Welcome to the InterAgency Board (IAB) page. This page is intended to provide updated information & discussion on the IAB and responder community.
(5)
The IAB is a voluntary, collaborative panel of emergency preparedness and response practitioners from a wide array of professional disciplines that represents all levels of government and operational, technical, and support organizations. The IAB provides a structured forum for the exchange of ideas to improve national preparedness and promote interoperability and compatibility among local, state, and federal response communities. Based on direct field experience, IAB members advocate for and assist with the development and implementation of performance criteria, standards, test protocols, and technical, operating, and training requirements for all-hazards incident response equipment with a special emphasis on CBRNE issues. The IAB also informs broader emergency preparedness and response policy, doctrine, and practice.
Mission: Strengthening the nation's ability to prepare for and respond safely and effectively to emergencies, disasters, and CBRNE incidents.
Operating as usual
"Tower block owners refusing to fix fire risks are endangering lives, the UK’s most senior firefighter has said, as he admitted the London fire brigade let down the residents of Grenfell Tower."
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/01/we-let-grenfell-tower-residents-down-says-london-fire-chief
Andy Roe also accuses owners of tower blocks of endangering lives by ignoring fire risks
"The Department of Homeland Security announced the imminent publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes expanding department authorities and methods for collecting biometrics that will establish a defined regulatory purpose for biometrics."
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/09/01/dhs-uscis-modernize-define-collection-biometrics
The Department of Homeland Security today announced the imminent publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes expanding department authorities and methods for collecting biometrics that will establish a defined regulatory purpose for biometrics.
"While it is impossible to know what EMS after COVID is going to look like, it will be different for each service depending on what the community expects. It is plausible to say that the people who fund us will be looking at what it costs and if they are getting value for their money. Other questions that may be asked: Are all the services provided by EMS essential? What are the core services needed? What are the minimal requirements to provide a service? What does an expanded role look like and is it needed? What level or type of service can we afford or need?"
https://www.jems.com/2020/08/26/what-does-the-future-hold-for-ems-after-covid-19/
EMS leaders need to consider the future and have a plan in place after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, writes David Lowe.
"The Community Policing Self-Assessment Tool, or CP-SAT, was developed by ICF International to measure the extent of agencies' community policing activities in the areas of community partnerships, problem solving, and organizational transformation. It provides a way to determine the status of community policing implementation at the agency level, at different ranks and functions and across time."
https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0901-pub.pdf
"The New Jersey General Assembly has passed a bill that would allow police officers to transport gunshot victims and other seriously injured patients when an ambulance is delayed."
https://www.ems1.com/legislation-funding/articles/nj-assembly-passes-bill-allowing-police-to-transport-gunshot-victims-S9CK7Rb3gpAK2Q0l/
The bill is based on a practice in Philadelphia known as "scoop and run"
"More than 250 high school teachers across the nation participated in certification training to become provisional instructors in the First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST)TM program funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). The training was led by Dr. Craig Goolsby, FAST program Principal Investigator. The FAST program consists of training for high school students on how to stop bleeding and treat injuries before first responders arrive at the scene."
https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2020/08/31/feature-article-firstaid-severe-trauma-fast-online-trainings
More than 250 high school teachers were recently certified to become provisional instructors for the First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST)TM program, which trains high school students to stop bleeding and treat injuries before first responders arrive to an incident.
"According to the report, just six percent of coronavirus deaths have “COVID-19” as the only cause mentioned, revealing that 94 percent of patients who died from coronavirus also had other “health conditions and contributing causes.”
The CDC listed the following as just some of the top contributing conditions linked to coronavirus deaths: Influenza and pneumonia, respiratory failure, hypertensive disease, diabetes, cardiac arrest, and heart or renal failure, and vascular and unspecified dementia."
https://www.jems.com/2020/08/31/cdc-report-underlying-conditions-94-percent-covid-19-deaths/
According to the report, just six percent of coronavirus deaths have "COVID-19" as the only cause mentioned; the remaining deaths had other “health conditions and contributing causes.”
"As mass violence incidents grow in scale and frequency, firefighters face difficult questions related to protection efforts."
https://www.firerescue1.com/mass-violence-enhanced-training-emerging-threats/articles/body-armor-opinions-fr1-community-weighs-use-of-ballistic-protection-vLCHAZaSD7G7S3kU/
As mass violence incidents grow in scale and frequency, firefighters face difficult questions related to protection efforts
"The workforce at London Heathrow Airport has taken part in three rapid point of care COVID-19 testing trials. The findings from the trials are being evaluated and will be shared with the U.K. government as ministers consider how testing could provide a safe alternative to blanket quarantine in certain circumstances."
https://www.hstoday.us/industry/heathrow-airport-trials-rapid-covid-19-tests-as-alternative-to-blanket-quarantines/
The workforce at London Heathrow Airport has taken part in three rapid point of care COVID-19 testing trials. The findings from the trials are being evaluated and will be shared with the U.K. government as ministers consider how testing could provide a safe alternative to blanket quarantine in certa...
