Emergency Response


World Trade Center Responders at Heightened Risk for Atherosclerosis, Study Says

Researchers from Mount Sinai have found that responders who experienced high levels of exposure to the initial dust cloud on Sept. 11, 2001, have a greater risk of developing arterial plaque.

Two-Way Learning

Comparing two groups' retention of training material about fire extinguisher use and safety showed response technology was beneficial.

Power Up Your Safety Communication with Electronic Message Boards

The heart and soul of any digital signage program is the content. Far too little focus is placed on this aspect of the program.

This photo from the Asahi Shimbun Facebook page shows a ship capsized by the tsunami.

Cataclysm and Recovery

In 2011, the world experienced both. Expect more of the same — and then some — in the year ahead.

Emergency Notification and the Protected Learning Environment

What happens when events outside demand that emergency information has to penetrate the protective cocoon of the classroom?

Pressure to Perform

Understanding the dynamics of air pressure within your hazmat suit should provide welcome peace of mind.

$38 Million State Fine in 2008 PG&E Pipeline Explosion

The Rancho Cordova, Calif., explosion on Dec. 24, 2008, involved natural gas leaking from a distribution pipeline. An administrative judge rejected a smaller, $26 million fine proposed by the CPUC and the utility.

Committee Set for Next Steps on Rural EMS

The Dec. 19 meeting of the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services will include the final response to NTSB recommendations from the Mexican Hat, Utah crash of a motorcoach in January 2008.



FEMA Chief Outlines FY2011 AFG Priorities

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants help departments obtain or provide vehicles, PPE, training, and fitness/wellness programs and equipment.

VA Confirms Sprinkler Mandate for Nursing Homes

This affirms the agency's final rule last February concerning NFPA codes and standards with which various facilities must comply.

Gulf Spill Cleanup Moves to Restoration Phase

According to BP, at the height of the response to the oil spill, more than 48,000 responders were involved in capping the Macondo well, recovering oil, protecting the coastline, and rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.

NTSB Calls for Commercial Fishing Safety Improvements

"The commercial fishing industry continues to have the highest fatality rate of all occupations in the United States; the safety hazards of this industry are unacceptable," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman.

Various Problems Found in EAS Test

FEMA is gathering reports from test participants and asking stakeholders to send tips and suggestions. Many are suggesting incorporating social media and smart phones next time.

Firefighter Injuries Down Eight Percent from 2009: NFPA

The report takes a look at the number of 2010 firefighter injuries, injuries by type of duty, exposures to infectious diseases, and how a community’s size affects the number of injuries within a fire department.

Crews Still Pumping Oil from Stranded Container Ship

Salvors have attached 35 underwater locator beacons to the containers considered most vulnerable to being lost overboard, and they expect 200 more beacons to arrive soon from the United States, Maritime New Zealand reported Nov. 7.

PHMSA Announces Dec. 9 Pipeline Emergency Response Forum

From the one-day event at DOT headquarters in Washington, D.C., the agency hopes to develop a strategy for improving responders’ ability to prepare for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline emergencies.

Fourteen Delta Sites Boast OSHA Stars

The airline said its Dayton Airport Customer Service team worked for more than a year to earn Star status, which was awarded in a Nov. 7 ceremony.

First Nationwide Emergency Alert Test This Week

At 2 p.m. EST on Nov. 9, the Emergency Alert System will be tested nationally to assess whether it works effectively as a method of alerting the public about emergencies.

NIOSH Updates Infectious Disease Exposure List for Emergency Response Workers

The resources include a list of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, and specifying those diseases routinely transmitted through airborne or aerosolized means.

Hazard Recognition Training to Prevent Future Failures

With all of the changes in duties expected of emergency responders, it is imperative that we revamp our training methods.

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