Keeping It Simple - Low-Cost Technologies With High Payoffs
Timothy Moshier
November 25, 2015
Detection of hazardous materials can be a very costly endeavor. However, there are ways to simplify the process, reduce costs, and increase the performance of previously purchased legacy equipment. Leveraging the operating environment and informing personnel to make better decisions are two methods for achieving these goals.
Bringing the Gold Standard to the Front Line
Chris Petty
November 18, 2015
Clandestine laboratories are just one evolving threat that first responders face at unexpected times. As this and other types of threats evolve, so must the technology to monitor, detect, and analyze these seen and unseen dangers. High-pressure mass spectrometry is one such technology that is helping first responders perform these tasks in real time while in the field.
Beyond Paris - A Growing Terrorist Threat
Richard Schoeberl
November 18, 2015
Paris is the most recent reminder of the barbaric acts of brutality and terrorism committed by the
Islamic State. Although this extremist terror organization has committed despicable acts – such as
crucifixions, beheadings, live burnings, and bombings – the threat of its brutality is expanding beyond
Europe, with even deadlier consequences.
How the Nation Is Failing in Public Health Preparedness
Patrick P. Rose
November 17, 2015
As public health funding and staffing continue to decline, communities are left more vulnerable to
the next catastrophic public health emergency. The United States is failing in its public health
preparedness efforts. The nation’s resilience depends on the government and public health making
critical changes to reverse this downward trend.
To Help Identify Causes of Fatal Fires Nationwide, NASFM Launches Online Training Program
Domestic Preparedness
November 15, 2015
Over a five-year period, the cause of ignition in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) was unknown in almost three out of every five home fire deaths. Recognizing the reporting gap in NFIRS, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has launched a free, online training program for the fire service.
Public Health's Role Beyond Biologicals
Audrey Mazurek and Raphael Barishansky
November 11, 2015
Public health’s role is often synonymous with biological events such as Ebola, H1N1, and SARS, but the field of public health offers many capabilities that are relevant to chemical, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events as well. To leverage these capabilities, a joint effort from the federal, state, and local levels must make public health a national priority.
New Decontamination Resource - Information & Expertise
Craig DeAtley
November 11, 2015
A new federal resource equips healthcare providers with a valuable information repository. This resource also offers a way to request technical assistance and provides a forum for peer-to-peer discussions. Decontamination is just one of the many in-depth topics addressed by subject matter experts in the healthcare field.
HHS Could Take Further Steps to Enhance Understanding of Public Health Risks
Domestic Preparedness
November 11, 2015
This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) report addresses: (a) federal activities to enhance understanding about the risks climate change poses to public health; (b) federal resources used
Risk-Informed Covert Assessments and Oversight of Corrective Actions Could Strengthen Capabilities at the Border
Domestic Preparedness
November 6, 2015
This testimony addresses the extent to which the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s covert operations: (a) assessed capabilities at air, land, and sea ports and checkpoints to detect and interdict
Next-Generation, Layered Security Screening
David W. Cullin
November 4, 2015
Security checkpoints help law enforcement officers enhance public safety by detecting chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives, and other threats. With advancements in multiplexed luminescence technologies, the detection of trace amounts of explosives can expand beyond stationary checkpoints using handheld tools that are cost-effective and simple to use.
