Response, Emergency Staging, Communications, Uniform Management, and Evacuation (R.E.S.C.U.M.E.): Concept of Operations

NHTSA · 2012 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office

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Summary

This document presents the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the Response, Emergency Staging, Communications, Uniform Management, and Evacuation (R.E.S.C.U.M.E.) application bundle, a component of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) program. The primary objective is to leverage connected vehicle (CV) technology and intelligent transportation systems to enhance surface transportation management, specifically focusing on safety, mobility, and emergency response efficiency. The R.E.S.C.U.M.E. bundle integrates four distinct applications: Advanced Automatic Crash Notification Relay (AACN-RELAY), Incident Scene Pre-Arrival Staging Guidance for Emergency Responders (RESP-STG), Incident Scene Work Zone Alerts for Drivers and Workers (INC-ZONE), and Emergency Communications for Evacuation (EVAC). The document serves as a user-oriented guide to define system characteristics, operational policies, and organizational objectives for developers, buyers, and stakeholders. The methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of current operational systems, identification of deficiencies, and the definition of desired changes based on IEEE Standard 1362-1998. The proposed system relies on an "Information Broker" to facilitate data exchange between the R.E.S.C.U.M.E. bundle and other DMA components, as well as direct CV technology bridges. AACN-RELAY enables vehicles to relay emergency messages from crashed or distressed vehicles to Emergency Communications Centers via cellular calls or short-range wireless transmissions, particularly aiding in rural areas with limited coverage. RESP-STG provides emergency responders with real-time situational awareness, including staging plans, satellite imagery, and GIS data, to coordinate dispatch and scene management. INC-ZONE aims to protect incident sites by alerting drivers and workers to hazards, while EVAC supports mass evacuation communications. The document utilizes six detailed operational scenarios—ranging from single-vehicle incidents in low visibility to hurricane evacuations—to illustrate how these applications interact with users and external interfaces. Key findings outline the functional architecture and operational impacts of each application. AACN-RELAY is designed to minimize notification times and provide responders with incident diagnostics, though the document notes that USDOT does not plan to pursue its development in subsequent DMA phases. RESP-STG enhances responder decision-making through advanced analytics and mobile data terminals. INC-ZONE addresses the protection of incident zones, distinguishing them from construction zones, while EVAC improves coordination for mass movements. The analysis identifies specific limitations, such as DSRC line-of-sight constraints for INC-ZONE and liability concerns regarding unsolicited responders for RESP-STG. Operational impacts are categorized by user groups, including local, state, and federal entities, highlighting improvements in cross-agency coordination and resource mobilization. The significance of this ConOps lies in its role as a foundational document for the development, testing, and deployment of transformative mobility applications. By bundling related applications, the DMA program aims to increase transformational impacts and reduce research and development costs. The document establishes the necessary framework for defining functional and performance requirements, ensuring that the proposed systems address current gaps in emergency response and evacuation management. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement and interoperability, providing a clear roadmap for integrating CV technology into public safety and transportation operations to improve outcomes for both emergency responders and the traveling public.

Key finding

The R.E.S.C.U.M.E. Concept of Operations defines a framework for connected vehicle applications designed to improve emergency response times, enhance responder situational awareness, protect incident work zones, and facilitate evacuation communications.

Methodology

theoretical

Provenance

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• emergency work zone conspicuity