january 2009

Updates

ICx Technologies Provides Security Equipment to U.S. Park Police and National Park Service for Barak Obama's Inauguration

ICx announced that, in response to a high-priority need, they provided four SkyWatch towers, two DefendIR thermal cameras, four IBAC biological sensor units & two Illuminator cameras to help ensure security for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Updates

UPP Technology, Inc. Helps Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

The newly installed Inventory and Resource Management System (IRMS) will provide inventory and patient management systems for emergency response and preparedness.

Healthcare

How the NDMS Can Be Made More Effective

by Michael Allswede -

The Spirit of Volunteerism is a noble virtue, and has been embraced by millions of Americans. Many of them volunteer once too often, though, creating a difficult dilemma for NDMS and other agencies that have a joint claim on their skills and services.

Healthcare

Cold Calculations and the Search for Inner Warmth

by Joseph Cahill -

A timely and temperate reminder that cold weather may be and is uncomfortable, but extremely cold weather can kill. Among those in the greatest danger, surprisingly enough, are EMS staff and other responders.

Resilience

No Time to Cut Back on Safety - The Cost Is Too High

by Warren K. Brown -

Companies throughout the United States are trying to cut expenses any way they can: by layoffs, by plant closures, even by reductions in safety programs - which, it says here, are not only the most unkindest but also the most foolish cuts of all.

Updates

Thermo Fisher Scientific Holds Annual TLD Dosimetry Training for Professionals Engaged in Personnel Radiation Protection

The course includes both introductory and advanced topics, covering the fundamentals of thermoluminescent dosimetry and the aspects of the Harshaw TLD systems required to conduct a successful personnel dosimetry program.

Updates

EMSystems' Emergency Communication and Patient Tracking Used for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Events

EMTrack and EMSystems' emergency communication and patient tracking solution supported all Washington, D.C., Department of Health medical aid stations that were set up specifically for the Presidential Inauguration and several public events.

Updates

Thales Demonstrates Interoperable Communications on Inauguration Day

The Liberty software-defined, multiband land mobile radio enhanced security operations in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas by linking multi-agency communications systems.

Updates

Universal Detection Technology to Deploy the BSM-2000 Airborne Anthrax Monitor for Testing at the University of Buffalo

"The testing at the University of Buffalo will give us the opportunity to test the BSM-2000 at a buildings two most vulnerable areas to a bioterror attack: the mail room & the HVAC system." said Mr. Jacques Tizabi, UNDT's Chief Executive Officer.

Reports

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Report on Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response (TPER)-Funded Activities

This report explains the key role CDC plays in preparing the U.S. public-health infrastructure to respond effectively to all types of hazards, and provides an overview of the broad range of preparedness activities receiving TPER funding.

View Full Report
Updates

The Commonwealth of Virginia Adopts EWAPhoenix

EWAPhoenix will play a pivotal role in the Commonwealth's evacuation and shelter operations by enabling a flexible real-time response in the event of an emergency.

Updates

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Announces That Department of Homeland Security Will Not Postpone Requirements for Maritime Cargo Carriers and Importers

This additional information will be critical to enhancing the department's ability to identify and stop dangerous goods from entering the United States; CBP will continue to welcome input from the regulated industries.

Updates

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Napolitano Issues Action Directives on FEMA State and Local Integration and National Planning

These directives instruct specific offices to gather information, review existing strategies and programs, and provide oral and written reports back to her in February.

Reports

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Releases Pandemic Planning Update IV

This report details the progress made by the Department of Health and Human Services over the past 33 months in planning and preparing for a possible pandemic outbreak.

View Full Report
Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Expert Panel Promote Revised Field Triage Guidelines for Handling of Trauma Patients

The revised Field Triage Guidelines will help save lives by getting the right patient to the right place at the right time.

Updates

Integrated Warehousing Solutions and UPP Business Systems, Leaning Technology Solutions Companies, Announce Rebranding As UPP Technology, Inc.

Upp will offer three services under one name bringing together the best people, technology, and know-how to deliver real business value. This merging of resources will educate clients about the full suite of solutions Upp offers.

Updates

Federal Emergency Managment Agency Administrator R. David Paulson Announces Departure

The resignation took effect at 12:00 p.m. on 21 January 2009. A transition plan has been put into place to assist the incoming Administration.

