'Evaluation of simulation as a tool supporting emergency preparedness by testing evacuation scenarios in a hospital building
Author
Mitrosz, Rafal
Term
3. term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-12-22
Pages
43
Abstract
Dette projekt undersøger, hvordan agentbaserede computersimulationer kan understøtte hospitalsberedskab ved at afprøve evakueringsscenarier i en konkret hospitalsbygning. Med afsæt i en litteraturgennemgang af hospitalsrisici, evakueringsudfordringer og kritisk infrastruktur fokuserer studiet især på patienter med begrænset mobilitet og de menneskelige faktorer, der præger beslutninger under pres. Metoden kombinerer input fra sundheds- og teknisk personale (spørgeskemaer) med agentbaseret modellering i Pathfinder for at simulere bevægelse med senge, kørestole og personalebinding, vurdere korridor- og trappekapacitet, samt teste scenarier som strømsvigt og blokerede flugtveje. Formålet er at sammenholde gældende procedurer og forudsætninger med simulerede forløb for at identificere flaskehalse, udstyrs- og bemandingsbehov og dermed styrke planens robusthed. De rapporterede fund peger på et behov for dedikeret evakueringsudstyr og regelmæssig træning for at håndtere den komplekse hospitalskontekst, mens simulationer giver en fleksibel og omkostningseffektiv måde at afprøve strategier, estimere realistiske tider for hjælpekrævende patienter og omsætte resultater til praktiske anbefalinger. Undersøgelsen er afgrænset til én bygning, fokuserer på selve evakueringsfasen, forenkler adfærdsmæssige aspekter og anvender én softwareplatform, men giver trods dette konkrete input til at forbedre beredskab, procedurer og øvelser.
This project examines how agent‑based computer simulation can support hospital emergency preparedness by testing evacuation scenarios in a specific hospital building. Drawing on a literature review of hospital hazards, evacuation challenges, and critical infrastructure, the study focuses on patients with limited mobility and the human factors that shape decisions under pressure. The method combines input from medical and technical staff (surveys) with agent‑based modeling in Pathfinder to simulate movement with beds, wheelchairs, and staffing dependencies, assess corridor and stair capacity, and test scenarios such as power outages and blocked egress. The aim is to compare current procedures and assumptions with simulated performance to identify bottlenecks, equipment and staffing needs, and strengthen the plan’s resilience. Reported findings indicate a need for dedicated evacuation equipment and regular training to manage the complex hospital environment, while simulations offer a flexible, low‑cost way to trial strategies, estimate realistic times for assisted patients, and translate results into practical recommendations. The study is bounded to one building, focuses on the evacuation phase, simplifies behavioral aspects, and uses a single software tool, yet it provides actionable input to improve preparedness, procedures, and drills.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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