Thousands of miles of levees exist in the United States and around the world and failure of these levees as a result of breaching has the potential to cause severe flooding damage. A technology, the PLUG, has been developed to temporarily reduce the flow through a levee breach as an alternative to traditional methods. This study is focused on developing initial guidance on the parameters for sizing a PLUG using a 1:100 (model:prototype) Froude scaled model. It was found that for the PLUG to effectively reduce flow through the breach, the required ratio of the PLUG length to the breach width is greater than two (L/W > 2), and that effectiveness increases as the ratio between the PLUG diameter and water depth (D/d) increases. Effectiveness also increases when the percent fill (P) is between 65 – 75 percent. Trends in the threshold between catastrophic failure and success were also noted.

Introdução Após mais de uma década de implantação do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), torna-se importante lançar um olhar crítico a este serviço a fim de identificar as propostas da Política Nacional de Atenção às Urgências. Objetivo - Descrever e analisar criticamente o processo de trabalho da Central de Regulação do SAMU São Paulo (SAMU SP). Métodos Foi realizado um estudo de caso descritivo exploratório, com estratégia de métodos mistos, integrando as abordagens quantitativa (dados secundários referentes ao mês de outubro de 2012) e qualitativa (observação direta e entrevistas com três médicos reguladores). O banco de dados secundários permitiu descrever a demanda do SAMU SP e verificar a existência de padrões de associação entre as variáveis. Foi realizado o cálculo das frequências absolutas e relativas de todas as variáveis categóricas e cálculo dos tempos envolvidos no atendimento préhospitalar. As entrevistas foram transcritas e analisadas por meio da análise de conteúdo de Bardin com o objetivo identificar fatores subjetivos que não foram possíveis de serem mensurados na análise quantitativa. Foi realizada uma segunda análise estatística do banco de dados, com foco no processo de priorização das ocorrências, sendo investigadas as variáveis despacho e tempo de regulação, segundo determinante de prioridade e queixas principais. Foi utilizado o teste chi-quadrado para significância estatística. Resultados - A demanda é majoritariamente clínica (59,2 por cento ), masculina (52,2 por cento ), entre 20 e 59 anos (54,5 por cento ) e classificadas com Determinantes de alta prioridade (Echo e Delta) (52,5 por cento ). As transferências inter-hospitalares correspondem a 0,6 por cento da demanda. A frequência de despacho de ambulância é de 63,4 por cento e decresce conforme a prioridade diminui, chegando a 21,2 por cento no Determinante de menor prioridade (Ômega). O tempo resposta é inversamente proporcional ao Determinante de prioridade, e uma parte significativa de ocorrências de baixa prioridade (35,9 por cento ) são incluídas no sistema de saúde. Foram identificadas três dimensões que influenciam o processo de priorização das ocorrências: condições clínicas reportadas (parada cardiorrespiratória, problemas respiratórios, inconsciência) condições de vulnerabilidade e risco específicos (idosos e crianças abaixo de 3 anos, quedas, medo por parte do médico regulador de subestimar, presença de violência, interação com outros serviços) e condições intrínsecas ao processo de trabalho da central de operações SAMU SP (alta demanda e poucos recursos, trabalho colaborativo com outros profissionais). Conclusões A descrição e análise crítica da demanda e do processo de trabalho do SAMU SP traz elementos para a discussão sobre seu papel dentro do sistema de saúde do município. É possível afirmar que o SAMU SP tem cumprido a missão de salvar vidas, provendo assistência qualificada para pacientes classificados de altíssima prioridade que necessitam de atendimento fora do ambiente hospitalar. Ordenar a demanda de urgência e se configurar como um observatório de saúde passam pela necessidade do reconhecimento técnico e político de que se trata de um serviço integrado a rede de atenção à saúde e não apenas a rede temática da urgência / Introduction After more than a decade of Brazilian Mobile Emergency Services (SAMU) implementation, it becomes importante to launch a critical look at this service in order to identify the proposals of the National Policy for Emergency Care. Objective To critically describe and analyze the work process of SAMU Regulation Center of the city of São Paulo (SAMU SP). Methods A descriptive exploratory case study with mixed methods strategy, integrating the quantitative (secondary data for October 2012) and qualitative (direct observation and interviews with three regulatory physicians) approaches. The secondary database was used to describe SAMU SP demand and to verify the existence of patterns of association between the variables. Absolute and relative frequencies of all categorical variables and the times involved in prehospital care were calculated. