Emergency Response


FDNY Fire Prevention Bureau Graduation Caps Week's Activities

National Fire Prevention Week 2010 started Oct. 5 with children taking the Junior Firefighter and EMT pledge and concluded with an Oct. 8 graduation ceremony.

Former Fire Administrator Heading NFPA Office

NFPA President James Shannon announced Gregory B. Cade's appointment as division director of government affairs on Wednesday.

FAA Proposes Stricter Safety Rules for Helicopter Operators

Under the proposed rules, operators would use the latest on-board technology and equipment to avoid terrain and obstacles. The proposal also contains provisions which, if finalized, would require operators to use enhanced procedures for flying in challenging weather, at night, and when landing in remote locations.

Cintas Shares Critical Fire Safety Tips

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Cintas has issued a list of fire protection and safety tips to help businesses prevent fires and be prepared in the event of a fire.

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month

This time it's significant for emergency responders and CPR instructors because the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council will issue their 2010 Guidelines for resuscitation on Oct. 18.

Three Sponsors Supporting New Fire Research Lab

To be built at the famed Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., the facility is expected to house a variety of activities related to combustion and explosion, fire suppression, and materials.

Staying Prepared in Remote Areas

First and foremost, the hazard itself should be the most prominent consideration when choosing a specific piece of emergency equipment.

Little evidence of "helicopter shopping" or "call jumping" was found in the GAO review.

GAO Finds Few Problems in Air Ambulance Industry

Little evidence of "helicopter shopping" or "call jumping" was found in the agency's review. Patients being transported increased 35 percent from 1999 through 2008 as the number of air ambulance helicopters increased 88 percent.



After the Flood

While clean water damages electrical system components, floodwater is especially destructive. Don't assume water-damaged electrical equipment can be simply cleaned and reused.

"Under these new rules," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, "operators will need to comply with tougher requirements for everything from well design and cementing practices to blowout preventers and employee training."

Interior Secretary Announces New Drilling Rules

They're the Drilling Safety Rule and the Workplace Safety Rule. The latter applies to all offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters and will require each operator to develop and follow a 13-point Safety and Environmental Management System.

Big Brazilian Order Placed for ZOLL AEDs

More than 5,000 units are involved, the largest order to date since the AED Plus was introduced in 2002, according to the company.

This Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee of Canada photo shows part of the setup for the 26th Annual North American Vehicle Extrication Challenge.

Vehicle Extrication Challenge Tests Responders

The 26th Annual North American Vehicle Extrication Challenge held in Calgary put teams from Canada, the United States, Britain, and Sweden to the test with multiple types of extrications, including simulated accident scenes involving a tanker truck and a cement truck.

The new "Public Health Preparedness" report says emergency preparedness for public health emergencies is in good shape.

Good Progress Nationwide on Emergency Preparedness: CDC

The agency's second report on all 50 states and four localities receiving federal money for this shows improved ability to meet a public health emergency.

Harwood Targeted Grants for Green Jobs, MSDs, Nano, More

Sixteen organizations receive $2.75 million in one-year grants to develop training materials about nanomaterials, work zone safety, green roofing jobs, beryllium, and several others.

APHA began Get Ready Day in 2006 and observes it annually on the third Tuesday of September, during Ready month activities.

Are You Ant or Grasshopper? APHA Wants to Know

Get Ready Day is Sept. 21, with flu preparedness a prime focus but general emergency readiness also important. The American Public Health Association's new materials include a video to test your approach.

Virtually Yours: ASSE's Petroleum Safety Symposium

A solid lineup of speakers and sessions cover offshore and land operational safety lessons from Kleen Energy, BP, and more Sept. 21-23.

CSB Chief Appoints Managing Director

Dr. Daniel Horowitz, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's director of congressional, public, and board affairs, got the promotion and unanimous approval from the board's members.

The report analyzes the range of respiratory diseases affecting firefighters, with chapters written by experts in the field.

IAFF Report Examines Firefighter Lung Diseases

"Respiratory Diseases and the Fire Service" addresses smoking, pulmonary function testing, World Trade Center responders' respiratory diseases, disaster-related infections, and much more.

Study Safety Cultures in EMS Agencies Vary Widely

A survey of EMS agencies from across the country found wide variation in perceptions of workplace safety culture.

CVS Pharmacy Fined $89,000 for Hazards in Connecticut

A single citation for obstructed exit routes alone amounted to $70,000 because the company was cited for similar conditions at other locations three years ago, making it a recurring hazard.

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