Navigation algorithm for the evacuation of hospitalized patients

The paper presents a model to support evacuation plans design for fire emergency management in healthcare facilities. It relies on existing path analysis algorithms such as Dijkstra and fire propagation simulation, also evaluating the level of criticality typical of healthcare facilities such as patients’ speed based upon their illness and admission and architectural structure of wards. The algorithm automatically evaluates the safest evacuation path (which may not coincide with the shortest) for single typology of patient (ambulating, partially-ambulating, completely non-ambulating, auto-sufficient or not) and inpatient unit (ICU, ordinary ward, short-observation unit) in relation to the position of the fire trigger. The results of the algorithm are shown by using SVG-rendered graphic of existing hospital’s layout.