Part 3 of Dr. Vanderwagen's groundbreaking five-part series on the numerous - and extremely difficult - challenges involved in implementing the U.S. National Health Security Strategy. This white paper addresses challenges related to preparing for a mass evacuation, conducting such an evacuation, and fulfilling information needs within a shelter environment. Although specific to domestic events, many of the same approaches also have merit in an international environment.
Throughout history, invisible enemies such as plague, pandemic influenza, and other infectious diseases have posed a great threat to human life. Public- and private-sector agencies and organizations are diligently working together to prevent future pandemics before they start. The immediate goal is to protect the nation's warfighters, but the greatest beneficiaries may well be millions of civilians - both current and future generations.
Amateur Radio can be a lifesaving communications service that has supported emergency responders, law-enforcement teams, and the public during major flood events, power outages, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters both large and small. Like other "Guardian Angels," the nation's Amateur Radio operators may not always be seen, but they are almost always there - wherever "there" is - when they are most needed.
This is one-day course is designed to help prepare first responders and receivers to assess, plan for, prepare for, and handle critical incidents such as workplace violence attacks, school shootings, mass shootings, domestic violence spill-over attacks, extremist threats and other incidents are occurring with alarming frequency.
During the month of May, the Regional Fire Program Specialists in the 10 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) regions will host workshops on the FY (fiscal year) 2012 AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) Program and upcoming application period. The workshops will help potential applicants understand the purpose of the FY 2012 AFG Program, changes since FY 2011, funding priorities, award evaluation criteria, and a brief description of other AFG funding opportunities.
Bio-weapons are the new "hidden dangers" available to terrorist groups seeking to kill and create widespread havoc. They are low in cost, quickly available, difficult to detect, and - if properly designed - extremely lethal. Moreover, first responders are often the most likely victims - but can save themselves, and other potential victims, by wearing proper protective clothing, following the rules already prescribed, and using an uncommon amount of common sense.
The recent upgrading of the Defense Department's former CBRN Consequence Management Response Force means that states, cities, and smaller communities throughout the country will have much greater medical response capabilities - personnel as well as equipment - than was ever before possible.
There are several "known" unknowns - namely, how to develop, produce, and deploy chemical and biological weapons that are more toxic than ever before possible. There also are some "unknown" unknowns, the most important of which is this: Where are the tons of chemical weapons that disappeared from Libya's reported and unreported stockpiles?
Even the best trained and most highly motivated responders can be no better than their equipment. This means that the search for and purchase of the best equipment available must always be a top priority for senior management with critical decision-making responsibilities.
Success in any field of human endeavor usually requires not only education and training but also having at hand the best "tools" available to do the job - no matter what that job entails. In hazmat or CBRNE incidents, the tools used by emergency responders include a broad array of detection, analysis, and identification devices, an uncommon degree of common sense, and a healthy awareness of the many dangers and possible pitfalls usually involved.