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through Bardin content analysis with the objective of identifying subjective factors that were not possible to be measured in the quantitative analysis. A second statistical analysis of the database was carried out, focusing on the prioritization of emergency incidentes. The frequency of dispatch and regulation time were investigated, according to the Priority Determinant and main complaint. The chi-square test was used for statistical significance. Results - The demand is composed mainly by clinical chief complaints (59.2 per cent ), male patients (52.2 per cent ), between 20 and 59 years old (54.5 per cent ) and classified with high priority determinants (Echo and Delta) (52.5 per cent ). Interhospital transfers correspond to 0.6 per cent of the demand. Ambulance dispatch frequency is 63.4 per cent and decreases as the priority decreases, reaching 21.2 per cent in the lowest Priority Determinant (Omega). The response time is inversely proportional to the Priority Determinant, and a significant portion of low priority occurrences (35.9 per cent ) are included in the health system. Three dimensions have been identified that influence the prioritization of emergency incidents: reported clinical conditions (cardiorespiratory arrest, respiratory problems, unconsciousness), vulnerable conditions and specific risk of the emergency incident (elderly and children under 3 years, falls, medical doctor fear of underestimation, presence of violence, interaction with other services) and work process intrinsic conditions of SAMU SP operations center (high demand and few resources, collaborative work with other professionals). Conclusions The description and critical analysis of the demand and work process of the SAMU SP brings elements to the discussion about its role within the health system of the city of São Paulo. It is possible to affirm that SAMU SP has fulfilled the mission of saving lives, providing qualified assistance to patients classified as high priority who need care outside the hospital environment. In order to SAMU SP organize the demand for urgent care and to be a health observatory, there is the need of technical and political re-recognition that it is a service integrated to the health care network and not just a thematic network of urgency

Introdução Após mais de uma década de implantação do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), torna-se importante lançar um olhar crítico a este serviço a fim de identificar as propostas da Política Nacional de Atenção às Urgências. Objetivo - Descrever e analisar criticamente o processo de trabalho da Central de Regulação do SAMU São Paulo (SAMU SP). Métodos Foi realizado um estudo de caso descritivo exploratório, com estratégia de métodos mistos, integrando as abordagens quantitativa (dados secundários referentes ao mês de outubro de 2012) e qualitativa (observação direta e entrevistas com três médicos reguladores). O banco de dados secundários permitiu descrever a demanda do SAMU SP e verificar a existência de padrões de associação entre as variáveis. Foi realizado o cálculo das frequências absolutas e relativas de todas as variáveis categóricas e cálculo dos tempos envolvidos no atendimento préhospitalar. As entrevistas foram transcritas e analisadas por meio da análise de conteúdo de Bardin com o objetivo identificar fatores subjetivos que não foram possíveis de serem mensurados na análise quantitativa. Foi realizada uma segunda análise estatística do banco de dados, com foco no processo de priorização das ocorrências, sendo investigadas as variáveis despacho e tempo de regulação, segundo determinante de prioridade e queixas principais. Foi utilizado o teste chi-quadrado para significância estatística. Resultados - A demanda é majoritariamente clínica (59,2 por cento ), masculina (52,2 por cento ), entre 20 e 59 anos (54,5 