Most recently published
The Whole Community Paradigm Shift
Anthony S. Mangeri
January 13, 2016
Over the years, communities developed a dependence on the federal government for assistance following a disaster. However, such actions are not sustainable and require the support of partners throughout each community. In the modern threat environment, the need for a whole community approach is more important than ever.
Ignoring Spontaneous Volunteers – Not an Option
Chelsea Firth
January 13, 2016
Managing spontaneous volunteers following a disaster can be challenging, but may prove beneficial for a community’s response and recovery efforts. A new project is being conducted throughout 2016 to create an outreach and education strategy for harnessing this valuable resource.
Innovations in Healthcare Disaster Management for Veterans
Jessica Wambach Brown
January 12, 2016
Although fewer than 40 percent of U.S. veterans receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the agency strives to have broad access to reliable medical care during a disaster. The Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center and its partners are exploring ways to improve healthcare resilience both inside
Children as the Catalyst for Change
Yuri Graves
January 6, 2016
The smallest members of a community have the potential to make the biggest changes. Smokey Bear was created in the 1940s to help prevent forest fires. “Duck and Cover” was created in 1951 to teach personal protection in case of a nuclear explosion. The 2010s need a new campaign to
Uncertain Impact of Critical Biosecurity Reports
Robert C. Hutchinson
January 6, 2016
Although many lessons have been learned from Ebola and other infectious diseases, planning needs are quickly diverted when the previous threat is overshadowed by another emerging or re-emerging disease, or other homeland security threat. However, without adequate prioritization, planning, and preparedness, the nation may be set for failure when the
Training Programs & National Preparedness: An Analysis
Brandon J. Pugh
December 23, 2015
There is a positive relationship between first responder training and national preparedness. A comprehensive examination of three different models shows that training is an invaluable component of homeland security. These key findings summarize detailed analysis conducted on the links between training, response capabilities, and funding.
Overcoming Notification Systems Challenges
William (Bill) Betcher
December 23, 2015
Emergency response, information technology, and healthcare communications are three scenarios in which notification systems play a critical role. Recent disasters have demonstrated the benefits of crowdsourcing during response efforts, so notification systems are leveraging this responsiveness through two-way communication technology that can both disseminate and receive information.
The Art of Awareness for Emergency Medical Calls
Seth Komansky and Raphael M. Barishansky
December 23, 2015
Civilian responders have successfully acquired many skills that were originally developed by military services. Situational awareness is one such skill that would be beneficial to adapt to the civilian members of the emergency medical services. Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness would help responders stay “in the loop.”
Bioterrorism in a Technologically Advanced World
Christina M. Flowers
December 16, 2015
Recent advances in genetics, genomics, and biotechnology could have devastating implications for bioweapons and genetically engineered diseases. As such, these developments raise the question of whether it makes sense to pull attention away from “classic” biothreat targets, in favor of more technologically advanced options. Immediacy and ease of use may
Reimagining Epidemic Communications
Renske Erion, Emily Grubert, Simon Mosbah, Michelle Munyikwa, Biswajit Paul and Christine Tran
December 16, 2015
In the first week of December 2015, professionals involved in epidemic preparedness at the national level participated in a forum convened by graduate students from Emerging Leaders in Science and Society (ELISS), a leadership development program hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), in Washington, D.C.
Climate Change Presents an Emerging, Dynamic Set of Hazards
Jeffrey Rubin
December 9, 2015
Despite ongoing political controversy about climate change, one leading organization released a position statement that supports scientific research on weather extremes, which are some of the visible indicators of a changing climate. Changes in weather and habitats need to be addressed to mitigate the potential negative consequences to health and
Forging New Partnerships for Healthcare Preparedness
Jessica Wambach Brown
December 9, 2015
In the first week of December 2015, more than 1,000 professionals in healthcare-related organizations, emergency management agencies, public health departments, emergency medical services (EMS), nongovernmental organizations, and academia met in San Diego, California, to discuss ways to bolster partnerships within and between these disparate groups.
Animals as Part of the Whole Community
Anne McCann and Richard Green
January 20, 2016
Animal issues are people issues. As such, all species household pets, service and assistance animals, agricultural animals/livestock, wildlife, and other animals (including zoo animals, shelter animals, and animals used in medical research) – must be an integral part of a community’s disaster plan at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Whole Community Paradigm Shift
Anthony S. Mangeri
January 13, 2016
Over the years, communities developed a dependence on the federal government for assistance following a disaster. However, such actions are not sustainable and require the support of partners throughout each community. In the modern threat environment, the need for a whole community approach is more important than ever.
Ignoring Spontaneous Volunteers – Not an Option
Chelsea Firth
January 13, 2016
Managing spontaneous volunteers following a disaster can be challenging, but may prove beneficial for a community’s response and recovery efforts. A new project is being conducted throughout 2016 to create an outreach and education strategy for harnessing this valuable resource.
