The second public meeting of the Collaboration Project was held on Wednesday, May 7th. Entitled Web 2.0: Turning Data Into Information, the meeting featured a presentation of Virtual Alabama by Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker. Virtual Alabama is a powerful tool that aggregates imagery data (including maps, satellite photography, budget data, building schematics, etc.) and is transforming how data is used to spark innovation and empower Alabama's leaders to act.

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Business Challenge:

Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) is a level-one trauma center in Southern California serving a population of more than 3.3 million. Recognizing the fragmentation of the massive emergency service apparatus in this area, Loma Linda's CEO proposed building a communications clearinghouse to ensure a common operating picture for all relevant stakeholders.

Approach Taken:

In 2005 LLUMC worked with the software firm ESRI to develop the Advanced Emergency Geographic Information System (AEGIS,) a situational awareness tool that graphically maps the real-time location of emergencies, medical resources and traffic information. AEGIS allows hospital dispatchers to see in real time all the relevant data necessary for deciding how best to get emergency medical help to those who need it, and how to get such patients to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Results Achieved:

According to EMS Director Dr. Jeff Grange: "Previously an ambulance might have been directed through bad traffic or even through another accident scene. Now, with the situational awareness geographic information system, the base hospital can see everything in real time. When someone makes a 911 call on a cell phone, it shows up on the map, and the team can respond accordingly."

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