INTRODUCTION: Dealing with major incidents requires an immediate and coordinated response by multiple organizations. Communicating and coordinating over multiple geographical locations and organizations is a complex process. One of the greatest challenges is patient tracking and tracing. Often, data about the number of victims, their condition, location and transport is lacking. This hinders an effective response and causes public distress. To address this problem, a Victim Tracing and Tracking system (ViTTS) was developed. METHODS: An online ViTTS was developed based on a wireless network with routers on ambulances, and direct online registration of victims and their triage data through barcode injury cards. The system was tested for feasibility and usability during disaster drills. RESULTS: The formation of a local radio network of hotspots with mobile routers and connection over General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to the central database worked well. ViTTS produced accurately stored data, real-time availability, and a real-time overview of the patients (number, seriousness of injury, and location). CONCLUSION: The ViTTS provides a system for early, unique registration of victims close to the impact site. Online application and connection of the various systems used by the different chains in disaster relief promotes interoperability and enables patient tracking and tracing. It offers a real-time overview of victims to all involved disaster relief partners, which is necessary to generate an adequate disaster response.
INTRODUCTION: Dealing with major incidents requires an immediate and coordinated response by multiple organizations. Communicating and coordinating over multiple geographical locations and organizations is a complex process. One of the greatest challenges is patient tracking and tracing. Often, data about the number of victims, their condition, location and transport is lacking. This hinders an effective response and causes public distress. To address this problem, a Victim Tracing and Tracking system (ViTTS) was developed. METHODS: An online ViTTS was developed based on a wireless network with routers on ambulances, and direct online registration of victims and their triage data through barcode injury cards. The system was tested for feasibility and usability during disaster drills. RESULTS: The formation of a local radio network of hotspots with mobile routers and connection over General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to the central database worked well. ViTTS produced accurately stored data, real-time availability, and a real-time overview of the patients (number, seriousness of injury, and location). CONCLUSION: The ViTTS provides a system for early, unique registration of victims close to the impact site. Online application and connection of the various systems used by the different chains in disaster relief promotes interoperability and enables patient tracking and tracing. It offers a real-time overview of victims to all involved disaster relief partners, which is necessary to generate an adequate disaster response.
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