The InterAgency Board for Emergency Preparedness and Response

09/02/2020

We let Grenfell Tower residents down, says London fire chief

"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

09/02/2020

DHS, USCIS to Modernize, Define the Collection of Biometrics

"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.

09/02/2020

What Does the Future Hold for EMS after COVID-19? - JEMS

"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.

09/01/2020

"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

09/01/2020

NJ Assembly passes bill allowing police to transport gunshot victims

"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"

09/01/2020

Feature Article Firstaid Severe Trauma FAST online trainings

"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.

09/01/2020

CDC Report Finds Underlying Conditions in 94 Percent of COVID-19 Deaths - JEMS

"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.”

08/31/2020

Body armor opinions: FR1 community weighs use of ballistic protection

"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

08/31/2020

Heathrow Airport Trials Rapid COVID-19 Tests as Alternative to Blanket Quarantines – Homeland Security Today

"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...

08/31/2020

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."

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.

08/31/2020

'Forever Altered': Health Care Workers Face Mental Health Struggles After Caring For COVID Patients

"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...

08/28/2020

Study finds high levels of cancer-causing chemicals in California firefighters' blood: "I couldn't help but think about 9/11"

"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.

08/28/2020

Researchers studying compassion fatigue seek responses from first responders

"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

08/28/2020

IFSI Research

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!

08/27/2020

Feature Article: S&T Transitions ETD Technology to DARPA

"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.

08/27/2020

Chemical Plant Burns in Wake of Hurricane Laura - Firefighter Nation

"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.

08/27/2020

Seattle PD: Rioters tried to trap cops inside burning precinct with rebar, concrete

"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

08/27/2020

Paramedics Turn Old Bus into COVID Testing Center - JEMS

"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.

08/26/2020

Hurricane Laura Strengthens Into a Category 4; Catastrophic Strike Ahead Near Louisiana and Texas Border | The Weather Channel

"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.

08/26/2020

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

08/26/2020

"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

08/26/2020

EMS Teams Deploy to Help with Hurricane Efforts - JEMS

"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.

08/25/2020

COPS Office: Grants and Resources for Community Policing

"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

08/25/2020

Filtration Efficiency Performance of Non-NIOSH-Approved International Respiratory Protective Devices: Phase One | NPPTL | NIOSH | CDC

"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

08/25/2020

Cautious Optimism in Fight Against Massive CA Fires - Fire Engineering

"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.

08/25/2020

Hong Kong reports 'first case' of virus reinfection

"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.

08/24/2020

FBI investigates breach of server used by SD dispatchers to identify COVID-19 patients

"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