Emergency Response


FEMA Releases Interim Government Preparedness Guide

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced the release of the interim "Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Producing Emergency Plans: A Guide for All-Hazard Operations Planning for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments."

Building Managers’ Group Battling Code Change Proposals

At the Sept. 17-23 International Code Council Final Action Hearing in Minneapolis, BOMA hopes to derail the required extra exit stairway for tallest buildings and an emergency responder radio coverage proposal.

USFA Releases After-Action Critiques Technical Report

"The After Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned" is designed to help all fire service members gather critical information from all emergencies; document lessons learned; and assist with the continuous evolution of firefighter training.

Gulf Coast's Post-Katrina Health System Recovering

As the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the health care system in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast shows encouraging signs of recovery, reports a special August issue of The American Journal of the Medical Sciences.

DHS Releases National Emergency Communications Plan

By 2013, 75 percent of all jurisdictions should be able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within three hours of a significant event, it states.

'ShakeOut' Organizers Plan Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History

"Yesterday's earthquake was a wake-up call--a reminder to us to make the important changes we need to survive the inevitable," said the U.S. Geological Survey's Dr. Lucy Jones, on Wednesday.

FEMA to Californians: Be Cautious, Expect Aftershocks

While there have been no reports of major damage or injuries in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Tijuana, some buildings in downtown Los Angeles reportedly swayed for several seconds, prompting some precautionary evacuations.

FCC's Pandemic Summit to Highlight Emergency Communications

The Sept. 16 event in Washington, D.C., will focus on how communications furthers response by health care, responders, government, and industry.



Court Reverses $33 Million Verdict, Sides with Hospital in Peer-Review Case

An amicus brief filed in the case last year by the American Hospital Association and other heath care organizations urged that hospitals "be allowed the full freedom afforded by HCQIA to protect patients and to improve the quality of care," and that the judgment of the lower court be reversed.

CDC Seeks 9/11 Health Grant Proposals

Under this grant program, CDC expects to award up to $30 million over the next three years to help people whose health was, or may have been, adversely impacted by the World Trade Center attack.

911 Modernization Bill Signed Into

H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, will speed the national 911 system's transition to IP-based technology.

Emergency Preparedness Resource Launched for Diverse Communities

The Center for Health Equality at Drexel University's School of Public Health and the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have launched an online resource for advancing emergency preparedness in culturally diverse communities.

AMA Journal Says Most Nursing Homes Don't Have Pandemic Flu Plan

If influenza pandemic hits the United States, acute care hospitals are likely to be overwhelmed. Nursing homes may then be expected to assist with the patient overflow, but a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that many are not prepared for such a task.

Female Firefighters May Face Increased Breast Cancer Risk

"Our big take-home message is, wear self-contained breathing apparatus during all phases of firefighting," said co-author Suzanne Snedeker. "Put on the gear before arriving at a fire and don't take it off until the operation or inspection is completed, even during fire inspections conducted days later when chemicals can still outgas from charred remains."

APIC Issues Infection Prevention Flood Cleanup Tips

As Midwest floodwaters recede and cleanup efforts get underway, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. is offering advice to help reduce the risk of infection.

NORA Conference to Highlight Workplace Safety 'Ideas, Partnerships'

The July 29 event in Denver will survey accomplishments under the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), which entered its second decade in 2006.

Sperian Respiratory Wins Big SCBA Contract in S. California

About 4,200 units of the Sperian Warrior SCBA, shown here, will be shipped to fire departments in the Los Angeles County area in the next 10 months, the company announced today.

Hospital Association Wants Major Changes in DHS Threat Matrix

Six years after then-Secretary Tom Ridge outlined the Homeland Security Advisory System, new AHA comments say the latest iteration for health care doesn't fit how hospitals respond to disasters.

Mine Rescue Contest Begins Today

Featuring more than 30 teams from 14 states, as well as 11 teams representing seven countries, the event will put mine rescue teams' skills to the test.

WHO, IAEA Complete Nuclear Emergency Drill at Mexican Plant

More than 70 Member States and nine international organizations participated in the drill at the Laguna Verde nuclea power plant.

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