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AI and big data analytics are positively impacting almost every sector of human endeavor, even when it comes to saving human lives. Pioneering emergency responders can now be equipped with an array of platforms and solutions that can help them more effectively predict, plan and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. As such, this mix of big data, analysis and reshaping the science of emergencies.
Prediction and preparation
Computers have been used for weather forecasting since the 1950s, and today some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers are dedicated to climate modeling and meteorology. Decades of research, combined with real-time data, including satellite monitoring, and advanced analytical models, including AI, mean that we now have a good understanding of even the most complex weather conditions and we can predict weather events with a high level of accuracy. For governments and emergency services, accurate forecasts mean more time to issue warnings to the public, more time to evacuate and more time to prepare response teams.
AI-based analysis also provides a better understanding of other complex natural events such as wildfires, floods or earthquakes. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin say they have developed an AI algorithm that can predict an earthquake up to a week before it happens. By combining historical data with real-time monitoring, the algorithm predicted earthquakes with 70% accuracy.
Wildfires are very complex systems, with many different factors that affect their severity and dictate how firefighters respond. Scientists are investigating areas where AI can support firefighting efforts, including research into fire susceptibility, how fires spread, and early detection. A successful pilot project, FireAId, was deployed in Turkey in 2022 and significantly helped firefighters reduce response times and risks.
AI-based analysis also provides a better understanding of other complex natural events such as wildfires, floods or earthquakes.
– Dr. Adel Alsharji, COO of Presight
Presight partner NEC has a well-established flood simulation system, which leverages a broad combination of data sources, including observed and forecast precipitation, topographical data and river data, to provide early warning in the event of flooding, predicting the areas most at risk of flooding and modeling the maximum flood. levels and other flood-related information.
Analysis enables effective emergency response
However, prediction and early warning are only one aspect of emergency response, and while accidents are inevitable, advanced analytics and AI are increasingly equipping first responders and government agencies to unique tools to manage incidents and save lives.
Like any digital transformation, many different technologies come together to improve the capabilities of emergency services. Take the example of a fire in an industrial zone. When the first reports come in, data sharing through mobile devices, geolocation services and citizen apps can begin to build a picture of the accident scene. Traffic cameras can share real-time data, and route planning and analytics apps can share the quickest route to the incident with emergency crews, as well as automatically assign the type of appropriate intervention teams to deal with the situation.
On-site, response teams can access data from different sources, including drone and body camera footage, and share that data with command center controllers so they can map the incident, formulate the best response plan and collaborate with other agencies. required. Doctors can access patients’ medical records on-site via mobile devices, connect in real time to medical experts, and assign them to facilities with the appropriate specializations and capabilities to treat them. The same analysis of traffic routes can also be used to plan the best route for ambulances.
By integrating emergency response with municipal data and mapping, the systems can also automatically scan the surrounding area and raise an alert if there is a potential secondary hazard, such as a nearby chemical warehouse that could be threatened by the main fire. Automated emergency alerts, traffic diversions and specific evacuation instructions can be broadcast to the public via apps.
With support for advanced analytics, many connections and responses required for emergency response can be calculated automatically or according to predefined response plans, significantly reducing response time. By combining all of these different data sources and connecting different stakeholders and teams, analytics solutions can provide an unprecedented level of insight, planning, response and monitoring, revolutionize emergency responses and save lives. lives.
– The writer is the Operational Director of Presight
This content comes from Reach by Gulf News, which is the branded content team of GN Media.