"The Chester County Tactical Village in Coatesville, PA, is a four-acre complex that creates dynamic and realistic training environments for joint use between fire, EMS, and police."
https://www.firehouse.com/stations/in-quarters/in-quarters/21151636/in-quarters-chester-county-pa-public-safety-training-center
The Chester County Tactical Village in Coatesville, PA, is a four-acre complex that creates dynamic and realistic training environments for joint use between fire, EMS, and police.
"Some health care professionals are worried the immense stress and grief that nurses, physicians and other front line medical workers are experiencing will lead to a wave of mental health issues among people in the field. Published research on the impact of the pandemic on health care workers in the U.S. is very limited at this point.
Some surveys have found significant rates of acute stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety during this and other outbreaks."
https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/08/25/hospital-workers-mental-health-covid-depression-ptsd
Dr. Tracey Dechert says she's lost passion and joy in her work and daily life, and it feels like there's a huge weight hanging over her and her colleagues. She and other medical leaders hope speaking out will lead to more openness and support surrounding health care workers dealing with mental healt...
"Firefighters in northern California say they are gaining control over historic, deadly wildfires that have burned more than one million acres. However, researchers and former firefighters working on a new study fear the responders battling the blazes are in danger of suffering unprecedented long-term damage, as the wildfires destroy over 1,400 homes and businesses."
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-fires-firefighters-study-cancer/
"We can't wait for that latency period for five to 10, 20 years down the line to see that these men and women will contract various forms of this insidious disease," retired Captain Tony Stefani said.
"Disaster mental health experts with the Tulane University School of Social Work seek to further understand the emotional impact of COVID-19 on responders."
https://www.ems1.com/mental-health/articles/researchers-studying-compassion-fatigue-seek-responses-from-first-responders-k1N4SgYJWe0EOmdT/
Disaster mental health experts with the Tulane University School of Social Work seek to further understand the emotional impact of COVID-19 on responders
Firefighters please read and Share... IFSI does great work...
Comparison of SCBA facepieces meeting different versions of NFPA 1981. All facepieces were exposed to a heat flux of 15kW/m2. Note the difference in time to hole formation!
"The technology—a Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry Explosive Trace Detector (Next-Gen Mass Spec ETD)—was developed due to emerging explosive threats and evolving tactics by terrorists to evade detection. For the past decade, S&T has made it a top priority to equip and enhance DHS security personnel with next-generation capabilities that can rapidly identify and defeat these threats."
https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2020/08/25/feature-article-st-transitions-etd-technology-darpa
DHS S&T transitioned technology to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that is representative of S&T’s deep body of work in cataloging, detecting and thwarting explosive threats.
"A large chemical fire has sent a dangerous cloud over Lake Charles, Louisiana, hours after the eye of Hurricane Laura passed directly over the city."
https://www.firefighternation.com/2020/08/27/chemical-plant-burns-in-wake-of-hurricane-laura/
A large chemical fire has sent a dangerous cloud over Lake Charles, Louisiana.
"The Seattle Police Department said officers were forced to kick their way out of the building as rioters built a fire near the exit door. Police told KIRO that rioters had jammed the door with boards and rebar and then tried to seal the door with quick-dry cement. "
https://www.police1.com/officer-safety/articles/seattle-pd-rioters-tried-to-trap-cops-inside-burning-precinct-with-rebar-concrete-vt7OW8IWWZ57QMiO/
Security video obtained by local news shows part of the incident
"The bus has been retrofitted to accommodate a pair of stretchers and paramedic gear and will be used in large-scale evacuations and multi-casualty incidents. First, it’ll be used to bring COVID-19 testing to the county."
https://www.jems.com/2020/08/26/paramedics-turn-old-bus-into-covid-testing-center/
The Middlesex-London (Canada) Paramedic Service unveiled its emergency support multi-patient vehicle on Tuesday.
"Hurricane Laura has strengthened into a Category 4 as it heads for a destructive landfall near the Texas and Louisiana border Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. A catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds will batter the region and a threat of flooding rain and strong winds will extend well inland.
Residents along the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts should finish preparations now for a major hurricane strike. Follow any evacuation orders issued by local or state officials."
https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-08-26-hurricane-laura-forecast-rapid-intensification-texas-louisiana
Our latest, complete Hurricane Laura forecast briefing, and how it could impact Texas, Louisiana and areas farther inland.
The InterAgency Board releases the 2020 Research & Development Priority List!
Each year, the IAB membership prioritizes R&D items within each of the the following disciplines: communications, EOD, fire service, hazmat, health and medical, and law enforcement. Each item was evaluated based on the following criteria: mission performance, life safety of first responders and civilians, strengthening response systems, and anticipation of purchase by communities in need.
To view the full list or for more information, please visit:
https://www.interagencyboard.org/publications/priority-lists
"FEMA’s National Integration Center is seeking public feedback on several National Qualification System (NQS) documents that enhance interoperability and the effectiveness of mutual aid. This National Engagement Period will conclude at 5:00 pm Eastern Time on September 17, 2020. National Engagement provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the draft document, to ensure that it is relevant for all implementing partners.