Innovations in Healthcare Disaster Management for Veterans
Jessica Wambach Brown
January 12, 2016
Although fewer than 40 percent of U.S. veterans receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the agency strives to have broad access to reliable medical care during a disaster. The Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center and its partners are exploring ways to improve healthcare resilience both inside
Children as the Catalyst for Change
Yuri Graves
January 6, 2016
The smallest members of a community have the potential to make the biggest changes. Smokey Bear was created in the 1940s to help prevent forest fires. “Duck and Cover” was created in 1951 to teach personal protection in case of a nuclear explosion. The 2010s need a new campaign to
Uncertain Impact of Critical Biosecurity Reports
Robert C. Hutchinson
January 6, 2016
Although many lessons have been learned from Ebola and other infectious diseases, planning needs are quickly diverted when the previous threat is overshadowed by another emerging or re-emerging disease, or other homeland security threat. However, without adequate prioritization, planning, and preparedness, the nation may be set for failure when the
Training Programs & National Preparedness: An Analysis
Brandon J. Pugh
December 23, 2015
There is a positive relationship between first responder training and national preparedness. A comprehensive examination of three different models shows that training is an invaluable component of homeland security. These key findings summarize detailed analysis conducted on the links between training, response capabilities, and funding.
Overcoming Notification Systems Challenges
William (Bill) Betcher
December 23, 2015
Emergency response, information technology, and healthcare communications are three scenarios in which notification systems play a critical role. Recent disasters have demonstrated the benefits of crowdsourcing during response efforts, so notification systems are leveraging this responsiveness through two-way communication technology that can both disseminate and receive information.
The Art of Awareness for Emergency Medical Calls
Seth Komansky and Raphael M. Barishansky
December 23, 2015
Civilian responders have successfully acquired many skills that were originally developed by military services. Situational awareness is one such skill that would be beneficial to adapt to the civilian members of the emergency medical services. Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness would help responders stay “in the loop.”
Bioterrorism in a Technologically Advanced World
Christina M. Flowers
December 16, 2015
Recent advances in genetics, genomics, and biotechnology could have devastating implications for bioweapons and genetically engineered diseases. As such, these developments raise the question of whether it makes sense to pull attention away from “classic” biothreat targets, in favor of more technologically advanced options. Immediacy and ease of use may
Reimagining Epidemic Communications
Renske Erion, Emily Grubert, Simon Mosbah, Michelle Munyikwa, Biswajit Paul and Christine Tran
December 16, 2015
In the first week of December 2015, professionals involved in epidemic preparedness at the national level participated in a forum convened by graduate students from Emerging Leaders in Science and Society (ELISS), a leadership development program hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), in Washington, D.C.
Climate Change Presents an Emerging, Dynamic Set of Hazards
Jeffrey Rubin
December 9, 2015
Despite ongoing political controversy about climate change, one leading organization released a position statement that supports scientific research on weather extremes, which are some of the visible indicators of a changing climate. Changes in weather and habitats need to be addressed to mitigate the potential negative consequences to health and
Responders Can Teach CDP Training Through the Indirect Training Program
Domestic Preparedness
December 5, 2015
Emergency responders who attend the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) training can easily become qualified to share that training with their colleagues back home through the CDP’s Indirect Training Program. Several CDP courses offer a “”train-the-trainer”” option by taking an additional day of training at the CDP’s Anniston, Alabama, campus.
Predictive Policing: Renewed Promise Through New Approaches
James R. (Chip) Coldren Jr. and Zoë Thorkildsen
December 2, 2015
Policy makers and the legal system must often make tough decisions that affect the future. In the case of violent criminals, the decision to release or retain in incarceration could determine life or death for future potential victims. As such, decision makers need the right tools to ensure more statistically
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
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
Public Health’s Role Beyond Biologicals
Audrey Mazurek and Raphael M. 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
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.
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.
Rural Idaho – Research Tools & Training Exercises
Darin Letzring
October 28, 2015
Although there is no shortage of information, the quality and validity of information varies considerably. Learning how toentify effective information tools and use them to their full potential takes time. However, in ruralaho, information-gathering skills are being taught to help emergency planners and public health professionals to better navigate the
Technology vs. Good Planning & Training
Steven P. Bucci
October 28, 2015
There is no single solution to cybersecurity concerns. Technology is advancing, but nothing can replace solid planning and training. All three pillars are necessary to balance cyberthreats. If too much emphasis is placed on one pillar, the vulnerability gap will expand. Ensuring the constant growth and evolution of this trilogy
Technology Development & Science-Based Solutions
Rachel A. Bartholomew and Richard Ozanich
October 21, 2015
Science-based research is useful in analyzing and reducing risks through the development of new technologies for detecting, sampling, and studying various contaminants and unknown substances. Teams of scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory play a large role in ensuring that first responders have the necessary tools to perform their critical
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