Modelling the effectiveness of emergency responses

As an aid in designing emergency plans, the effectiveness of alternative emergency response programs can be modelled quantitatively. This paper discusses the determinants of emergency response effectiveness. In an emergency, injury to life and property occurs over time, as a function of hazard exposure. To assess the effectiveness of emergency response in mitigating emergency consequences, it is necessary to model the logistics of response to determine the completion time of protective measures. The reduced consequences ins then determined by assessing the protection afforded against the hazard. General observations from the experience of applying this analytical method in two case studies are discussed (AU)