The Swiftwater Flood SAR Team positions and the Stillwater Flood SAR Team positions will facilitate the sharing of deployable SAR positions at all jurisdictional levels and will support the augmentation of the FEMA workforce during disaster operations."
https://www.fema.gov/media-collection/swiftwater-flood-and-stillwater-flood-search-and-rescue-teams
"EMS crews are deploying to the U.S. Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura threatens to swamp entire towns. A team of three MedStar (TX) crews and a supervisor/strike team leader were deployed to South Texas."
https://www.jems.com/2020/08/25/ems-teams-deploy-to-help-with-hurricane-efforts/
EMS crews are deploying to the U.S. Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura threatens to swamp entire towns.
"The West Greenwich (Rhode Island) Police Department requested assistance through the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) to host an event for local law enforcement agencies from Rhode Island and the surrounding areas to discuss regional challenges in recruitment, hiring, and retention. On January 29, 2020, CRI-TAC hosted Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention: National and Local Trends, a roundtable discussion in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. This document summarizes and annotates the discussions from that roundtable, supplemented by a list of additional resources."
https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/ric.php?page=detail&id=COPS-W0899
test
"This report summarizes the filtration performance results from the assessments that took place as a result of the initial Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)1 and discusses important considerations when purchasing non-NIOSH approved international respiratory devices temporarily authorized for occupational use in the United States."
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/ppecase/PPE-CASE-P2020-0112.html
PPE CASE - Filtration Efficiency Performance of Non-NIOSH-Approved International Respiratory Protective Devices: Phase One, P2020-0112
"Fire officials are cautiously optimistic after dodging a major lightning storm, but they are pleading with residents to heed warnings and stay out of evacuation zones as three massive San Francisco Bay Area wildfires rage on, suffocating the region with smoky air."
https://www.fireengineering.com/2020/08/24/492587/cautious-optimism-in-fight-against-massive-california-fires/
Fire officials are cautiously optimistic after dodging a major lightning storm, but they are pleading with residents to heed warnings and stay out of evacuation zones as three massive San Francisco Bay Area wildfires continued to rage.
"Hong Kong scientists are reporting the case of a healthy man in his 30s who became reinfected with coronavirus four and a half months after his first bout.
They say genome sequencing shows the two strains of the virus are "clearly different", making it the world's first proven case of reinfection.
The World Health Organization warns it is important not to jump to conclusions based on the case of one patient."
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53889823
Experts say no conclusions on immunity can be drawn from one patient - and larger studies are needed.
"The FBI is investigating a data breach that may have compromised the identity of people with the COVID-19 virus in South Dakota."
https://www.ems1.com/communications-dispatch/articles/fbi-investigates-breach-of-server-used-by-sd-dispatchers-to-identify-covid-19-patients-e57Qp86iT8lwKB24/
Officials say the breach may have leaked the names and addresses of those who tested positive for the virus
1550 Crystal Dr, Ste 601
Arlington, VA
22202
For more information, please visit our website at www.interagencyboard.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/InterAgencyBrd. Connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-interagency-board.
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The InterAgency Board for Emergency Preparedness and Response posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to The InterAgency Board for Emergency Preparedness and Response:
Jack Rabbit Project Chlorine Tests The use of a Risk-Based Response is a critical for a safe, effective response to a large-scale chlorine release. The INTERAGENCY BOARD (IAB) Training Trigger provides valuable breakdown of the Jack Rabbit Project Chlorine Tests. Here are some significant findings from the Jack Rabbit studies: •Common urban surfaces are not significantly impacted by Chlorine exposure. •The plume will be strongly influenced by wind speed and direction. •Low wind conditions may allow for upwind movement of the vapor cloud. •Significant lateral movement around structures near the release point may initially occur. •Sheltering inside vehicles within 200 meters did not provide protection. •Gas and diesel vehicles continued to operate in high Chlorine concentrations, thereby allowing for lateral movement away from the source. For more information from the IAB Training Trigger on the study go to: https://bit.ly/2TXbGFN
American Society for Radiation Oncology
251 18th Street South, 8th FloorNational Osteoporosis Foundation
251 18th St S, Ste 630Bloomberg Law for Law Students
1801 South Bell StreetUnited States Army Manpower and Force Managem
300 Army Pentagon, Washington D.C.Concerned Veterans for America Florida
1405 S Fern St, # 197National Security Innovation Network
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 201Aurora Hills Branch, Arlington Public Library
735 18th St STransportation Security Administration
601 12 Street South
Washington-Lee High School, an ABC project in
1301 N Stafford St
Art Institute of Washington: Interior Design
1820 N Ft Meyer Dr
Arlington Virginia Chamber of Commerce
2009 14th St N, Ste 111
VIVA, The Virtual Library of Virginia
3351 Fairfax Dr
Arlington Transportation Partners
1501 Wilson Boulevard Suite 1100
HILT Institute at the Arlington Career Center
816 S Walter Reed Dr
The Arlington House Victorian Dance Society
Arlington National Cemetery