por cento ) e classificadas com Determinantes de alta prioridade (Echo e Delta) (52,5 por cento ). As transferências inter-hospitalares correspondem a 0,6 por cento da demanda. A frequência de despacho de ambulância é de 63,4 por cento e decresce conforme a prioridade diminui, chegando a 21,2 por cento no Determinante de menor prioridade (Ômega). O tempo resposta é inversamente proporcional ao Determinante de prioridade, e uma parte significativa de ocorrências de baixa prioridade (35,9 por cento ) são incluídas no sistema de saúde. Foram identificadas três dimensões que influenciam o processo de priorização das ocorrências: condições clínicas reportadas (parada cardiorrespiratória, problemas respiratórios, inconsciência) condições de vulnerabilidade e risco específicos (idosos e crianças abaixo de 3 anos, quedas, medo por parte do médico regulador de subestimar, presença de violência, interação com outros serviços) e condições intrínsecas ao processo de trabalho da central de operações SAMU SP (alta demanda e poucos recursos, trabalho colaborativo com outros profissionais). Conclusões A descrição e análise crítica da demanda e do processo de trabalho do SAMU SP traz elementos para a discussão sobre seu papel dentro do sistema de saúde do município. É possível afirmar que o SAMU SP tem cumprido a missão de salvar vidas, provendo assistência qualificada para pacientes classificados de altíssima prioridade que necessitam de atendimento fora do ambiente hospitalar. Ordenar a demanda de urgência e se configurar como um observatório de saúde passam pela necessidade do reconhecimento técnico e político de que se trata de um serviço integrado a rede de atenção à saúde e não apenas a rede temática da urgência / Introduction After more than a decade of Brazilian Mobile Emergency Services (SAMU) implementation, it becomes importante to launch a critical look at this service in order to identify the proposals of the National Policy for Emergency Care. Objective To critically describe and analyze the work process of SAMU Regulation Center of the city of São Paulo (SAMU SP). Methods A descriptive exploratory case study with mixed methods strategy, integrating the quantitative (secondary data for October 2012) and qualitative (direct observation and interviews with three regulatory physicians) approaches. The secondary database was used to describe SAMU SP demand and to verify the existence of patterns of association between the variables. Absolute and relative frequencies of all categorical variables and the times involved in prehospital care were calculated. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through Bardin content analysis with the objective of identifying subjective factors that were not possible to be measured in the quantitative analysis. A second statistical analysis of the database was carried out, focusing on the prioritization of emergency incidentes. The frequency of dispatch and regulation time were investigated, according to the Priority Determinant and main complaint. The chi-square test was used for statistical significance. Results - The demand is composed mainly by clinical chief complaints (59.2 per cent ), male patients (52.2 per cent ), between 20 and 59 years old (54.5 per cent ) and classified with high priority determinants (Echo and Delta) (52.5 per cent ). Interhospital transfers correspond to 0.6 per cent of the demand. Ambulance dispatch frequency is 63.4 per cent and decreases as the priority decreases, reaching 21.2 per cent in the lowest Priority Determinant (Omega). The response time is inversely proportional to the Priority Determinant, and a significant portion of low priority occurrences (35.9 per cent ) are included in the health system. Three dimensions have been identified that influence the prioritization of emergency incidents: reported clinical conditions (cardiorespiratory arrest, respiratory problems, unconsciousness), vulnerable conditions and specific risk of the emergency incident (elderly and children under 3 years, falls, medical doctor fear of underestimation, presence of violence, interaction with other services) and work process intrinsic conditions of SAMU SP operations center (high demand and few resources, collaborative work with other professionals). Conclusions The description and critical analysis of the demand and work process of the SAMU SP brings elements to the discussion about its role within the health system of the city of São Paulo. It is possible to affirm that SAMU SP has fulfilled the mission of saving lives, providing qualified assistance to patients classified as high priority who need care outside the hospital environment. In order to SAMU SP organize the demand for urgent care and to be a health observatory, there is the need of technical and political re-recognition that it is a service integrated to the health care network and not just a thematic network of urgency

