Abstract:
An incident management system includes a check-in computer system and a portable data terminal. The check-in computer system is utilized to read information from a plurality of pre-existing identification (ID) cards and utilize at least a portion of the information to create an incident-specific credential for each person responding to an incident. The portable data terminal is configured to read the incident-specific credentials and communicate with the check-in computer system to provide current assignments of personnel responding to an incident such that the personnel can be tracked.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/488,762, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING INCIDENT SPECIFIC CREDENTIALS AT THE SCENE OF A LARGE-SCALE INCIDENT OR WMD EVENT, filed Jul. 21, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is generally directed to management of a large-scale incident or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) event and, more specifically, to the implementation of incident-specific credentials for responders to a large-scale incident or WMD event. 
   The recent Sep. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have highlighted various deficiencies in how emergency or civilian responders to, or victims of, a large-scale incident are tracked at the scene of an incident. In general, such tracking has been required for both logistics and site security. The current state-of-the-art has been to login personnel or victims at one or more staging points. At login, a record of the person has been created either using pencil and paper or a computerized log. A temporary ID has then been issued or a designator (e.g., color sticker, grease pen markings) applied to a pre-existing ID to indicate the status of a person (e.g., approved to be on-site, triage status, etc.). The current method is time-consuming, non-standardized and prone to human error. 
   What is needed is a technique that accounts for personnel and/or victims at a scene of an incident that is standardized, efficient and less prone to human error. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, an incident management system includes a check-in computer system and a portable data terminal. The check-in computer system reads information from a plurality of pre-existing identification (ID) cards and utilizes at least a portion of the information to create an incident-specific credential for each person responding to an incident. The portable data terminal is configured to read the incident-specific credentials and communicate with the check-in computer system to provide current assignments of personnel responding to an incident such that the personnel can be tracked. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, an incident management system includes a check-in computer system, a portable data terminal and a command computer system. In this embodiment, the check-in computer system reads information from a plurality of pre-existing identification (ID) cards. At least a portion of the information is then utilized to create an incident-specific credential for each person responding to an incident. The portable data terminal is configured to read the incident-specific credentials. The command computer system is in communication with the terminal, which communicates with the command computer system to provide current assignments of personnel responding to an incident such that the personnel can be tracked. 
   These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary Emergency Management Accountability System (E-MAS), according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of an exemplary E-MAS credential, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1B  is a back view of the E-MAS credential of  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of exemplary E-MAS functionality, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a site accountability block diagram, according to one aspect of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary command computer system main screen. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   According to various embodiments of the present invention, incident-specific and time-limited credentials may be created to identify various levels of authority with respect to: 1) attendance at a site or incident (either global or sector-specific); 2) performance of specific functions; and 3) priority of treatment. According to one embodiment of the present invention, incident-specific identifications (IDs)/credentials are created in the field by copying data from pre-existing, machine-readable IDs that the person or victim has brought to the site (e.g., a driver&#39;s license, a military ID, a Fire-Trax tag, etc.). According to another embodiment of the present invention, “authorities” and/or “time limits” may be incorporated into the credential, e.g., in human-readable text and/or in a machine-readable media. It should be appreciated that the “time limits” may also be thought of as an authorization. 
   According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a biometric is incorporated into the ID (e.g., a person&#39;s photograph) to positively identify the person. For example, when a firefighter shows up at a staging area of a major incident, the firefighter&#39;s ID (e.g., including a PDF417 bar code) is scanned and pertinent data automatically populates a standard credential template. The system operator selects the “authority” of the credential by either using a system default (e.g., permitted on-scene), and/or qualifying the permission based on a sector (e.g., rehabilitation only) and/or time limit (e.g., Jul. 24, 2003, only) and/or function (e.g., emergency medical service (EMS) only). It should be appreciated that it may be advantageous to implement other authorities within the credential depending upon the circumstances. The system operator can also take a photograph to provide a positive biometric ID. The new ID tag/credential is then created using a label printer, photo-ID card system or other tagging system. Alternatively, an existing photograph, such as a driver&#39;s license photograph, may be used in conjunction with the ID tag/credential. In this embodiment, the existing photograph and the ID tag/credential may be placed in a pocket of a plastic pouch so that a new photograph does not have to be taken. When implemented with a plastic pouch having a single pocket, a front view may show the ID tag/credential and a back view may show an existing photograph. Alternatively, both the ID tag/credential and the existing photograph may be positioned in separate pockets of a plastic pouch for easier viewing. 
