Electronic emergency response management system

[0001] The present invention resides generally in the art of systems and methods for databases used in emergency response activities. In particular, the present invention is related to a system that allows a user to associate particular transportation events with increased risks of weapons of mass destruction threats or accidents to carriers of hazardous materials and to immediately determine the location of emergency response units or resources and their capabilities, and make an assessment as to which of those units or resources have the ability to respond to the identified threats or accidents in the quickest period of time.

[0002] It is believed that there is a serious lack of a coordinated collection of emergency response unit capabilities at a local, municipal, state or even national level. In the event of a catastrophesuch as a natural disaster, industrial accident or terrorist activitycertain types of specialized needs may arise. Presently, to address anticipated and/or unforseen needs, it is likely that numerous phone calls must be placed in order to find the emergency response unit that can address the specific need. As will be appreciated, this is very time consuming and costly. And in instances were lives are at risk, the ability to respond in a timely manner with the incident-specific equipment is critical.

[0003] There are limited technology and unrelated service offerings currently available. Moreover, none of the existing technology is related to the transportation or monitoring of critical assets, such as chemical shipments, transport of weapons of mass destruction or similar threats. In other words, there is presently no known real-time monitoring of critical assets, which if in the wrong hands, could be used in an unintended and harmful manner. And there is no known system that determines what response items are needed if the critical asset is used in an improper way, and which of those assets are closest and can respond in a timely manner. Nor is there a known system that is able to proactively monitor the critical assets in such a way that if a monitored characteristic is not within a predetermined range an alert is immediately generated. Therefore, based upon the foregoing, there is a need to provide emergency response planners and agencies greater control of these events by providing fast access to resources and information associated with weapons of mass destruction, hazardous material release events and the like. And there is a need in the art to monitor for a pattern of events for the purpose of predicting risks of a terrorist event or accidents involving carriers of hazardous materials and alerting appropriate organizations including law enforcement, emergency response and defense agencies.

[0004] In light of the foregoing, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an electronic threat prediction and emergency response management system and method for using the same.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, that provides for use of a database for storing and accessing data relating to transportation events and emergency response units, stationary units and critical assets.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein the database includes as a minimum: a notation of the emergency response unit, the stationary unit and the critical asset; the particular capabilities of the response or stationary unit in responding to specific calamities or response activities; the physical attributes of the critical asset; and the locations of the emergency response unit, the stationary unit and the critical asset.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein the locational information is updated instantaneously by a wireless communications link so that the location of the emergency response unit, the resources/inventory of the stationary unit and the location of the critical asset is known at all times. And it is yet another object of the invention to provide map information designating the locations of all the response units and critical assets.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein the database is accessible, either via the internet, dedicated telephone lines or other similar communication systems, for the purpose of determining response capabilities in a particular geographic region and, if needed, to dispatch those units to a particular emergency.

[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein the database includes information about stationary response units, their location, their relevance to the emergency response units, their particular capabilities, and their inventory.

[0010] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein the emergency response units, stationary and the critical assets are provided with a beacon, which may be a wireless or satellite transceiver device that communicates the locational information of the asset or unit and other related information regarding the status of the asset or unit to a call center which may relay the information to another unit.

[0011] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein a plurality of sensors are associated with each critical asset and each stationary unit, and wherein the sensors are connected to their respective beacon and allow for transmission of operational information related to the critical asset and stationary unit.

[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a system, as set forth above, wherein a processor-based system links the database and communication systems and other mapping information at the call center so as to allow for real-time analysis of emergencies, potential emergencies, two-way communications between the various units and assets, and planning scenarios.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention, which shall become apparent as the detailed description proceeds, are achieved by a computerized method for identifying matches between emergency response units and a response event comprising: identifying a group of emergency response unit (ERU), each said emergency response unit having particular physical attributes; installing an ERU beacon on each said ERU, said ERU beacon emitting a unique identifiable ERU signal; maintaining a database identifying each ERU, their corresponding physical attributes, and a location based on said unique identifiable ERU signal; and accessing said database to determine area response capabilities for a particular type of response event needing physical attributes provided by said group of ERUs.

