The Future Technologies that will Define Disaster Medicine

Introduction: Advances in technology can drastically improve the ability of providers to care for survivors of a disaster. Research into new applications of technology in the Disaster Medicine space, and dissemination of new technological achievements are vital to saving lives. This presentation discusses several recently proven technologies in the field of disaster medicine which deserve further dissemination, as well as promising technologies currently being studied. Method: An overview of the current uses and upcoming research on several technologies will be definitive in future disaster responses. Results: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Telemedicine have been well studied and are proven game changers in field disaster response. Artificial intelligence continues to be studied and aid real-time, strategic and tactical decision making in the field. Virtual reality simulation has now advanced to be a feasible, cost effective and effective method of training disaster responders as well as for training the lay public in disaster risk reduction. Artificial Intelligence is also being studied for uses in the hospital and in all forms of Emergency Management, and is likely to be intricately tied to the future of the field. Conclusion: As new technologies are developed, it is important for Disaster medicine practitioners to consider how they can be applied to the field. Advocating for applying new technologies to disaster medicine, and for dissemination of proven technologies is a vital part of advancing the field of disaster preparedness and response.