The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate collaborated with TDA Research Inc. and Avon Protection Systems on a low-maintenance filtration system that drastically improves a first responders’ ability to get the overhaul process complete without exposing themselves to harmful chemicals.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel respond to emergencies every day and serve on the front lines of the medical response to disasters, terrorist attacks, and mass casualty incidents. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to supporting EMS personnel in enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.
The application period for the National Fire Academy's resident classes scheduled during the first semester of fiscal year 2020 (1 October 2019–31 March 2020) will close on 15 June 2019.
When firefighters rush into burning buildings, they know the thermal environment may change in a matter of seconds, exposing them to potentially lethal temperatures. Burn Saver is a body-worn technology that continuously monitors thermal conditions and warns firefighters when those conditions become threatening.
Scientists funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases report that the influenza virus protein has an unexpected Achilles heel. The team discovered and characterized the structure of a naturally occurring human antibody that recognizes and disrupts a portion of the hemagglutinin protein that the virus uses to enter and infect cells. Vaccines designed to elicit antibodies against this target might provide long-lasting protection against any influenza strain.
The World Health Organization’s new Science Division launched an online resource to guide the development of new health products for which there are limited markets or incentives for research and development. The Health Product Profile Directory aims to promote research and development for products to combat neglected diseases and threats to global health, including antimicrobial resistance and diseases with pandemic potential.
The Defense Department is developing a secure 5G mobile telecommunication network strategy, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment said during a Pentagon news conference. A 5G network would be 100 times faster than current networks, would be more resilient and less susceptible to attacks, and would dramatically improve military communication and situational awareness.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Integration Center has released a Senior Leader Toolkit, a resource that both emergency management and senior leaders can use to understand their roles and responsibilities during incidents. The toolkit includes Elected Officials/Senior Executives Quick Reference Guide, a Department Head Quick Reference Guide, and a NIMS [National Incident Management System] Senior Leader Briefing Template.
After a hurricane, flood, or other disaster, responders, emergency healthcare professionals, and disaster relief service providers face the challenge of considering the specific vulnerabilities of people struggling to manage opioid use disorder treatment and recovery while meeting the increased needs of the community at large.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Law Program now offers a Public Health Emergency Law (PHEL) course, which prepares state, tribal, local, and territorial practitioners to make informed legal decisions related to emergency preparedness and response activities. PHEL consists of three competency-based units and covers legal issues to consider before, during, and after public health emergencies.