[0014] Other aspects of the present invention are attained by a system for identifying emergency response capabilities in a geographical area, comprising: a database component operative to maintain an ERU database identifying emergency response units, their physical attributes and their physical location; a communications component for observing physical locations of said emergency response units; and a processor programmed to: periodically update said ERU database component with data supplied by said communications component; and process queries to determine response capabilities of the emergency response units in the geographical area.

[0015] Still other objects of the present invention are attained by a system for predicting potential threats, comprising: a database component operative to maintain a CA database identifying critical assets, their physical attributes and their physical location; a communications component for observing physical characteristics of said critical assets; and a processor programmed to: periodically update said CA database component with data supplied by said communications component; and perform automated process queries to determine whether any one of said critical assets has a physical characteristic outside of a predetermined norm.

[0016] For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques and structure of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing, wherein the drawing shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary system employed according to the present invention.

[0017] Referring now to the drawing it can be seen that an electronic emergency response management system is designated generally by the numeral 10. The system 10, at a minimum, includes a call center 12 which comprises a server or related computer device that is maintained by trained personnel. The call center 12 may be accessible via traditional phone systems, wireless phones, wireless internet devices via the internet or other appropriate communication link. As such, the call center 12 is capable of receiving and sending communications in any number of forms, including, but not limited to facsimile, page, email, voice text and instant messaging.

[0018] The call center 12 has access to a database (DB) 14 which is structured to store various components, including, but not limited to pertinent information related to any number of mobile emergency response units (ERU) 16. Each different emergency response unit or ERU has a separate and distinct alphabetic suffix. These response units may be located anywhere in a city, region or state. And the units may be part of a governmental agency, such as an ambulance; a private contractor that provides special cleanup capabilities for particular emergencies; or an internal company unit that has specific capabilities for particular materials that are shipped by that company. For example, one response unit may have a capability 18a that is specifically designed to clean up large quantities of oil. Another type of response capability, such as 18b, may include the ability to respond to releases of radioactive material. Each mobile response unit 16 is provided with a satellite or cellular device, also referred to as a beacon, 20 that emits a unique identifiable signal which provides locational information, such as a global positioning signal, that is directed to a satellite 24 or wireless cell, or an appropriate communication link that is in contact with the call center 12. Accordingly, the positional or locational information of each response unit 16 is provided to the call center 12 instantaneously or at least on a periodically updated basis. The unique identifiable signal may also provide status information about the response unit such as medicine and equipment inventory, operating range and related information.

[0019] A personal computer (PC) 26 or other similar computing type device is connectable to the call center 12 and database 14 so that the information stored therein may be accessed. The personal computer 26 may be directly connected to the call center 12, or it may be linked by the internet or dedicated telephone line, or even a wireless connection. Indeed, the call center 12, the database 14, and the personal computers 26 may be integrated with one another and supported by a processor-based computer system 28. The system 28 includes the necessary hardware, software and memory to implement the operations disclosed herein. The system includes a processor 29 that is capable of coordinating all the activities of the call center 12 such as routing messages and information, alerting the appropriate authorities and initiating what if scenarios. Moreover, the processor 29 coordinates access to the database; formats the contents of the database; and allows for changes, additions or deletions to the database records as needed.

