Optimizing search and rescue personnel allocation in disaster emergency response using fuzzy logic

Abstract

Several models have been developed to facilitate decision-making in disaster management, especially in relation to emergency resource allocations. These models are required in order for search and rescue personnel to operate efficiently. However, in Indonesia, in general, technology has not been used to help make decisions during the response phase; rather, these decisions are still made subjectively. This paper presents a decision-making model that helps search and rescue teams determine the number of personnel to deploy. Therefore, it streamlines the allocation of personnel in a search area, and it determines the number of personnel that are needed based on the area, population density, equipment, and the number of high buildings. Then, those variables are processed using a fuzzy expert system and a decision tree. The data and knowledge acquired as a reference were obtained from disaster management experts as well as experienced practitioners in the field of Search and Rescue.