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A multi-objective combinatorial model of casualty processing in major incident response

Wilson, D.T., Hawe, G.I., Coates, G. & Crouch, R.S. (2013). A multi-objective combinatorial model of casualty processing in major incident response. European Journal of Operational Research, 230(3), pp. 643-655. doi: 10.1016/j.ejor.2013.04.040

Abstract

During the emergency response to mass casualty incidents decisions relating to the extrication, treatment and transporting of casualties are made in a real-time, sequential manner. In this paper we describe a novel combinatorial optimization model of this problem which acknowledges its temporal nature by employing a scheduling approach. The model is of a multi-objective nature, utilizing a lexicographic view to combine objectives in a manner which capitalizes on their natural ordering of priority. The model includes pertinent details regarding the stochastic nature of casualty health, the spatial nature of multi-site emergencies and the dynamic capacity of hospitals. A Variable Neighborhood Descent metaheuristic is employed in order to solve the model. The model is evaluated over a range of potential problems, with results confirming its effective and robust nature.

Publication Type: Article
Publisher Keywords: Scheduling; Combinatorial optimization; Emergency response
Subjects: T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Departments: School of Science & Technology
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