Updates

Announcing the 2007 Canberra Homeland Security Regional Training Sessions

Canberra’s Homeland Security Regional Training Sessions provide a professional forum where First Responder and First Receiver users and Canberra personnel exchange valuable certified training on radiological mitigation and specific end-user equipment training on Canberra Products. This 2-day course will also allow regional groups to learn about the equipment that they have purchased, share experiences, provide lessons learned, and gain an overall knowledge of what is happening with regards to the latest radiation detection and measurement methods and instruments throughout the regional areas. Attendance to both days’ sessions will be good towards annual recertification for Technician and Specialist level training. There are three main components to the Regional Training Sessions – Educational Approaches to Radiological Responses, Educational Product Training Seminars, and Product Demonstration Sessions.Topics Covered Include
  • Radiation Mitigation – Concepts of Radiological Response (Cheryl Weaver of Docimo & Associates): This 2-day seminar will discuss a practical approach to radiological response. In addition, specific procedures will be provided which can be utilized in the event of various types of radiological incidents. Attendees should be familiar with basic concepts of hazardous materials response. It is recommended that participants have previous training to the level of Hazmat Operations or Hazmat Technician. Lecture and discussion topics include: rapid risk assessment of potentially hazardous atmospheres, action guidelines to determine a radiological incident, common units of radiation measurement utilized in response, radiation dose and effect as it applies to response guidelines, rapid establishment of zones and determination of entry times, PPE selection, radiation attenuation and shielding, evacuation and sheltering during a radiological incident, radiation exposure and contamination, survey and decontamination guidelines, and management of victims and civilians during a radiological incident.
Cheryl Weaver BioCheryl E. Weaver joined the staff of Docimo & Associates, LLC of Stamford, Connecticut in January of 2000, and she currently holds the position of radiological instructor.  She is a second - generation responder and a 29 - year veteran of the fire and EMS services. And she currently serves as a technician with a regional hazardous materials response team in south central Pennsylvania. In addition, she has ten years experience in radiological technology and 23 years experience in education for first responders, healthcare personnel, and the general public.  Since October of 2005, she has also volunteered her time to work with political leaders, civic groups, and the media to promote civilian preparedness in Pennsylvania.Docimo & Associates, LLC BioDocimo & Associates was formed in 1987 and currently operates as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), providing chemical and radiological training to first responders worldwide. Docimo & Associates’ instructors have received national and international awards and recognition for their expertise. They continue to help bring Government and Military Responders, as well as Fire Departments, Private and Fortune 500 companies up to date on the latest mitigation techniques.  The staff of Docimo & Associates, LLC develops and delivers training programs based upon two fundamental concepts: quality and performance. These principles mold the framework of the company, and are implemented through the commitment of their highly skilled instructors. It is this dedication to excellence that allows them to maintain the highest possible standards, which is evident in the company’s outstanding reputation. The staff of Docimo & Associates takes pride in their continuing ability to address the specific needs and special requirements of their clients. 
  • Use of the Canberra UltraRadiac and Accessories: This course offers student’s simple end-user training on the use of the Canberra UltraRadiac Personal Electronic Dosimeter and Ratemeter during dose and radiation incidents. A simple how-to use the UltraRadiac from taking the unit out of the box, start-up procedures and guidelines, to simple tasks associated with the unit. The basic exercise provides examples of dose and dose rate readings while initiating discussion of potential scenarios. In addition, an overview of the common accessories used with the UltraRadiac, such as S900C UltraRadiac Set Up Software, EXT-IR External IR Reader, and FC-2 Field Calibrator.
  • Overview of MCB-2, Radiagem-4000 Emergency Response Kits, and MiniSentry Portable Portal Monitor: This course offers students a basic overview of some of the more commonly used radiation survey instrumentation and portable portal monitoring system on the market today. Topics covered include use of the MCB-2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma Hand Held Survey Instrument, Radiagem-4000 Portable Hand-Held Gamma Monitor and the various Emergency Response Kit formats. In addition, an overview of the Canberra Smart Probes for the Radiagem-4000 will be discussed, compared and contrasted. Use of the MiniSentry Portable Portal Monitoring System, including set-up, operation, equipment overview and breakdown of the system.
  • Identification of Radionuclide Hazards using the InSpector-1000 Isotopicentifier: This course offers students a basic end-user overview of the InSpector-1000 Hand-Held Nuclide Isotopicentifier. This will walk you through a step-by-step process from turning the unit on, what the unit looks like when it receives a radioactive reading (source locator mode), toentification of nuclides. Potential scenarios of located sources with no nuclidesentified will be discussed. Discussion of NaI (Sodium Iodide) Detection as well as LaBr (Lanthanum Bromide) detection systems. Introduction to Hand-Held HPGe (High Purity Germanium) Detection Capabilities of the Falcan-5000. NOTE: taught for EASY MODE User’s of InSpector-1000 Isotopicentifier.
Meeting Dates and Locations     Tuesday April 3RD and Wednesday April 4TH                                   WASHINGTON, DC     Tuesday May 15TH and Wednesday April 16TH                                PHILADELPHIA, PA    Tuesday June 12TH and Wednesday June 13TH                              CHICAGO, IL    Tuesday August 7TH and Wednesday August 8TH                            LOS ANGELES, CA Why customers should attend the RTS?During a radiological incident, minutes or hours can be wasted on hazard assessment, and lack of operational knowledge of equipment. These programs and training sessions offer techniques and procedures which render information that clearly shows the correct steps to quickly mitigate the incident, and properly utilize the radiological detection and measurement equipment. What customers should attend the HS RTS?The HS RTS is applicable to anyone who would be involved with the first response mitigation activities during a radiological incident. Such incidents include fixed facility incidents, transportation accidents, law enforcement incidents, or acts of terrorism. Fire Departments, Hazmat Teams, Police Departments, State Radiation Detection Bureau’s, Emergency Medical Personnel, Hospitals, Waste Facilities, Emergency Management Professionals, Local, State, and Federal Government Response Teams.  Where else can you find a 2-day Accredited Training Course for just $30.00? RSVP, as attendance is limited! Please be sure to check the Canberra Website for updates on the Homeland Security Regional Training Session Meetings starting March 2, 2007: http://www.canberra.com or http://www.canberra.com/events/HSRTS07/default.asp.  For additional information and pre-registration information, please contactTammy PattisonEmail: tpattison@canberra.comPhone: (203)639-2148John MakarEmail: jmakar@canberra.comPhone: (203) 639-2214