# Application of Blockchain Technology in Emergency Management Systems: A Bibliometric Analysis
## 1 Introduction  
Emergency management systems play a critical role in the protection of populations during incidents, including natural disasters, conflicts, human-caused emergencies, technological hazards, and other circumstances [1, 2, 3, 4]. These systems depend on efficient coordination, transparent resource distribution, and rapid response mechanisms to mitigate risks and provide timely assistance [5, 6, 7]. However, traditional state-controlled emergency management frameworks often suffer from inefficiencies, lack of transparency, bureaucratic delays, and susceptibility to corruption [1, 8, 9]. Recent examples of global crises underscore and confirm these claims. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries faced delays in the distribution of medical supplies and vaccines, with opaque allocation processes and corruption in procurement [10, 11]. Similarly, the Beirut port explosion revealed serious delays in emergency response, a lack of transparency in aid distribution, and corruption in the management of hazardousmaterials [12]. The response to Cyclone Idai in 2019 was marked by poor coordination, delayed aid delivery, and allegations of corruption and misallocation of resources by local governments [13]. The ongoing war in Ukraine further illustrates these challenges, as both military and humanitarian efforts have been hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, delays in aid distribution, and problems with transparency of resource allocation, with some reports indicating that corrupt practices have affected the delivery of international aid [14; 15]. These cases highlight significant systemic flaws that hinder the effectiveness of civil protection efforts in times of crisis. Blockchain technology has been proposed as a promising solution to address these limitations by providing a decentralized, transparent, and secure framework for data management and resource tracking [16; 17; 18]. According to [PERSON] et al., blockchain is \"a software protocol that governs the rules for securely transferring assets incorruptibly over the Internet. It enables peer-to-peer collaboration in decentralized networks, eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries or a centrally coordinating trust entity\" [19]. In blockchain technology, transactions and data are stored in the form of blocks that are distributed and decentralized across the network [16; 20]. A defining feature of blockchains is the immutability of data recorded in previous blocks, as each block contains a hash of the preceding block that serves as a unique identifier. This structural characteristic ensures a high level of security and transparency within blockchain systems [20; 21; 22]. The concept of decentralization implies that no single individual or organization has full control over the network; instead, all network participants are collectively responsible for validating and recording transactions [20; 23; 24]. Moreover, blockchain systems are transparent and publicly accessible while maintaining data confidentiality through the secure handling of transaction details [20; 21; 22; 24]. This combination enhances security and resilience against fraud and manipulation. Depending on the level of access and centralization, blockchains can be categorized into three main types: public, private, and consortium [25; 26]. Public blockchains are highly decentralized and open to any user; as such, they fully utilize the foundational capabilities of the technology, though often at the cost of efficiency and performance [25; 26; 27]. In contrast, private blockchains are governed by a central authority, offering greater operational efficiency and flexibility but limiting accessibility and innovation potential [25]. Consortium blockchains represent a hybrid model, combining the advantages of both public and private systems to achieve a balanced approach [26].