Modeling evacuation of emergency vehicles by cellular automata models

An evacuation of the emergency vehicle (EV) from an origin point (e.g., accident location) to a destination point (e.g., hospital) in lower and higher congestions is simulated using city cellular automata models. We find that the mean speed of the EV and its arrival time all depend enormously on the cars density, the route length of the EV and the turn capability of the cars. Dangerous situations that occurred during the evacuation of the EV are also investigated. By allowing high turning capabilities to cars, considerable improvements are obtained. Indeed, the EV mean speed is enhanced and its arrival time is optimized. Moreover, at relatively high density, a significant reduction of the risk of accident is expected. © 2008 World Scientific Publishing Company.