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Innovative Methods for the Benefit of Public Health Using Space Technologies for Disaster Response

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2015

Petros C. Dinas ,
Christian Mueller ,
Nathan Clark ,
Tim Elgin ,
S. Ali Nasseri ,
Etai Yaffe ,
Scott Madry ,
Jonathan B. Clark  and
Farhan Asrar
Petros C. Dinas*
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France Institute of Sport, Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, United Kingdom, and FAME Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala, Greece
Christian Mueller
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Bavaria, Germany
Nathan Clark
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France
Tim Elgin
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France
S. Ali Nasseri
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France
Etai Yaffe
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France
Scott Madry
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France Research Laboratories of Archaeology, UNC-CH, Informatics International, Inc, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Jonathan B. Clark
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Farhan Asrar
Affiliation:
International Space University, Space Studies Program 2014, Montreal, Canada, and Strasbourg, France University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Mr Dinas, Mr Mueller, Mr Clark, Mr Elgin, Mr Nasseri, and Dr Yaffe shared first authorship.
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Petros C. Dinas, Institute of Sport, Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Gorway Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3BD, UK (e-mail: [email protected]).
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Abstract

Space applications have evolved to play a significant role in disaster relief by providing services including remote sensing imagery for mitigation and disaster damage assessments; satellite communication to provide access to medical services; positioning, navigation, and timing services; and data sharing. Common issues identified in past disaster response and relief efforts include lack of communication, delayed ordering of actions (eg, evacuations), and low levels of preparedness by authorities during and after disasters. We briefly summarize the Space for Health (S4H) Team Project, which was prepared during the Space Studies Program 2014 within the International Space University. The S4H Project aimed to improve the way space assets and experiences are used in support of public health during disaster relief efforts. We recommend an integrated solution based on nano-satellites or a balloon communication system, mobile self-contained relief units, portable medical scanning devices, and micro-unmanned vehicles that could revolutionize disaster relief and disrupt different markets. The recommended new system of coordination and communication using space assets to support public health during disaster relief efforts is feasible. Nevertheless, further actions should be taken by governments and organizations in collaboration with the private sector to design, test, and implement this system. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:319-328)

Keywords

disastersdisaster planningemergency preparedness
Type
Concepts in Disaster Medicine
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 9 , Issue 3 , June 2015 , pp. 319 - 328
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2015 

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