​Key Message:  A mobile Emergency Action Level (EAL) App has been developed for Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) that automates the EAL selection and application process during the first minutes of an incident response.  The app supports rapid, accurate decision-making for emergency classification, onsite protective actions and offsite protective action recommendations.

Early decision-makers in a hazardous materials operational emergency apply EALs to support initial emergency classification, onsite protective actions and offsite protective action recommendations.  Critical to success in the EAL process is the correct selection of the EAL for the incident, rapidly accessing the selected EAL and application of the EAL guidance.  This process is subject to human error and delay, especially when there are numerous EALs, the emergency produces high stress for the decision-maker and competing demands distract the decision-maker's attention.

A mobile application has been created to assist early decision-makers at SNL with the selection and application of EALs.  The Microsoft Excel-based app operates on the mobile devices used by the decision-makers in the field - Windows laptops, Apple iPhones and Apple iPads.  A User Interface rapidly walks the user through observable indicators and then selects the matching EAL.  EAL components (e.g., maps, emergency classification, protective actions, protective action recommendations) are presented for evaluation and implementation.  Once confirmed by the decision-maker, the EAL and resulting decisions can be transmitted to the EOC and other users.

​The EAL app is stand-alone – fully contained on the target platform without the need for external communications.

This presentation summarizes:

• An overview of the application of EALs in early emergency decision-making
• Collaboration with decision-makers to create the design of the EAL App
• The structure of the EAL App (hardware and software)
• The output from the EAL App and how it is used
• A narrated demonstration of the EAL App by a SNL Duty Officer (early decision-maker)
• Benefits of this tool to emergency management
• Lessons learned from application of the EAL App