Modeling Emergency Service Centers with Simulation and System Dynamics

This paper describes the simulation modeling for planning for the efficient transportation of patients following an earthquake disaster. Research was performed in an effort to predict the consequences of conceivable scenarios. Discrete-event simulation modeling provided an effective supplement to disaster response procedures when simultaneously interface with and drive both planning systems and training systems. Initial performance of the redesigned facilities was positive; however, dynamic feedback within the system of emergency service centers eventually resulted in unanticipated performance problems. System dynamics models were developed to help predict these implementation problems and suggest some ways to improve results.