Selecting Facility Location of Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (gsr) Units; an Analysis of Efficiency in Disaster Response

Abstract

Disasters, referred to as events that result in physical, economic, and social losses for individuals and disrupt the daily activities of human communities, necessitate ongoing preparedness due to their unpredictable nature. Swift response during and after a disaster is crucial for preserving human life. Hence, it is imperative to initiate planning immediately following a disaster to ensure readiness for various tasks. Given these factors, search and rescue units must carefully select a base location that enables them to promptly reach affected areas. Disasters exhibit unique characteristics across different regions of T & uuml;rkiye. While some regions are prone to earthquakes, others face the risks of landslides, avalanches, or floods. Consequently, the required measures for disaster management vary from region to region. Nevertheless, when the term "disaster" is mentioned in T & uuml;rkiye, earthquakes often come to mind due to their frequent occurrence and significant impact. The Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (GSR) units have been actively responding to these earthquakes, renowned for their exemplary institutional discipline and working methods. This study aims to examine the operations and deployment locations of GSR units, which play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of frequent earthquakes in T & uuml;rkiye, utilizing a SWOT analysis. Additionally, a Multi-Criteria Decision Making-based mathematical model will be employed to optimize task activities and to select the most suitable facility locations for GSR units. The use of mathematical modeling in this context ensures that GSR units are strategically positioned to maximize their operational effectiveness and minimize response times. The results will be evaluated through sensitivity analysis.