Intelligent computer support for crisis management

Computer support for crisis management is today mostly focused on immediate emergency and rescue operations, while there are few all-in-one systems capable of deploying support to decision making processes in state administration and at international level. The paper presents the concept of a Hybrid Decision Support System for Crisis Management HDSSCM which is an intelligent platform providing direct support for crisis decision makers. The idea has been developed with a view to, firstly, demonstrating the potential inherent in systems that would be able to address a wide range of emergency response operations, and secondly, to outlining a system architecture proposal. The discussion is placed in the context of Poland's crisis management system. Specific parameters of polish system represents both an inspiration and an underpinning for the proposed intelligent platform. The authors also describe some recent applications and current trends in the area of crisis/disaster management systems.