msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Mounted search and rescue
List archive
- 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
From: AJRFSpecialOps@aol.com
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. ;)
|
-
[MSAR] Re: MSAR-riders digest, Vol 1 #31 - 1 msg,
AJRFSpecialOps, 12/23/2002
- [MSAR] Barcode in SAR, Jorene Downs, 12/23/2002
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