Reports

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Releases Hurricane Ike Impact Report

This report is intended to be a living document that will change as more information becomes known. It is a snapshot of the agency's current understanding of the impacts brought about by Hurricane Ike.

View Full Report
Commentary

Mumbai: Implications for the West

by Neil C. Livingstone -

Mumbai was totally unprepared for the terrorist attacks of 26 November - and paid dearly for its lack of vigilance. Will the great nations of the West learn from India's mistakes, or simply repeat them?

Updates

Bruker Daltonics Announces Order from Japanese National Police Agency for 51 Mass Spectrometers

The micrOTOF-II system offers powerful exact mass measurements in an easy-to-use bench-top package, featuring excellent mass resolution and accuracy in combination with Bruker's SigmaFit method for molecular formula determination.

Updates

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Ready Campaign Launches Social Media Initiative to Encourage Americans to Prepare for Emergencies

The initiative is an extension of Resolve to be Ready in 2009, a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies throughout 2009.

Updates

The George Washington University Announces Masters of Professional Studies and Graduate Certificates in Security and Safety Leadership

The main objective of the Security and Safety Leadership program is to contribute to the professional development of safety professionals by analyzing a wide range of homeland security issues, policies, and practices.

Updates

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Announces Upgraded Biometric Technology That Facilitates Visitors' Entry to the United States

Upgraded biometric technology is in place at major U.S. ports of entry, and most international visitors should expect to use the new technology when they enter the United States.

Updates

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Announces Customs Trade Protection Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) 2008 Year in Review

The C-TPAT program met key member certification and validation requirements, created a new enrollment sector, conducted first-ever joint validations in China, and signed two additional mutual recognition arrangements.

Updates

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Supports Secret Service in Bolstering Security for 56th Presidential Inauguration

"This is a valuable partnership that provides an added layer of protection to enhance the security of the American public during this historic event" said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley.

Updates

Environics USA has Relocated to Abingdon, Md., from Port Orange, FL

"Environics USA is the latest in a number of international companies that have chosen Maryland as the base of their U.S. operations, further validation that our international outreach efforts are paying off," said Governor Martin O'Malley.

Updates

EMSystems' Emergency Communication and Patient Tracking Were Used for This Week's Presidential Inauguration Events

EMTrack and Response Manager significantly decrease the time needed to track and manage patients - time that can be used to treat patients quickly and effectively.

Updates

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center's Nationwide TaserĀ® Study Finds Serious Injuries Rare after Taser Use

The study reports that 99.75 percent of criminal suspects shocked by a Taser received no injuries or mild injuries only, such as scrapes and bruises.

Updates

Texas A&M University Health Science Center Conducting a Medical Special Needs Preparedness Symposium

The purpose of this symposium is to review activities and challenges in the wake of Hurricane Ike and propose new models and solutions related to the management of Medical Special Needs populations.

Reports

Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza, a Report Prepared by the Majority Staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security

This report examines the nation's state of preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak.

View Full Report
Updates

ClearOrbit Launches Global Track and Trace Solution for the Government Supply Chain; Ensures Accurate Delivery of Strategic Sensitive Assets and Materials

BAE Systems improves supply-chain visibility, intelligence, and efficiencies with award-winning technology from ClearOrbit.

Updates

Simple, Direct Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Detection and Quantitation in Food Products in 5 Minutes Using LCMS from Bruker Daltonics

Bruker Daltonics has developed a highly effective method for detection and quantitation of melamine and related compounds utilizing its easy to use, high performance Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer-the HCTultra.

Updates

Evogen and LGC License High Sensitivity Novel HyBeacons PCR Probe Technology

"The addition of LGC's HyBeacons technology to the EvoCycler platform substantially increases the performance of the assays that we will be providing to the clinical, environmental & biodefense markets," said Evogen's President and CEO Sean Reineke.

Commentary

The Field Testing Dilemma and LRN Chemical Laboratories

by Richard France -

The field testing of potentially lethal chemicals has always been an iffy proposition. Fortunately, a new national network of "gold standard" labs is now available to eliminate much of the uncertainty.

Preparedness

The Mumbai Attacks - Lessons for the Western World

by Joseph Trindal -

The terrorist attacks on tourist hotels and entertainment venues shocked the world - and demonstrated organizational capabilities far greater than those of the local and national units that responded heroically, but also ineffectively.