In recent years transportation professionals have shown increasing interest in evacuation planning. With the advances in computing technologies it is possible to simulate urban transportation networks with great detail. These details from the traffic simulation model can be used for devising strategies for evacuation and emergency response in case of a disaster. This thesis describes the modeling, calibration, and validation of the VISSIM traffic simulation model coded for downtown San Jose. The network is then used to test various evacuation scenarios to assess evacuation strategies that would be effective in case of a human-caused disaster. The network modeled in the simulation software VISSIM required a large amount of data regarding network geometry, signal timings, signal coordination schemes, and turning movement volumes. Turning movement counts at intersections were used to validate the network with an empirical formula to assess the differences between observed and simulated counts. For freeways the simulation model was validated using the actual travel time information. Once the base network was validated, various scenarios were tested to estimate evacuation and emergency response vehicle arrival times. It was found that in the event of coordinated terrorist attacks (specified in the disaster scenario) simultaneously occurring at four locations in the downtown San Jose area, severe bottlenecks would result due to evacuee traffic. To alleviate the congestion, contraflow lanes should be used on Montgomery Street (which becomes Bird Avenue) to help reduce congestion. While contraflow lanes helped the situation, traffic incidents potentially resulting from all the chaos could complicate evacuations. The investigators found that reducing the number of vehicles on the road through public transit ridership would be the optimal approach, while leaving area roads uncongested for the emergency response personnel. In the scenario where 30% of the evacuees used transit at Diridon Transit Center, the travel times for the remaining evacuees, as well as the first responders, were minimized. None the less, the other scenarios were also critical to this study, since they provided a response strategy in case the transit station is affected by the attacks.

An improvised nuclear device (IND) is considered by the DHS to be the most catastrophic terrorist incident that could befall the United States, causing severe economic damage, extensive property damage, and enormous loss of life. Effective response to an IND is best accomplished with preparation including emergency operations plans (EOP) specific to an IND and training for staff on how to respond. The literature documents several areas of weakness in U.S. health services' preparation that affects entire communities and puts lives at risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in Detroit, Michigan hospitals' EOP for responding to an IND terrorist attack. The conceptual framework used systems theory to look at how an event's complex individual components work as parts of a larger whole. Specifically, the interconnections that the individual parts of an event have on the outcome were assessed as means of evaluating the IND EOP that Detroit area hospitals have in place. This qualitative study consisted of an interview approach with the emergency management representatives of Detroit hospitals responsible for EOP development. Data analysis was completed using categorization based on research questions to look for commonalities and trends. This study revealed gaps that the 5 participating Detroit hospitals have in their preparation, training, and staff knowledge in response to an IND. Implications for positive social change, at local and national levels, include creation and dissemination of an improved model for disaster planning and training in the hospital setting, which correlates to improved community response and community care for health service organizations and throughout health services as a whole.

