Selecting E-Mobility Transport Solutions for Mountain Rescue Operations

Christian Wankmüller, Maximilian Kunovjanek, Robert Gennaro Sposato and Gerald Reiner
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Christian Wankmüller: Department of Operations, Energy, and Environmental Management, Universitaet Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Maximilian Kunovjanek: Department of Operations, Energy, and Environmental Management, Universitaet Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Robert Gennaro Sposato: Department of Operations, Energy, and Environmental Management, Universitaet Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Gerald Reiner: Institute for Production Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business, 1020 Vienna, Austria

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-19

Abstract: This study introduces e-mobility for humanitarian purposes and presents the first investigation of innovative e-mobility transport solutions (e.g., e-bike, e-stretcher, and drone) for mountain rescue. In practice, it is largely unclear which e-mobility transport solutions might be suitable and what selection attributes are to be considered. The subsequent study supports the technology selection process by identifying and measuring relevant selection attributes to facilitate the adoption of e-mobility in this domain. For the purpose of this study, a multi-method research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative elements was applied. In the first step, results of a systematic search for attributes in literature were combined with inputs gained from unstructured expert interviews and discussions. The perceived importance of the identified selection attributes was then measured by analyzing survey data of 341 rescue workers using the best-worst scaling methodology. Finally, the results were reiterated in another expert discussion to assess their overall validity. Study results indicate that e-mobility transport solutions need to primarily enhance operational performance and support the safety of mountain rescue personnel. Surprisingly, economic and sustainability aspects are less of an issue in the process of technology selection.

Keywords: e-mobility; mountain rescue operations; emergency response; multi-method-research; best–worst scaling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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