NCJ Number
206935
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 18,20,22-24,26,27
Date Published
August 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article proposes and describes the features of a high-performance emergency center for responding to large-scale, destructive disasters.
Abstract
This article recommends combining a community's police and fire stations, as well as some of its smaller medical clinics and municipal services, into a massive four-level emergency center. The author envisions about 500 such facilities nationally that would be able to decisively handle any emergency situation. These facilities would feature a state-of-the art command and control center that allows for fast and dynamic coordination of activities, including traffic control, before, during, and after emergency incidents and events. They would also have a fully equipped operating room; a diverse medical clinic that consists of eye, dental, and other outpatient-type practices; and a 16-bed hospital ward to accommodate the overflow of injured from area hospitals. Large vehicle bays would accommodate extra vehicles, such as National Guard relief trucks and paramedic ambulances. A truck bay and dock would handle an influx of supplies and equipment. Underground parking would protect the crew's own vehicles. An emergency power system, substantial amounts of fuel reserves for its vehicles, and a large rainwater holding tank to provide backup water supply would also be featured. One of the center's most critical components would be a strong, flat rooftop landing area for helicopters transporting supplies and additional emergency personnel directly to where they are most needed. The facility would function as the main staging area for recovery crews working long hours under difficult conditions. The buildings should be designed and constructed to withstand a category 5 hurricane or a moderate tornado. In addition to proposing such a high-performance emergency center, this article also proposes new types of military-derived emergency vehicles, new types of emergency aircraft, and basic infrastructure improvements.