Name
Real-Time, Real Lives: A Multi-City Model for Patient Tracking and Safety During Major Presidential Conventions
Date & Time
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Mari Almanza Dr. Nicholas Cozzi Dr. Thomas Engel II Dan Pojar
Description

Large-scale national security events present complex challenges for EMS and emergency management—demanding real-time, coordinated intelligence to safeguard both responders and the public. This session presents a case study on the operationalization of EMS data through the creation of two custom built syndromic surveillance dashboards: one developed for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and the other for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago Illinois. Additionally, EMS systems leveraged real time software solutions (RescueNet Live and Zoll Online) to assist in determining patient acuity. Biospatial was also utilized for assessing syndromic surveillance with rapid data pulls. A specialized triage system was developed to retain patients to be treated within the perimeter of the NSSE footprint while adding transport for those who absolutely needed advanced care at an Emergency Department. Co-presenters Ms. Almanza, Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Dr. Thomas Engel, and Dan Pojar will explore the end-to-end process of designing, developing, and leveraging these dashboards/software solutions to support rapid decision-making, identify emerging health trends, and enhance situational awareness across multiple operational domains. Drawing from real-world use during both conventions, the presenters will share insights on how the tools supported unified command structures, optimized EMS response, and contributed to overall public safety outcomes. Central to this effort was the cross-state collaboration between Wisconsin and Illinois EMS teams, who worked together to overcome jurisdictional barriers and data silos. This session will demonstrate how cross-agency, interoperable data systems can drive measurable improvements in response efficiency, surveillance capabilities, and event preparedness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to replicate or adapt this model for future mass gatherings, complex incidents, and high-stakes emergency scenarios.

Location Name
Meeting Suites 5 & 6
Full Address
Resch Expo
840 Armed Forces Dr
Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
United States
Session Type
Panel Discussion
CAPCE Topic Area
Disaster Management
CAPCE Category
Operations
Number of CE Credits
1
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the role of EMS-based syndromic surveillance tools in enhancing situational awareness and guiding real-time decision-making during large-scale national events.
2. Compare the design, deployment, and operational impact of the Medical Aid Dashboards used during the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
3. Identify key data elements, performance indicators, and visualization techniques that drive effective decision-making and coordinated response in high-risk environments.
4. Assess the value of cross-jurisdictional collaboration in minimizing data silos and advancing scalable, interoperable solutions across EMS, public health, and emergency management systems.
5. Integrate lessons learned from identified challenges to design or improve data-driven tools for mass gatherings, public health crises, and disaster response operations.