Beyond a Three-Dimensional Digital Rescue Sheet

Traffic accidents occur all over the world. They are still among the most frequent causes of death. Introducing electrical vehicles or hydrogen fuel cells, the diversity of cars increases while more and more dangerous components are integrated into the vehicle. If such a vehicle needs brute force opening, these components impede occupants and rescue team. The rescue sheet is a paper-based document indicating location and site of dangerous components for extrication. It needs to be retrieved from databases once the vehicle type is identified. In this paper, we develop a three-dimensional (3D) digital rescue sheet that is based on a standardized terminology of dangerous items and a small set of 3D vehicle models. Our database feeds a mobile app for interactive visualization on smartphones and tablet computers. This core system can be extended by (i) guided optimal navigation (ii) automatic car type identification, and, based on CAN bus information, (iii) vehicle's deformation estimation, (iv) personalized injury estimation, and (v) a comprehensive accident registry. Furthermore, (vi) using the International Standard Accident Number (ISAN), all information can be sent to the rescue team before approaching the accident site. Our system is developed open source and can be extended with further components. It will speed up the rescue process and help to deliver the patients to the hospital within the golden hour.