AlphaACT Decision Process

Academic research and extensive experience in emergency management is the basis for a decision-making process that reflects the decision paths of experienced crisis managers

The Recognition-primed Decision Model

Based on the Recognition-primed Decision Model, AlphaACT HAZMAT uses a six-step decision process:

Step 1: Characterize: AlphaACT HAZMAT prompts you to provide the initial information known about the event.

Step 2: Recognize: AlphaACT HAZMAT uses a pattern recognition engine to search its knowledge base for cases with matching characteristics. It then walks you through questions that probe for additional information that can be used to narrow the search for similar scenarios.

Step 3: Analyze: The automated interview ends when you select a scenario that best matches the limited information that is known.

Step 4: Customize: You adapt the base scenario to more closely reflect known conditions by modifying the event characteristics of the selected case. AlphaACT HAZMAT presents a map of the event scene that shows: the Isolation Zone (the area closest to the release where fatalities are likely and high risk rescue operations may be needed) and the Protective Action Zone (the area surrounding the Isolation Zone where serious and irreversible health effects to people are possible and affected persons may be unable to self-evacuate).

Step 5: Dramatize: AlphaACT HAZMAT lets you decide where to locate the incident command post, traffic control points, and other key response locations by moving icons into position on the map.

Step 6: Utilize: AlphaACT HAZMAT summarizes your decisions and provides access to additional reports and position checklists you can use to put your plan into action.