Learning How to Provide Tactical Medical Support Under Fire
Philip J. Beck
March 25, 2015
At 8:16 a.m. on 16 September 2013, a shot was fired (the first of many) in Building 197 of the Washington Navy Yard. During the next 69 minutes, while at least 117 officers from eight law enforcement agencies attempt to neutralize the threat, two U.S. Park Police tactical medics and a Navy surgeon triage and treat the wounded.
Adrift - The No-Win Scenario in Responder Training
Joseph Cahill
March 24, 2015
In a training scenario, a lose-lose situation may make a lasting impression on students, but does
little to improve the decision-making skills of the responders. Regularly faced with making
life-or-death decisions, emergency responders should receive training that includes no-win as well as
winnable alternatives, thus reflecting real-life scenarios while not deflating student confidence.
Training Challenge - Choosing the Best Learning Approach
Glen Rudner
March 18, 2015
One responder sits in a room listening to an instructor and discussing key concepts and issues with other participants. Another responder sits at a computer during odd hours going through tutorials and posting on discussion groups. Although both types of trainings are effective, the deciding factors between instructor-led, web-based, or a combination of both trainings are personal.
Ongoing Training Needs: Virginia's Solution
Stephen Grainer
March 18, 2015
In a remote rural area – far from customary amenities, distractions, and other conveniences – players are faced with challenges and must learn to adapt and overcome in order to reap the benefits, otherwise face the consequences. No, this is not a reality television show, but it is an effective “reality” training model that Virginia has perfected to ensure that its emergency responders are prepared to take command if and when needed.
Hospital Threats - More to Address Than Just Donning & Doffing
Craig DeAtley
March 17, 2015
An Ebola-infected American flown from Sierra Leone lies in critical condition at the National Institutes of Health. A nurse who contracted Ebola in 2014 when caring for a patient is suing Texas Health Resources for not properly training its employees. As these events demonstrate, biological threats to hospital workers still exist, and training must go beyond simply donning and doffing.
Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic
Domestic Preparedness
March 15, 2015
This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity from Congressional Research Service, other government agencies, trade associations, and interest groups. In addition, the report lists selected cybersecurity-related websites for
Financial Planning for the Next Ebola Threat
Chris Mangal
March 14, 2015
Public health and healthcare funding is a priority during a disease outbreak such as Ebola. However, when ongoing funding is unavailable, government agencies must scramble to find ways to support public health response efforts. Three funding opportunities may help address these current gaps and avoid disease-specific funding for response efforts after the threat is realized.
Pittsburgh: Traffic-Stop Training to Prevent Police Officer Ambushes
Zoë Thorkildsen
March 11, 2015
Across the United States, incidents of police officers being targeted in ambush-style attacks have raised great concern. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police addressed this rising concern by creating reality-based training scenarios that build situational awareness and test officers on incidents they are likely to encounter during routine traffic stops.
Preparedness: Moving Beyond the Stockpiling of Stuff
Andrew R. Roszak
March 10, 2015
Equipment, plans, and personnel are only as good as their ability to perform when needed. When disaster strikes, it is imperative that local, state, and federal levels of government, emergency management, volunteer organizations, and healthcare coalitions are all operationally ready and trained to use all of the “stuff” they have acquired over the years.
The U.S. Tsunami Program: A Brief Overview
Domestic Preparedness
March 8, 2015
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) assists states in emergency planning and in developing maps of potential coastal inundation for a tsunami of a given intensity. A goal of
