This project investigates the feasibility of constructing temporary medical facilities on barges to traverse inland waterways in response to natural or terroristic disasters. Limited resources are available for general hazard relief across much of the geographical US. Inland waterways can provide access for equipment and people when other means of transportation are unavailable due to capacity constraints or destruction. For example, there are over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways in the state of Arkansas that could assist in a catastrophic event such as a New Madrid earthquake in the northeast corner of the state. Particular research questions include:
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(1)What medical services should/could be provided?
(2) What is a reasonable response time for such facilities? Is this response time feasible?
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(3)What is the optimal barge design?
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(4)Is this economically/practically feasible?
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(5)How does weather factor in?
