulation tools. Our neural networks can promptly predict the evacuation time in MCRs, proving to be a valuable asset in fire emergencies and eliminating the need for time-consuming rollouts of the CFAST simulations. The CFAST model simulates fire and evacuation scenarios in a ventilated MCR with variations in input parameters such as door conditions, ventilation flow rate, leakage area, and fire propagation time. Target output parameters, such as hot gas layer temperature (HGLT), heat flux (HF), and optical density (OD), are used alongside standardized evacuation variables to train a machine learning model for predicting evacuation time. The findings suggest that high ventilation flow rates help to dilute smoke and discharge hot gas, leading to lower target output parameters and quicker evacuation. Standardized evacuation variables exceed the required abandonment criteria for all door conditions, indicating the importance of proper evacuation procedures. The results show that neural networks can generate evacuation times close to those obtained from CFAST simulations.

Review of advanced emergency evacuation procedures in hospital buildings: comprehensive analysis and insights

This research paper explores the integration of novel technologies in hospital emergency evacuations, particularly in Operating Rooms (ORs) and Emergency Departments (EDs). It examines the application of advanced tools like simulation modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin technology, sensor data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve evacuation strategies in the building. The study extends to in-depth case studies for assessing the practicality of existing protocols, while also highlighting the critical importance of staff training and preparedness. Additionally, it addresses the ethical and psychological impacts of emergencies on patients and healthcare staff, underscoring the need for technology to be complemented with human-centered care. The paper concludes by emphasizing the ongoing necessity for innovative research in enhancing safety and operational resilience in healthcare emergency management.

Disaster Education in Elementary School Curriculum: Basis for Framework Designing

This research aimed to develop a school curriculum framework for disaster education in elementary schools. This is a qualitative-phenomenological study that examines how elementary school teachers teach disaster education to their students. Data was gathered through the use of guided interview questions, and the conduct of in-depth interviews. Based on the result of the study, the researchers captured the key experiences of the teachers and the most common approaches being utilized to disaster education in elementary schools, which include the integration of disaster-related themes and topics into specific school subjects, particularly in Science, Health, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, disaster advocacy campaign through the use of various digital and online platforms, and social media, training and seminars to pupils on how to respond to disasters through the conduct of drills, utilization of safety equipment, evacuation and rescue procedure, first-aid training and the like, and instilling pro-active attitude and discipline of the learners in responding to disasters. Moreover, with reference to this study, a school curriculum framework on disaster education was developed, which will serve as the guiding tool for all disaster education efforts at the school level, congruent with DepEd's education targets in the context of elementary schools’ safety and disaster resilience, as well as school disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs, projects, and activities.

Evaluation of the offset static rope evacuation procedure: insights from a safe job analysis.

Recently, the Norwegian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has developed a procedure for a special type of static rope rescue operation, referred to as the offset technique. In this technique, the helicopter is offset from the accident site, and the HEMS technical crew member uses an offset throw line to gain access to the scene. Today, there is little practical experience of such operations, and a need has been identified for more knowledge on the potential hazards encountered during this type of operation. Such knowledge is of importance for further development of the procedure for the offset technique. To identify potential hazards for helicopter rescue operations using the static rope offset technique and, thereby, to improve the procedure for such operations. This may lead to improved safety for patients and crew members during offset rescue operations. A Safe Job Analysis was used to identify the hazards of offset rescue operations. Such operations are divided into tasks and sub-tasks. For each sub-task, we identified potential hazards and suggested ways of preventing these. Through the Safe Job Analysis, we suggest some changes in the existing procedure for the offset technique, to make it more robust against potential hazards. We have demonstrated the value of Safe Job Analysis for improving the static rope offset evacuation procedure. Our analysis has led to some changes in the procedure for offset rescue operations. This is the importance of having two throw lines and focusing on "why" in the procedure.

Implementing health and safety standards in Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind farms represent a significant source of renewable energy, but their operation poses unique health and safety challenges due to the harsh marine environment and remote locations. This review explores the implementation of health and safety standards in offshore wind farms, highlighting key challenges and proposing solutions to mitigate risks. The offshore environment presents numerous hazards to workers, including adverse weather conditions, rough seas, and complex machinery. Ensuring the health and safety of personnel working in such environments requires comprehensive risk assessments, stringent safety protocols, and robust emergency response plans. However, the remote nature of offshore wind farms complicates rescue and evacuation procedures, necessitating specialized training and equipment for personnel. One of the primary challenges in implementing health and safety standards is the dynamic nature of offshore operations, which demand continuous monitoring and adaptation to changing conditions. Furthermore, the integration of multiple stakeholders, including project developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies, requires effective communication and collaboration to ensure compliance with safety regulations. To address these challenges, innovative technologies such as remote monitoring systems and predictive analytics can enhance safety performance by providing real-time data on environmental conditions and equipment status. Additionally, the development of standardized safety protocols and training programs tailored to the offshore wind industry can improve the competence and readiness of personnel in emergency situations. Implementing health and safety standards in offshore wind farms is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of workers and minimizing operational risks. By addressing the unique challenges of the offshore environment and adopting proactive safety measures, the industry can ensure sustainable growth while prioritizing the health and safety of its workforce.

Numerical Simulation of Passenger Evacuation Process for a Cruise Ship Considering Inclination and Rolling

This study focuses on a large-scale cruise ship as the subject of research, with a particular emphasis on conditions not covered in the MSC.1/Circ.1533 guidelines. The investigation explores the impact of specific motion states of the cruise ship, including rolling, heeling, and trimming, on passenger evacuation times. Based on the maritimeEXODUS tool, simulations were conducted to replicate the evacuation process in these unique scenarios. The results of the simulations highlight a significant correlation between the cruise ship’s motion state and evacuation time. Specifically, under inclination conditions, evacuation times were extended, with bow trimming leading to a notable increase in the time. This study underscores the importance of considering the motion state of a cruise ship in evacuation procedures, confirming the validity of the numerical simulation for studying large-scale cruise ship evacuations under inclination and rolling conditions. The findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing safety protocols and optimizing ship arrangements.