Critical Intersection of Diagnostics and Countermeasures
Chris Mangal
October 29, 2012
A biological agent is released, samples are collected, and then the diagnostic process begins. Laboratories within a national (and international) network screen for potential threats and determine the level of exposure and treatment required for each response. Such diagnostics provide the guidelines necessary for using and distributing medical countermeasures.
FINAL REPORT: Advancing Technology in Biological Surveillance and Detection
Jeffrey W. Runge
October 25, 2012
The terrorist use of anthrax against the United States in 2001 pointed out the nation’s vulnerability to biological attack and need for rapid and sure response. Since that time, strengths and limitations of the current biodetection system have been discovered. To achieve a better preparedness posture, now is the time to reevaluate biodetection methods and build unity of effort at all levels of government.
The Use of mHealth Technology for Pandemic Preparedness
Sara Rubin
October 24, 2012
The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 killed more than 600,000 people in the United States alone and an estimated 20 million or more victims worldwide. Today, infectious diseases continue to pose
Concurrent Distribution of Anthrax Vaccine & Antibiotics
Sarah Keally
October 24, 2012
Current plans for combatting the effects of an anthrax attack at the local level include the use of antibiotics. Although federal agencies recommend – and the Strategic National Stockpile provides – anthrax vaccine adsorbed as a medical countermeasure against such attacks, the vaccine currently is not included in the preparedness plans of many local health departments.
State & Local Medical Countermeasures: The 12-Hour Push
Kay C. Goss
October 17, 2012
Emergency managers are working hard, on a continuing basis, to improve and support the national capability to assist in providing assets to affected areas during an extreme biological incident or emergency requiring medical countermeasures.
Draeger Hosts Free Firefighter Webinar on Thermal Imaging Cameras
Domestic Preparedness
October 17, 2012
Dräger announces that it will hold a free webinar entitled “Expect More from Your Thermal Imaging Camera!” to educate firefighters on how today’s new thermal imaging camera technology can help them on the job.
Identifying & Isolating Bio-Threats Before They Present
Patrick P. Rose
October 17, 2012
An emerging infectious disease or a bioterrorism attack must be prevented from spreading globally even when the effectiveness of predictive measures and detection programs is in question. In addition to current medical countermeasures, defending against biological threats may require the enforcement of control measures that rely on non-medical public health interventions.
National Fire Academy Adds Two New Applied Research Courses to NFA Online
Domestic Preparedness
October 16, 2012
The U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA) announces the availability of two new NFA Online courses: Data Gathering Instruments to Support Applied Research Projects (Q170) and Designing an Applied Research Project Proposal (Q171).
Addressing Key Policy Issues Before the Next Catastrophe
Ann Lesperance
October 10, 2012
Economic redevelopment, waste and fatality management, and the prioritization of cleanup operations
are just a few of the key policy issues that decision makers must consider and address before the next
anthrax attack or other disaster strikes. Having a clear strategy, effective management plans, and solid
relationships with partners who are critical to the effort will help reduce unnecessary delays when the
time comes to respond and recover.
Protecting Civilian Emergency Responders Against Anthrax
Thomas K. Zink
October 10, 2012
There is general agreement that the best way to protect emergency responders against anthrax would
be to immunize them prior to an attack. But, despite the fact that millions of “expired” doses of
anthrax vaccine are routinely destroyed each year, many civilian responders still are not provided
pre-event vaccinations. This raises two questions: (a) Why? and (b) Why not?
