ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Emergency exit and escape routes in public buildings, such as schools, hospitals and administrative offices are controlled by legal rules and regulations. Thereby escape from the building is very well organized in cases of internal threats (e.g. fire, active shooter and hostage situations). Complex buildings with numerous rooms are a special challenge to emergency and law enforcement personnel. Without additional means of orientation a targeted localization of the incident is not possible in many cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extended literature search for guidance and building orientation systems, which enable an intuitive orientation and guidance for emergency personnel was performed. RESULTS: Only three German systems were identified that enable orientation and reliable guidance of emergency personnel within buildings. All three systems, i.e. uniform orientation system schools (EOS), color guidance system (FLS) and the Gütersloh model (GM) were derived from shooting incidents in schools in 2009. Based on a systematic labeling of all rooms, stairways, exits and entrances, ad hoc orientation and guidance of law enforcement and emergency personnel is possible. CONCLUSION: For targeted localization of an internal incident there only seem to be three German systems worldwide that enable an intuitive and immediate orientation and guidance within buildings. An increasing threat of worldwide terrorism and the fact that hospitals are seen as crucial infrastructures for attacks by terrorists make the implementation of guidance and orientation systems in hospitals urgently necessary. This is the first review dealing with this topic.
