EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ARCHIVES
Planning for A Cross-Country Special Event
Mark Howell and Laurel J. Radow
September 27, 2023
A solar eclipse is a unique form of special event that does not always fall under emergency planning protocols, but it should. This article urges preparedness professionals to collaborate with eclipse planning committees to ensure the safety and security of all those involved.
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
September 20, 2023
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
Mary Schoenfeldt
September 13, 2023
There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm the people who stepped up and those around them. The cost can be manageable with the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options.
Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits
Richard (Kirk) Higgins
August 16, 2023
The availability of non-prescription medications may mean the difference between a successful deployment and needing to return home ahead of schedule. As such, first responders should consider non-prescription medication kits as part of their pre-deployment planning.
Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments
Ryan Putman
August 16, 2023
Being able to recreate complex hazardous materials incidents in a classroom setting teaches life-saving lessons in a safe environment. Advances in virtual and augmented reality training systems provide instructors with new tools to train the next generation of first responders.
Long-Term Care Facilities in Emergency Preparedness Planning
Tanya M. Scherr and Dan Scherr
July 19, 2023
An important part of community emergency preparedness planning includes long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, dialysis, home care centers, or hospice facilities. Plans must in place for these facilities to care for the residents in their care during emergencies.
Inside the “Boot Camp” for Emergency Managers
Michael Valiente
July 12, 2023
The first cohort of the Texas Emergency Management Academy has graduated. Learn about the components of this unique and comprehensive 8-month program from the perspective of one of the graduating cadets.
Swatting: Combatting a Lethal and Expensive Prank
Dan Scherr and Tanya M. Scherr
June 14, 2023
May 3, 2023, saw a rash of hoax calls claiming to report active shooters in schools across Tennessee. While the calls initially affected the Middle Tennessee area, the issue quickly moved to additional areas within the state, affecting at least 16 schools on the same day. Local, state, and federal
Service Animal Awareness in Disaster Response
Melissa Resnick
June 7, 2023
Although they are companions to their human partners, service animals are not pets. Instead, they are trained to perform specific daily tasks, which are often still required when responders are assisting during a hurricane, mass casualty event, or another emergency. As such, emergency planning efforts should include service animals
Covenant School – Reviewing Another Tragic Shooting
Tanya M. Scherr and Dan Scherr
April 19, 2023
The Covenant School shooting is another reminder of active shooter trends. This article reviews the chain of events from that tragic event, post-incident reviews, and what communities are and should be doing to prepare for and prevent future active shooter incidents.
Biosafety Laboratory Issues and Failures
Robert C. Hutchinson
April 12, 2023
Concerns regarding unexpected biological incidents and their public health implications were discussed in a 2014 Domestic Preparedness biosecurity and bioterrorism article. From the improper possession and storage of decades-old live smallpox virus in a former Food and Drug Administration laboratory (lab) on the National Institute of Health (NIH) campus to
Guidance for Preparing Professionals Mentally for the Worst
James Greenstone and Weldon Walles
March 22, 2023
Professional groups have debated and researched the best practices relating to the standards and quality of care sufficient to maintain minimum standards during a disaster. Due to the fluid nature of a disaster, it is difficult to abide by a standard that will fit every situation. For example, the onset
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