   In an advanced application, the qualifications embedded in the pre-existing ID tag can automatically assign a permission level (e.g., a firefighter with EMS training can automatically be permitted to perform EMS functions). In addition, machine-readable biometrics (e.g., photographs) embedded in the pre-existing ID tags can be used for the new ID/credential. Preferably, the pre-existing ID tags (e.g., PDF417, touch buttons, RFID, etc.) brought to the scene include high-capacity data files that already contain pertinent personal information and qualifications. However, the same method can be used with low-capacity machine-readable ID tags, such as linear bar codes or magnetic-strips, on driver&#39;s licenses or credit cards. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a fast, accurate and standardized method for establishing site security at large-scale incidents, such as natural disasters and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) events. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may also provide a quick and accurate method for tagging victims of a mass casualty incident (MCI). 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , an electrical block diagram of an exemplary emergency management accountability system (E-MAS)  100  is depicted. As is shown in  FIG. 1 , a check-in personal computer (PC)  114  includes a processor  102  coupled to a memory subsystem  104 . The processor  102  is also coupled to a display  106 , a printer  112  and an input device  108 . The processor  102  may be a general purpose processor, a microcontroller (i.e., an execution unit with memory, etc., integrated within a single integrated circuit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory subsystem  104  includes an application appropriate amount of volatile and non-volatile memory. The PC  114  may communicate with a number of other devices, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA)  144 , a PDA  134  and a command PC  124 , via a wireless local area network (WLAN) card  110 . For systems that do not implement a command PC  124 , the check-in PC  114  can function as both a command PC and a check-in PC. As is discussed in further detail below, the PDAs  134  and  144  are utilized at the incident to check-in and account for personnel and/or victims at various locations at the site. The input device  108  may take various forms, such as a barcode reader wand, and may include a keyboard, as well as a mouse. The printer  112  may also take various forms, such as a laser printer and/or a label printer. When the command PC  124  is implemented, the command PC  124  receives signals from the PDAs  134  and  144  and receives information from the check-in PC  114 , such that the command PC  124  can track responders at the incident. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a front and rear of an exemplary E-MAS credential are depicted. As is shown in  FIG. 1A , the front of a credential  150  includes a photograph  152  and a barcode  154 , as well as textual information, such as the responder&#39;s name and whom the responder is affiliated with. Referring specifically to  FIG. 1B , the rear of the credential  150  may include an expiration date  156 , an assigned function  160 , a location  158  and a barcode  162 , which may include various additional information. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , an Emergency Management Accountability System (E-MAS) is designed to perform a number of functions  200 , which include rapid check-in and staging  204  and site accountability  206  for responders at the site of a large-scale incident, such as a WMD event or natural disaster. According to one aspect of the present invention, E-MAS is used to create incident-specific credentials that include “site permissions” to be on-site for a specific time frame, at a specific location and/or perform a specific function. According to one embodiment, PDF417 bar codes on the credential provide portable data files that travel with the responder throughout the incident, providing on-the-spot personnel data. Portable Data Terminals (e.g., PDAs) deployed at the incident can provide remote location credential checks and entry-point accountability, while transmitting this information back to the command post for total incident coordination. In this embodiment, the command post may feature a field PC (communicating over a wireless local area network (WLAN)) to monitor personnel and unit deployments. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system function of pre-tagging (optional)  202  may be employed. According to this embodiment, all area responders are issued standard PDF417 photo ID tags or cards, which serve as departmental IDs and provide for accountability during routine incidents. The PDF417 is a portable data file containing, for example, name, rank, ID number, department, qualifications, certifications and optional emergency medical/contact information. Depending on the level of site security desired, this ID can be used “as is” for accountability purposes or its data can be rapidly and accurately captured to populate a template of a new incident-specific credential. 
   At check-in, all personnel are screened for credentials. If pre-tagged with an E-MAS-compatible PDF417 photo ID, they may gain access to the site, as is. Alternatively, if an incident-specific credential is being enforced, a bar code scanner tethered to a PC can be used to accurately and quickly scan IDs to capture data into a new credential template. It should be appreciated that a PDF417 equipped state driver&#39;s license can be used for data entry. If the responder has not been pre-tagged, the system operator may key-in data. From a drop-down list, the operator may select the type of site access for the individual. That is, access based on a time, and/or location, and/or functional or unlimited basis may be established. These “permissions” can be indicated in human-readable text on the tag, as well as in a machine-readable format, e.g., a PDF417 bar code. The new credential can then be printed from a printer, e.g., a laser printer, at the site. A digital camera may also be used to provide a photograph for inclusion on the credential. Color-coding of the tag stock is also an option. Once personnel have been checked-in, they are automatically “staged” in the system as available resources, either as part of a crew or as an individual. 
