Data’s Role in Emergency Responses

Data is critical to the decision-making process. Harvard Business School notes these facts and statistics allow companies to better “verify, understand, and quantify” information. As we’ve seen firsthand, this is especially true during times of urgency or crisis. Madeline Markman, IT Data Manager, is sharing more about how CTEH collects, manages, and transforms data on emergency responses to help organizations make smart, strategic choices:

What types of data does CTEH generally collect during emergency responses?

We have decades of experience performing air monitoring; collecting water, sediment, and soil samples; compiling geospatial data; and more. When incidents occur, it’s imperative to establish a common operating picture. This helps drive real-time situational awareness, so relevant stakeholders can better evaluate potential impacts. As we’ve seen firsthand, data management is instrumental to this process.

What tools does CTEH use to gather this data?
We use wireless field instruments to input data into a proprietary digital app. This customizable and easily accessible platform allows us to provide exact GPS points of where readings or samples were collected as well as location descriptors that give greater contextual information about each data point. 

How does CTEH transform data into meaningful information?

Conditions can rapidly evolve during emergency responses, and stakeholders need continuous data to help them make informed safety decisions. In near-real time, CTEH’s data visualization capabilities allow for quick insight into current and evolving situations. For future documentation and following stringent quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures, our team provides comprehensive reports that accurately capture the details of what happened during an incident.

What are the benefits of CTEH’s digital data collection and management processes?

Ease. Accessibility. Accuracy. We can see in near real-time where responders are taking readings and what those readings are—all from phones, tablets, or computers. Instead of waiting until the end of the collection process, our team also conducts continuous QA/QC to help ensure stakeholders have the most up-to-date, accurate, and actionable data.

 We firmly believe nearly all questions can be answered with data. If you’re in need of our expert technology services, contact webquestion@cteh.com.