Preparedness

Changes and Clarifications - NIMS Upgrade Released

by Stephen Grainer -

The first National Incident Management System document was among the most important papers of the Bush presidency; the revised document should help future presidents carry out their most important duty: defending the U.S. homeland.

Updates

National Exercise Simulation Center (NESC) Opens at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The NESC provides a state-of-the-art facility to serve the all-hazards preparedness and response mission through pooling resources, maximizing efficiency and providing sustained exercise and training support to all stakeholders.

Updates

EMS Innovations Named Exclusive Distributor of the Patient Isolation and Containment System (PICS)

PICS is designed to isolate patients during transport and to create a negative air pressure environment when connected to the HEPA Air Filtration System to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Updates

Alion Awarded $21.8M Task Order to Support Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

"The Alion team will play a vital role in assisting the government in the identification & transition of critical technologies in support of defense against weapons of mass destruction," said Sue Archer, Alion SVP & manager of the Operations Group.

Updates

New Year's Resolution for U.S. and Canadian Travelers: Get Appropriate Documents Now Says U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The new requirements are designed to make entering the United States more efficient and more secure.

Updates

DRRE (Disaster Response & Recover Expo) Continues to be the Perfect Opportunity to Learn About the Latest Medical Disaster Response & Recovery Equipment, Technology, & Services

DRRE's 8th annual expo allows public health & emergency preparedness personnel to meet face-to-face with exhibitors showcasing vital medical & disaster-relief equipment and supplies.

Updates

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Reminds Visa Waver Program Travelers of ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) Requirements Now Effective

ESTA is a web-based system that determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) prior to boarding a carrier to the United States.

Updates

Northrop Grumman and Global Security Systems Team to Deploy Alert and Warning System Capabilities

Partnership integrates message distribution systems, enables emergency managers to warn public through mobile and consumer electronics devices

Updates

Universal Detection Technology (UNDT) Seeks $1.5M for Further Development of the Airborne Bioterrorism Monitoring System

UNDT seeks $1.5M to be allocated in three phases to further the development of the BSM-2000 airborne anthrax monitor and to help in the development of a compact, battery-operated, BSM-2000 system intended for use by first responders in the field.

Healthcare

Emerging Infections and Their Impact on EMS

by Raphael Barishansky -

"New" diseases, combined with the fatal rebirth of ancient diseases believed to have been terminally laid to rest, are giving epidemiologists, EMS agencies and responders, and healthcare workers a daunting challenge of epic proportions.

Reports

Project for National Security Reform: State/Local Team Reports

Two Report Downloads: (a) Problem Analysis; and (b) Solution Set for Homeland Security

View Full Report
Updates

Online Exhibit

Welcome!

Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Announces the Release of Snap Shots of State Population Data (SNAPS)

SNAPS serves as a valuable tool when responding to public health emergency events at the state, tribal, and local levels.

Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Announces a Blast Injury Fact Sheet for Professionals

The fact sheets address background information, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, & management & disposition of blast-injury topics. The fact sheets may be used for the treatment of blast injury patients and/or the training of clinical staff.

Updates

Tulane University Announces Dedication of New Biosafety Laboratory

The Regional Biosafety Lab will focus on developing treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics for airborne infectious diseases and potential agents of bioterrorism.

Updates

Anne Arundel Community College Intelligence Analytics Program Now Available

Consider a career change or improving credentials this spring by enrolling in Intelligence Analytics credit classes at Anne Arundel Community College.

Updates

Simulation Education Services (SES) Announces Regional Interoperative Communications Exercise (RICE)

The RICE exercises are functional operations that provide numerous agencies and jurisdictions in a region the opportunity to assess their interoperative communications capabilities and operations.

Updates

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Meets Commitment, Weeks Early, to Hire 18,000 Border Patrol Agents

CBP reached its target weeks ahead of schedule and now employs more than 18,000 agents. In May 2006, President George W. Bush set the goal of increasing the Border Patrol by 50 percent from its then-12,000 agents.

Updates

Fact Sheet: Department of Homeland Security End-of-Year Accomplishments Report

Read DHS's end-of-2008 report on the department's accomplishments & successes last year in protecting the nation from dangerous people & goods, securing the country's critical infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Updates

Department of Homeland Security Announces Revised National Incident Management System (NIMS)

NIMS establishes standardized incident-management processes, protocols, and procedures that all federal, state, tribal, and local responders should use to coordinate and conduct response actions. Read more to see the changes, updates, and revisions.