Transportation security decision support system for emergency response: A training prototype

During emergencies, decision making is a challenging task requiring immediate and effective action from responders under the pressures of incomplete and erroneous information. Identification of appropriate resources and personnel, proper lines of communication, and timely accessibility to relevant procedures can minimize after effects. To achieve emergency response and recovery effectiveness, responders need to be prepared and trained for various emergency situations and decision support systems. To address some of the decision making needs experienced by responders, a low-cost computer computer-based training prototype with a decision support system tool was developed. The emergency training prototype was designed for the Indiana Department of Transportation. Emergency responders' capabilities, collaboration with other agencies, deployment of resources and personnel, implementation of response plans, and use of the chain of command were evaluated. The usefulness of prototype and potential decision making systems for the transportation agency are validated based on several mock drills.