PUBLIC HEALTH ARCHIVES
Shipping Containers & Hidden Dangers
Richard Schoeberl
April 10, 2013
The detonation of a weapon of mass destruction within a U.S. seaport is one of the most frightening scenarios facing the nation’s security and intelligence professionals. Although complying with a 100-percent screening mandate would be very costly, “randomly” selecting a few containers to search may be a huge gamble. The
The Security of Healthcare Facilities – A Growing Challenge
Craig DeAtley
April 3, 2013
Whether the situation involves person-on-person violence, forensic patient management, or the handling of patient property, healthcare facilities (HCFs) across the United States are finding themselves with a growing number of security-related issues that require well-trained and highly skilled security officers. Today’s healthcare facility security officer is no longer a “guard”
The Dangerous New World of the Social/Anti-Social Media
Joseph Cahill
April 3, 2013
Civilian responders have successfully acquired many skills that were originally developed by military services. Situational awareness is one such skill that would be beneficial to adapt to the civilian members of the emergency medical services. Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness would help responders stay “in the loop.”
U.S.-Mexico Border Security – The Spillover Effect
Richard Schoeberl
March 27, 2013
Some statistical data suggest that the crime rate is rising along the U.S.-Mexico border and “spilling over” into the United States. Other data, however, suggest that such crime has actually declined in recent years. The differing results are greatly affected by the definition of “spillover,” gathering and interpreting accurate statistics,
Enhancing Zones to Protect the Emergency Responder
Glen Rudner
March 20, 2013
The top priority of the responders who are called to a fire or other incident, of course, is scene safety. To reduce the chances of those responders becoming victims themselves, fire departments should communicate and work closely with law enforcement agencies to better understand the perimeters and resources that the
Improving Officer Safety Through Preparation and Practice
Monica Giovachino
March 19, 2013
Although the Incident Command System (ICS) concept has been available for use since 1968, many law enforcement agencies are still faced with difficulties implementing ICS each and every time it is needed. When implemented properly, ICS can prevent some officers from dying in the line of duty.
Unique Dangers Posed by Lone-Wolf Terrorists
Jeffrey D. Simon
March 13, 2013
Members of terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida follow a general, albeit loose, organizational/leadership structure, which includes planning and communicating with other members of their group or cell. The sometimes greater danger posed by lone wolves, on the other hand, is that they are not limited by the views and actions
Staying Ahead of ‘The Big One’
Joseph Cahill
March 6, 2013
When the average citizen is confronted by an emergency situation beyond the routine, he or she is usually overwhelmed and forced to rely on emergency responders to take command and re-establish control. Unfortunately, the first responders themselves do not always have the same option. Their first task, usually, is to
Missing in Action: Private-Sector Situational Awareness
Michael J. Pitts
March 6, 2013
Immediately following an incident, the truly “first” responders usually are private citizens. However, the private sector’s responsibilities really begin by: identifying the warning signs, understanding the roles each citizen plays in the four phases of emergency management, and educating and training individual responders.
Implementing PPD-8: New Opportunities, Greater Challenges
Amanda Faul
February 26, 2013
Improving national resilience is a process that requires developing and promulgating new policies, defining missions and capabilities, and implementing change through training and education. As the two-year anniversary of Presidential Policy Directive 8 approaches, policy makers and responders are learning much more about the planning opportunities, and new challenges, they
Incident Command System: Perishable If Not Practiced
Stephen Grainer
February 17, 2013
Although the basic Incident Command System (ICS) is taught across emergency response disciplines, several shortcomings and constraints could lead to its downfall. Training for ICS is not a one-time occurrence, but should be an ongoing process of expanding knowledge, exercising skills, and passing on these abilities for the benefit of
Preparing Health Professionals & Emergency Managers in 2013
Jack Herrmann
February 13, 2013
National Security Special Events such as the presidential inauguration require dozens of committees working closely together to coordinate efforts to protect the health and security of all visitors and participants. Stationary and mobile medical units were strategically positioned to address any health concern that might arise.
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