Discrete-Event Simulation of the Disaster Response in the Aftermath of a Coordinated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Strike in an Urban Area

The increasing use of suicidal and explosive Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) poses a significant threat in both battlefield and urban environments, as evidenced by recent events in Ukraine. This study employs the SIMEDIS Simulator to simulate a triple UAV strike in Brussels City Centre, comparing two evacuation strategies: "Stay and Play" versus "Scoop and Run." The simulation incorporates medical facility locations, bed capacities, and evolving patient conditions. Findings highlight the importance of rapid patient transport to surgical facilities, emphasizing the effectiveness of the “Scoop and Run” approach alongside timely medical interventions and adequate blood supply. Challenges such as hemorrhage control and managing multiple disaster sites are also discussed. This study underscores the necessity of efficient evacuation protocols and medical responses to mitigate casualties in urban disaster scenarios involving UAV attacks.