   With reference to  FIG. 3 , a system  300  may be employed that provides accountability and security at four (4) levels: ID tag  304 , at the PDA  124 / 134 , at the Command PC  124  and Off-Site. In this embodiment, the ID tag  304  provides a photo-ID and “permissions” in human-readable text so that site officials can validate site access. A personal digital assistant (PDA)  124 / 134  may be used to scan the machine-readable information, e.g., PDF417 bar codes, to display a person&#39;s data, validate the person&#39;s permissions and assign or reassign the person. When the backside “permissions” bar code is scanned, an alarm may sound if the permissions do not meet the programmed rules of the PDA (i.e., expiration, location, function)  124 / 134 . The PDA  124 / 134  keeps a running tally of the number of personnel being tracked and their locations or assignments. In this manner, a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) check may be conducted at any time. The PDA  124 / 134  may provide a “qualifications search” where individuals are located based on their qualifications and a “history report” showing all responders and their assignment history at a site. The assignment data in the PDA  124 / 134  can then be communicated to the command PC  124  via traditional cradle/cable upload or, if desired, via 802.11 radio frequency communications. Implementing one or more PDAs is desirable for providing credential checks and accountability at remote locations. The command PC  124  may be used as the nerve center of the system  300  and, in this manner, serve as a hub of a wireless LAN and collect data from the check-in PC  114 , the PDAs  124 / 134  or directly from a tethered scanner. The command PC  124  provides a schematic of all assignments so a commander can quickly visualize what forces are deployed. This allows a PAR check to be readily conducted for any assignment or for the total site. According to various embodiments, check-ins, assignments and checkouts are time and date stamped for complete reporting capabilities. Further, a command log may be created, which automatically summarizes key events, such as PAR checks and completed objectives. Data from the command PC  124  may also be sent upstream to central dispatch, an EOC or the Internet using a mobile gateway  310  and standard communication protocols. 
   The benefits of E-MAS include: 1) speed—E-MAS provides a rapid tagging capability when pre-existing PDF417 ID tags or driver&#39;s licenses are scanned, expedites the data entry process while virtually eliminating human error and reduces or eliminates bottlenecks at check-in; 2) standardization—E-MAS produces a standard ID tag that can be used by all responders, which makes site security and accountability processes easier; 3) security—since data can be captured from pre-existing IDs, e.g., E-MAS ID tags or state driver&#39;s licenses, the data captured should be valid and a photograph on the ID can provide additional security and the “site permission” on the E-MAS credential provides on-the-spot credential validation and accountability; 4) simplicity—the E-MAS system operates on simple “aim and shoot” bar coding principles that can be learned in a matter of minutes with simplification being the overriding design objective of the system; 5) scalability—E-MAS can scale-up to handle virtually any size incident and multiple check-in stations may be used with the primary building block for data capture being PDAs, which can be widely deployed, and, since E-MAS can utilize state driver&#39;s licenses for data entry, civilian responders or victims can be easily tracked; and 6) survivability—the E-MAS system has various levels of survivability, such that even if communications are cut with the outside world, the incident commander can manage accountability from his command post. If for some reason the command post PC goes down, site commanders can still use PDAs to maintain sector or entry-point accountability. In the rare event that all PDAs fail, the system can still revert to a manual dog tag system, using the human-readable text on the credentials. It should be noted that the PDF417 bar codes on a credential represent portable data files, which travel with the person or asset being tracked and, as such, they survive and can be accessed even if central databases and communications are down. 
   With reference to  FIG. 4 , a screen dump  400  of an exemplary command computer system main screen is depicted. As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the screen dump  400  supplies information, such as the number of people and the type of equipment on the scene, as well as the names of the individuals on the scene. As previously mentioned, data from the command PC  124  may be sent upstream to a central dispatch, an Emergency Operating Center (EOC) or the Internet using standard communication protocols. In this manner, in the event of multiple incidents, during the same time period, a central authority may be utilized to reallocate resources, as necessary. 
   Accordingly, it should be appreciated that E-MAS is particularly useful for large-scale incident management. Agencies that can benefit include: state emergency management; county Emergency Operating Centers (EOCs) and emergency management; state and federal Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams; large municipal fire departments; mutual aid pacts; and state and federal forestry. 
   The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.