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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "MSAR-L" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] Barcode in SAR
  • Date: Mon Dec 23 12:06:02 2002

Jorene, I am currently involved in some computer program designs to integrate barcode scaning of sar activities. lets chat on this one.   
                           professionally, Jeremy Utter; O.S.C.: AJRF
Hi, Jeremy -
I am VERY glad to hear from you! You've probably figured out that I'm a proponent of taking advantage of contemporary technology, but I don't always have the How To knowledge ... yet. Barcode is new territory for me. ;)
 
Barcode scanning should be a useful tool for SAR, applied to such things as personnel ID cards and logistics inventory. Problem is, I have no knowledge of what it takes to incorporate the technology from a programming perspective. We're about to build a series of Microsoft Access databases for SAR management, and I've heard we can program barcode fields in Access. Any input is greatly appreciated! (We can take details to private email unless others express interest - I'd love to hear about your project, too.)
 
My concept is to issue photo ID cards to all personnel, and each card would have a unique barcode per individual. The barcode links to the individual's data. Scan the ID card (inexpensive barcode "gun") at check-in / check-out to track the status of resources, with reference to date and time of the scan. Build team assignments based on the scanned list of personnel.  Design the system for the user to indicate for each scan a particular status - arrive, depart, assigned, resting, etc. Perhaps include a data entry option at the time of the scan to indicate that individual has arrived with an additional resource - search dog, horse, 4x4 vehicle, etc.  Capability to enter new data and print new photo ID cards on the scene.
 
Build on this concept by creating a statewide standard for barcode related to SAR. Include barcode standards for other resources, and design capability for Logistics inventory, equipment distribution, etc.
 
Very useful at local SAR, but if all counties use this system resource management just became more efficient at a major SAR incident. Design so personnel responding from outside the county on a Mutual Aid or state response can simply hand a CD ROM or floppy disk to check-in that contains their own compatible database ... then start scanning ID cards, capturing critical information from the CD and feeding that pertinent data to Operations.
 
Consider that with appropriate flexible design, you also have a resource management tool for disasters. Round up all the first responders in the county to issue ID cards with barcode and you have a countywide database of existing personnel. Then do a countywide inventory of other resources / equipment. That countywide resource list may also come in handy for SAR ... and this more extensive and comprehensive county database is another benefit for SAR personnel to cross train US&R. Of course, the barcode for disaster management should also be coordinated at the statewide level.
 
I've been mutterring about ID with barcode for a couple of years, and earlier this year I heard FEMA was considering implementing barcode ID for the US&R Task Force. Wouldn't it be nice if we had nationwide - or even international - SAR & disaster barcode standards for compatibility? Do it right nationwide and coordinate with military barcode standards. And yes, I'm also about to share the concept of ID and inventory barcode with Red Cross at the national level - the Disaster segment is finally starting to use technology more advantageously, and they're open to suggestion. It appears that 9-11 was a trigger for many in emergency/disaster response regarding improving efficiency in resource management through contemporary technology.
 
Meanwhile - any other ideas on how barcode can integrate with SAR?
 
~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare County, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, USAR
Professionally - an ex-cop and mostly retired management consultant (primarily the telecommunication industry) on the integration of people, process and technology. These days I mostly stay home with the horses and grandkids and fiddle with things like web site design. ;)
 



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