NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- A new computer modeling approach tested in New York City may assist in disaster planning and medical response efforts in public health emergencies.
The study simulated and evaluated hypothetical malicious sarin releases in several New York City locations using city demographic information and hospital resource and public transportation system data.
Officials said the results showed an attack in Manhattan could potentially result in up to 22,000 exposed individuals and 178 intensive care unit admissions.
"This platform is more sophisticated than previous disaster planning models," said Dr. Silas Smith of New York University School of Medicine and the study's lead author. "City-specific data (were) incorporated to study potential catastrophes and the medical and public health consequences. Hospitals and emergency planners may be able to better assess the effectiveness of emergency response plans and needed resources."
Officials said the new computer simulation model might be used to simulate various hypothetical scenarios in metropolitan cities across the United States to help improve disaster preparedness.
The study is reported in the American Medical Association journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness.
