David M. Lam

Challenges to remote emergency decision-making for disasters or Homeland Security

New technology allows information gathering and collaboration across information networks that would be of benefit to emergency response. In a Homeland Security Exercise we compared the utility of fixed and mobile video and high quality still images on remote expert decision-making. Sixteen experts situated in three countries viewed and seven evaluated events of the exercise assisted by audio commentary of local knowledge experts. They evaluated the usefulness of black and white (B/W) compared to color images, fixed fast video versus slow video and still images. Technical difficulties interrupted image transmission to one remote site for half the Exercise. However, the images were found useful, color more so than B/W, mobile more so than fixed. The combination of still images and video was best. Playback of recorded images was especially useful for remote evaluation and decision-making. Improved reliability for these imaging technologies could improve shared awareness and large-scale coordination for Homeland Security events.

A review of telemedicine in Uzbekistan

The government of Uzbekistan has recognized the need for telemedicine. With the support of several international groups, three telemedicine programmes have been established. This international assistance has provided equipment and training. There is a national network of emergency medical services, and two e-referral projects, one led by the Swinfen Charitable Trust and the other by NATO. Although these have been successful, they continue to face similar difficulties. However, telemedicine has shown its value.

How to collect and transmit medical data from the site to hospitals during disaster response

This article discusses some of the lessons learned in recent disaster response efforts with regard to medical data transmission in disasters, along with various alternatives to the accomplishment of this task and their associated problem areas. One possible solution devised by the US Army and currently fielded will be discussed in detail – the BMIST‐J (Battlefield Medical Information System Tactical ‐ Joint).

Challenges to Remote Emergency Decision-Making for Disasters or Homeland Security

New technology allows information gathering and collaboration across information networks that would be of benefit to emergency response. In a Homeland Security Exercise we compared the utility of fixed and mobile video and high quality still images on remote expert decision making. Sixteen experts situated in 3 countries viewed and evaluated events of the exercise assisted by audio commentary of local knowledge experts. They evaluated the usefulness of black and white (B/W) compared to color images, fixed fast video versus slow video and still images. Technical difficulties interrupted image transmission to one remote site for half the Exercise. However, the images were found useful, color more than B/W, mobile more than fixed. The combination of still images and video was best. Playback of recorded images was especially useful for remote evaluation and decision making. Improved reliability for these imaging technologies could improve shared awareness and remote distributed team collaboration for Homeland Security events

US Army Teleradiology: Using Modern X-ray Technology To Treat Our Soldiers

This chapter briefly discusses the early use of military radiology and then concentrates on the developments that have taken place since the Vietnam War. Lighter, more robust field X-ray units, using digital computed radiography, have replaced film and wet processing, allowing rapid transmission of these digital images to supporting tertiary-care medical facilities continents away for interpretation (teleradiology). Along with the development of the communication infrastructure needed to support this utilization, these changes have forever altered the concept of military combat radiology. These changes are now becoming institutionalized and will form the framework for future collaboration between the Veterans Health Administration and the military medical services.