[0020] The system 10 may also include any number of fixed or stationary response units designated generally by the numeral 30. Each stationary response unit or SRU has a separate and distinct alphabetic suffix. The stationary response units may be located in a city, region, or state in much the same manner as the mobile emergency response units. Particular response units are designated generally by the numeral 32. For example, a government response unit is designated as 32a, an internal stationary response unit is designated as numeral 32b, and a private contractor or for hire response unit is designated as numeral 32c. The government response units 32a may be a coordinating agency for a plurality of emergency response units 16 that have a particular capability. Typically, this capability would be a dispatching unit for the city or state. But, it will be appreciated that the government response unit 32a may be associated with some other emergency related function. Another type of response unit is the internal stationary response unit 32b. Unit 32b might be associated with freight carriers and the like. Accordingly, any dispatching of response teams for cleaning hazardous material may be coordinated with assistance from the call center by an internal response unit 32b. And, a for-hire response unit 32c would be available for either governmental or freight companies on an as needed basis. Each of these units 32 maintain certain resources or capabilities identified by the numeral 33 with alphabetic suffixes associated with each type of entity. Likewise, these units also maintain inventory designated generally by the numeral 34, wherein the alphabetic suffixes are associated with a particular unit. The units 32 are considered to be stationary inasmuch as they do not have any assets that can immediately respond to an on-site emergency in a timely manner. However, these units may maintain inventory of certain resources such as a large quantity of gas masks, specialized suits, medicines or other large quantities of material that would be required in responding to an environmental hazard or activation of a weapon of mass destruction. Moreover, these stationary response units may not have the inventory or resources in a fixed location, but the location of these resources is readily maintained and available to the coordinating agency.

[0021] All of these stationary response units 32 are in communication with the call center 12 and wherein the resources and inventory of each unit are maintained in the database 14. Indeed, each stationary response unit may have a sensor 35 which assists in monitoring the location of specific resources and/or inventory, wherein this information is transmitted by a beacon 36. Although the units 30 are primarily stationary, wherein the resources/inventory are stored in warehouses or a secure location, the resources and/or inventory can be mobile when a situation requires that they be transported. Accordingly, the call center can monitor the status of the resources/inventory and can re-direct them in mid-transit if needed. A direct communication link 38 between the stationary response units 32 and the call center 12 assists in coordinating responses of the agency and/or owners responsible for a chemical spill or related incident. This direct communication link further facilitates the delivery of resources and any goods or services provided by the resources 33 and inventory 34. The call center 12 may also assist in re-ordering materials that are depleted in responding to any emergency event. There may also be provided direct communication links 40 between the stationary response units 30 and the mobile or emergency response units 16 to facilitate immediate decision making in responding to an event.

[0022] The system 10 may also be used to facilitate the tracking and monitoring of critical assets (CA) designated generally by the numeral 50. The critical assets may either be movable or stationary objects and these are defined by suffix designations associated therewith. For example, critical asset 50a may be a movable item such as a cargo plane, freight truck or boat. Critical asset 50b may be a container device that is carried by ships or trains. And critical asset 50c may be a package for delivery that contains some type of critical material or asset that is shipped by a commercial carrier or an asset that is carried and delivered by a private contractor. A fixed or stationary critical asset may be designated generally by the numeral 50z wherein such a stationary critical asset may be a power plant, a water reservoir, any type of public utility and the like. Each of these critical assets 50 is equipped with at least one sensor 52 wherein the sensors may be utilized to monitor certain aspects or features of a particular critical asset. For example, on a tractor trailer, the sensor 52b could be used to detect the rate of speed, sudden deceleration, trailer disconnect, unlock truck and trailer doors and tank valves. A sudden loss of contact from one of the sensors, as monitored by the call center 12, caused by defeating the tracking of the communication system on-board the asset itself, is itself data which could be provided to the call center 12. In order to relay this information from the sensors 52a, a beacon 54 is installed on each of the critical assets 50. Accordingly, when data is received from a sensor 52 via the beacon 54, an alert may be created in the form of a fax, page, email or voice text message and delivered to the call center 12. An appropriate program maintained by the processor system 29 continually monitors the data received and creates an alert when abnormal transferred data is detected. This information may then be used by the call center 12 to alert the appropriate response unit 16 via satellite or cellular communication or, in the alternative, alert and direct the information to the stationary response unit 30. Since time is of the essence in responding to potential threats or actual events, the processor 29 may be programmed to automatically issue need-to-know communications in the proper form to the appropriate unit 16, unit 30, or asset 50. For example, if a sensor 52a detects that a tanker truck 30a has spilled a large quantity of gasoline, this information is immediately transmitted by the beacon 54a to the call center 12. The processor 29 is programmed to recognize such an event and can immediately dispatch an appropriate form of communication via the beacons of the appropriate response units 16 which can then extinguish any fires and clean-up the spill.

