Objectives: Reuniting children with their families after a disaster poses unique challenges. The objective was to pilot test the ability of a novel image-based tool to assist a parent in identifying a picture of his or her children.
Methods: A previously developed image-based indexing and retrieval tool that employs two advanced vision search algorithms was used. One algorithm, Feature-Attribute-Matching, extracts facial features (skin color, eye color, and age) of a photograph and then matches according to parental input. The other algorithm, User-Feedback, allows parents to choose children on the screen that appear similar to theirs and then reprioritizes the images in the database. This was piloted in a convenience sample of parent-child pairs in a pediatric tertiary care hospital. A photograph of each participating child was added to a preexisting image database. A double-blind randomized crossover trial was performed to measure the percentage of database reviewed and time using the Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy or User-Feedback strategy only. Search results were compared to a theoretical random search. Afterward, parents completed a survey evaluating satisfaction.
Results: Fifty-one parent-child pairs completed the study. The Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy was superior to the User-Feedback strategy in decreasing the percentage of database reviewed (mean ± SD = 24.1 ± 20.1% vs. 35.6 ± 27.2%; mean difference = -11.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -21.5% to -1.4%; p = 0.03). Both were superior to the random search (p < 0.001). Time for both searches was similar despite fewer images reviewed in the Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy. Sixty-eight percent of parents were satisfied with the search and 87% felt that this tool would be very or extremely helpful in a disaster.
Conclusions: This novel image-based reunification system reduced the number of images reviewed before parents identified their children. This technology could be further developed to assist future family reunifications in a disaster.
Survey of emergency management professionals to assess ideal characteristics of a photographic-based family reunification tool.
Monteiro, S., M. Shannon, T. J. Sandora and S. Chung
Abstract/Description
The frequency of national and international disaster events, increased media attention, and regulatory changes have all contributed to an improved public awareness of the vital role hospitals play in a crisis. Although hospital disaster preparedness efforts have matured dramatically since the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks, much work still remains to prepare all hospitals for potential pediatric victims. This article emphasizes key emergency response aspects of hospital preparedness for disasters involving children, in particular (1) hospital-based incident command, (2) strategies for operational continuity, (3) pediatric principles of surge capacity, (4) development of decontamination protocols, (5) infection control, (6) sheltering in place, and (7) evacuation strategies.
Pediatric Disaster Readiness: How Far Have We Come?
Pediatric Preparedness for Disasters: Where Are We Now? Current Challenges and Future Directions
Author(s)/Presenter(s)
Shannon, M. and C. R. Baum
Abstract/Description
This article, and the nine that follow, represent a collaborative effort by experts in the field of emergency and disaster preparedness, many who were colleagues of the late Michael Shannon, MD, MPH, to complete this overview he had begun for this issue of Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Each article will address a specific topic area within the broad realm of pediatric disaster readiness, reviewing current challenges and future directions. This series of articles represents a tribute to Michael Shannon and his great legacy of excellence in patient care, teaching and research, and his outstanding leadership and advocacy for children and families.
Reuniting children with their families during disasters: a proposed plan for greater success
Reuniting children with their families during disasters: a proposed plan for greater success
Author(s)/Presenter(s)
Chung S, Shannon M
Abstract/Description
In the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, large numbers of children may be separated from their families and caregivers. Many of these children will present for treatment at emergency departments or be evacuated to relocation sites. Depending on their age, some children may not be able to give their name or may be too frightened to give any information, making identification difficult. At the same time, parents will instinctively rush to hospitals to find their children. In the process, parents may unintentionally obstruct medical care, overwhelm an already stressed staff, and violate patient privacy as they frantically search for their children. Currently, there is no system in the United States that effectively expedites the reunification of children with their families when children can not be identified by healthcare or public health personnel. We propose the creation of a system that employs advanced imaging and feature-extraction technology. We envision a system in which digital images of individual children are captured as they enter a facility, with these images then being automatically transmitted and posted on a secure Web site. Features of each image, such as hair and eye color, would be automatically indexed and cataloged. With the help of trained professionals, parents could enter their child's features into the system and receive a limited set of images for identification, allowing for rapid reunification of the family. Additional advanced features of such a system will be explored. If successful, the use of such a system would address an important unmet need in pediatric emergency preparedness.