Bakgrund: För att följderna av en allvarlig händelse i samhället ska minimeras åligger det varje region att ta fram en katastrofmedicinsk beredskapsplan och planera sjukvården så att katastrofmedicinsk beredskap upprätthålls. Vid en allvarlig händelse aktiveras en lokal katastrofmedicinska beredskapsplanen för respektive sjukhus. Ledningsansvarig sjuksköterskapå akutmottagningen är ofta den som tar emot larmet om en allvarlig händelse och aktiverar katastrofplanen.  Syfte: Granska och jämföra svenska regioners katastrofplaner för att belysa vilken roll den ledningsansvariga sjuksköterskan på akutmottagningen kommer få vid en allvarlig händelse. Metod: Deskriptiv tvärsnittsstudie med kvantitativ ansats. Insamling av enkät och styrdokument från den största akutmottagningen i varje region.  Resultat: Majoriteten av akutmottagningarna (60%) hade inga formella krav på tidigareerfarenhet och utbildning för ledningsansvarig sjuksköterska. Utbildning och övning i ledarskap och katastrofberedskap för den ledningsansvariga sjuksköterskan gavs, men i en begränsad omfattning. Vid en allvarlig händelse delges den ledningsansvariga sjuksköterskanmånga betydelsefulla arbetsuppgifter och ansvarsområden utifrån akutmottagningarnas lokalakatastrofplaner. Endast 10% av de regionala katastrofplanerna ger en utförlig beskrivning av den ledningsansvariga sjuksköterskans funktion.  Slutsats: Ledningsansvarig sjuksköterska utgör en central funktion vid en allvarlig händelse. Det bör ställas höga krav på kompetens och funktionen behöver lyftas fram i regionernas katastrofplaner, vilket i nuläget brister i många regioner. Ledningsansvarig sjuksköterska utan tillräcklig utbildning och erfarenhet riskerar att bli en svag länk i systemet kring hela hanteringen av en katastrofhändelse. Något som kan ge konsekvenser i form av en icke fungerande akutmottagning vilket i sin tur kan påverka resten av vårdkedjan och utgöra en belastning på andra samhällsbärande funktioner. / Background: To minimize the consequences of a major accident or disaster, every region has to develop an Emergency Operations Plan and ensure the health care system is able to provide high-quality care during all circumstances. In case of a major accident or disaster, a local emergency response plan is activated at each hospital. The charge nurse is usually the person who receives the alarm call and activates the local emergency plan in the event of a disaster.  Aim: To review and compare Emergency Operation Plans in Swedish regions to highlight the role of the charge nurse in the event of a disaster.  Study design: The study was performed as a quantitative cross sectional study, using questionnaires and a collection of regulatory documents as a data collection method, and descriptive statistics for analyzing the data.  Results: A majority (60%) of the emergency departments did not express any formal requirements in the form of higher education or previous experience for a charge nurse. Education and exercise in leadership and disaster management was provided, but to a limited extent. In the event of a disaster, many important tasks and areas of responsibility are assigned to the charge nurse, according to the local emergency plans. Only 10% of the regional Emergency Operation Plans provide a detailed explanation of the charge nurse function. Conclusion: The charge nurse plays a pivotal role at the emergency department in the event of a disaster. The requirements for the position should be high and the position needs to be highlighted in the regional Emergency Operation Plans. A charge nurse lacking enough education and experience may become a weak link in the chain of disaster management. This may result in ramifications in form of a dysfunctional emergency department affecting otherparts of the hospital and society.

The emergency response readiness of the public health and emergency management systems have become increasingly important topics for research, development and action in the United States. Senior citizens represent a large and growing population group in the United States. Older persons are likely to be disproportionately vulnerable during disasters because they are more likely to have chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and sensory, physical and cognitive disabilities than those of younger ages. Elderly health and safety have become the responsibility of the elderly themselves, of the community in which they live, and the various agencies and organizations charged with preparedness planning. The goal of this study was to assess the emergency operations plans (EOPs) of emergency relief agencies and organizations in the Atlanta area for the provision of emergency relief services utilized by senior citizens as a special needs population. The research and analysis performed was completed in two steps: a review of collected disaster and emergency operations plans (EOPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and a qualitative analysis of a survey submitted to the agencies. Although many EOPs and SOPs referred to emergency relief services for special needs populations, the plans were not functional and did not fully outline the ‘who, what, when, where and how” to provide disaster relief services. Public health agencies must endeavor to better address the disaster related needs of elderly persons who have physical disabilities, special medical needs and communication disabilities. Disaster preparedness plans must ensure the availability of all items necessary to control and prevent complications related to chronic diseases, prevent acute events and promote functionality and independence.

