SMART CHOICE APPLICATION: A DECISION SUPPORT APPLICATION FOR OPTIMIZING HANDHELD CHEMICAL DETECTOR SELECTION IN EMERGENCY SCENARIOS

The urgent need to improve decision-making capabilities in the selection of chemical detection devices is driven by the necessity to mitigate the malicious use of chemical agents. In response, the Smart Choice application was developed to optimize the selection of handheld chemical detectors. The primary motivation for this application stems from the critical requirement for rapid and accurate chemical detection in scenarios involving chemical terrorism or accidental releases during natural hazard-triggered technological disasters (NATECH). Such situations necessitate swift and reliable detection technologies to safeguard human life and protect the environment. The Smart Choice application utilizes data on observed signs, odors and chemical identifiers to streamline the identification process, ensuring an efficient response to chemical incidents while enhancing safety measures. By integrating a comprehensive database with a user-friendly interface, this application represents a significant advancement in chemical incident management, addressing the challenges faced by first responders in hazardous environments.