[0023] The call center 12 can be configured to analyze the data received to look for patterns of events which may be associated with increased risks of weapons of mass destruction threats or accidents to carriers of hazardous materials. For example, the on-board system of a truck 50a may send real-time data via the beacon 54a indicating that the vehicle is speeding on a particular interstate highway. Information contained within the call center database allows for the truck's bill of lading to be searched and it could be determined that the truck is carrying a material which is poisonous by inhalation. Moreover, the database 14 may maintain map information of pre-identified features such as the interstate highway system, population centers, the location of hospitals, schools and stadiums, and the like, and indicate that the truck is heading toward a populated place and, in particular, toward a school or stadium adjoining the interstate highway. Accordingly, this pattern; a speeding truck, containing a particular hazardous material, near a school or stadium, poses a significant threat and an alert will be automatically distributed to the appropriate emergency units and stationary response resources. The processor 29 may also be programmed to monitor multiple critical assets in conjunction with other current events and predict the possibility of a terrorist event. For example, if it is detected that four gasoline tanker truckscritical assetsare diverted from their expected route of travel and are converging upon a civic landmark, the processor 29 can automatically issue alert notices to authorities to stop the trucks in transit, block off the suspected target area, and alert the appropriate, units capable of responding to a potential conflagration. This predictive nature of the system 10 can be used to stop an attack before it comes to fruition and enable an immediate response to minimize loss of life and property damage.

[0024] In operation, the database 10 is loaded with the desired information. It is envisioned that states or local governments may require all of their particular emergency and stationary response units to load or provide their information to the database 14. Likewise, private contractors with specialized abilities in cleaning up various types of spills or dealing with particular types of chemicals may also maintain their capabilities on the database so that local municipalities, state governments or other governmental agencies will be able to retain the private contractor's services. This information will include at least the available response personnel, their equipment, expendable materials and disposal capabilities. Each entity that registers their particular capability is provided with an identification code and a password to allow access to the database. And when the occasion arises, the local municipality may access this database information to determine response capabilities and the like. Each entity will then be required to install sensors and a beacon at a secure location on the emergency or stationary response unit or critical asset. It is envisioned that the database 16 will include mapping information that shows precisely where the response units are located and where an event which requires an emergency response has occurred. The map information will preferably include information about population densities, the location of hospitals, water supplies, schools, and the like. Prevailing weather conditions may also be incorporated into and be accessible by the system 28. For example, it may be helpful to know the wind and rain conditions in an area where an inadvertent chemical release has taken place. All this information could then be used to quickly determine the number of people that may be affected and what assets are required to mitigate the situation and where those assets are located.

[0025] Based upon the information stored in the database 14 any governmental agency or properly authorized entity may access the database and enter what-if scenarios to determine their ability to respond to any given calamity or natural disaster. In this way agencies can determine whether they are over-staffed in particular areas and/or under-staffed in others or whether particular response capabilities exist in one location but not another. This improves the ability to plan for any number of occurrences and if needed to dispatch the appropriate emergency response unit to an actual disaster situation. It is believed that this combined technology and integrated service offering provides access to resources and information not available by any known system. Further, it is believed that no such system exists for responding to weapons of mass destruction and terrorism threats. These combined technologies and integrated service offerings enable local, state and federal governments to gain access to available resources and provide industry with greater control to respond more quickly and with greater accuracy. The system 10 may also be used to predict potential threats and proactively communicate the potential threat to the appropriate authority. Likewise, the system 10 can detect via the sensors 35, 52 a potential problem with the asset or unit so that an immediate on-site investigation can begin. Accordingly, such a system is advantageous inasmuch as it provides a timely way for system activation to occur in under three minutes with a reliable assessment of response capabilities by utilizing the wireless technology provided with each emergency response unit.

[0026] Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be made to the following claims.