In many urban areas, there are multiple and overlapping layers of governments, which can be problematic for purposes of emergency operations planning for a multiple jurisdiction disaster response. The purpose of this single case study of the National Capital Region was to understand (a) the emergency operations planning collaboration process and (b) how cross-sector collaboration results in synchronized regional disaster responses. Theories of competitive federalism and cross-sector collaboration served as the basis of this study. Research questions explored how organizations collaborate; their organizational structures, processes, and practices; and how relationships between them affect collaboration. Data were collected through reviews of the National Capital Region Homeland Security Strategic Plan and the Regional Emergency Coordination Plan and interviews with 5 network members. A coding map was created to correlate interview responses to research questions and then cross-checked to provide the basis for a thick description of the evidence. The documents provided a basis for understanding how the network operated. Comparing these 2 data sources with coded transcripts and field notes substantiated the evidence. Results indicated that planning network guidance provided the structure for network participants' collaboration to facilitate planning and disaster responses. This research may contribute to positive social change by expanding emergency management network understanding of a cross-sector collaboration planning model that addresses disaster support requirements, enabling better protection of people, property, and the environment.

Positions in emergency medicine are endangered by increased chance of long-term stress and burnout syndrome. These risks, which are inseparable from their professions, can result in increased consumption of addictive substances. Employees of emergency operations centres are one of these risk groups, hypothesised to have increased drug consumption in comparison to general public. The goal of this thesis was investigation of drug consumption among emergency operations centres personnel and determination of addictive substances and the amounts being used. The second goal was to confirm hypothesis about connection between burn out syndrome and drug use. Data were gained through questionnaire survey which was implemented online in 11 Czech emergency medical services in the first half of the year 2019. 25 % (88 respondents) of asked employees took part in this research. Results show, that emergency operations centres personnel most frequently use tobacco and alcohol, the amount is bigger than the amount used by general public. The results show riskier way of alcohol use and higher lifetime prevalence of cannabis usage among emergency operations centre personnel than in general public. Prevalence of methamphetamine and cocaine is nearly the same as among the general public. The hypothesis of connection...

Les crises sont omniprésentes dans le monde organisationnel. Pour faire face à ces situations, les organisations se fient à leurs équipes de gestion de crise, composées habituellement de membres provenant de différents domaines et possédant divers types d’expertise, pour bien gérer ces situations. Comment les membres de ces équipes réussissent-ils ou ne réussissent-il pas à s’entendre et à cadrer collectivement une situation de crise, étant donné leurs antécédents variés? La présente étude propose de répondre à cette question à partir d’une perspective interactionnelle en analysant une sélection d’extraits audio-visuels tirés de trois exercices de gestion de crise réalisés dans la province de l’Ontario. Cinq extraits pertinents ont été retenus pour l’analyse interactionnelle qui a permis de décrire le rôle important de certaines figures dans le cadrage d’une gestion de crise. Les figures correspondent à ce qui compte dans la situation, c’est-à-dire aux préoccupations, aux intérêts et aux attentes des représentants autour de la table. Ces figures sont placées au premier plan dans le cadrage des individus et sont ensuite animées ou non par les membres du groupe de coordination communautaire. C’est seulement lorsque ces différentes préoccupations sont articulées, prises en compte et négociées que le cadrage de la situation de crise peut évoluer collectivement. / Crises are omnipresent in the organizational world. To face these situations, organizations rely on their crisis management teams, mainly made up of members from different fields and with different types of expertise, to better manage these situations. How do members of crisis management teams succeed or fail to succeed in understanding each other and in collectively framing the crisis situation, when each and everyone’s background differs? From an interactional perspective, the current study proposes to respond to this question by analyzing a selection of audiovisual excerpts taken from three crisis management exercises conducted in the province of Ontario. Five relevant excerpts were chosen for the interactional analysis, which helped describe the role certain figures play in the framing of crisis management. Figures refer to what count in a situation, in other words, the representatives’ preoccupations, interests and expectations. These figures are placed in the foreground of the individuals’ framing and are thereafter either animated or not by members of the community control group. Only when these different preoccupations are articulated, taken into account and negotiated can the framing of the crisis situation evolve collectively.