| Title |
Optimization of Rapid Deployment Framework for Modular Mobile Hospital (MMH) in Disaster Response |
| Authors |
Seyeon Lee ; Sung Hyun Kim |
| DOI |
https://dx.doi.org/10.6106/KJCEM.2025.26.5.066 |
| Keywords |
Rapid Response; Mobile Modular Hospital (MMH); Medical Unit; Utility Pod; Deployment Process |
| Abstract |
This study proposes a systematic deployment framework for Modular Mobile Hospitals (MMH) designed to provide rapid and effective emergency medical response in disaster and pandemic situations. The research analyzes 117 major disaster cases in Korea from 2014 to 2022 and reviews domestic and international disaster response guidelines and mobile hospital case studies. Disaster response phases are cat egorized into acute (0?2 hours, 2?72 hours), subacute (3?60 days), and chronic (over 60 days) stages, with 30 essential emergency medical programs and 24 corresponding medical units identified for each stage. The study also establishes optimal modular unit specifications (3.3m × 6.6/9.9m × 3.7m) based on transportability, assembly efficiency, and on-site adaptability. Furthermore, a dual utility system strategy?combining centralized (shared) and independent configurations?is proposed to ensure flexible and scalable operation in various disaster contexts. Building on these foundations, a five-stage MMH deployment process is developed, enabling rapid site installation, adaptive medical unit combinations, and efficient resource allocation. This study enhances the feasibility of MMH as a practical solution for emergency medical response and provides a comprehensive framework for disaster healthcare infrastructure planning. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of design guidelines, policy recommendations, and standardization efforts in modular healthcare facilities. Ultimately, this research contributes to strengthening disaster resilience and improving the speed and quality of emergency medical services in large-scale emergencies. |