Resilience through Learning—Explosions in Boston
In the wake of Mondays Boston Marathon bombings, the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health has put together useful resources for healthcare workers. The links cover topics such as blast and bomb injuries, medicine for mass gatherings, traumatic stress, surge capacity for terrorist bombings, and talking to children about bombings.
FiRST App
Another useful tool in bomb threat situations is FiRST App. The app—which stands for First Responder Support Tools—can be downloaded in multiple mobile platforms and combines map-based resources to help manage explosives and hazmat situations. Among the applications features are evacuation and shelter-in-place zones based on bomb size, downwind protection zones and the ability to retrieve current wind conditions, and points of interest such as schools, hospitals, etc.
Chemical Reactivity Worksheet
It may sound more like homework than help, but the Chemical Reactivity Worksheet is a tool that can quickly tell safety managers what hazards might ensue from when chemicals are mixed in a spill or an explosion such as the one in West, Texas, on Wednesday. Created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and newly updated, the software can be customized based on commonly used or proprietary chemicals. Case histories and references are also included.
Mobile Alert Messaging Application
Afraid of tornadoes, hurricanes, and fire? Cry for MAMA—the National Weather Service’s Mobile Alert Messaging Application. The latest in alert offerings, MAMA is no frills and easy to use—just text your zip code and you’ll be notified the next time there’s severe weather in your area. Alerts include winter storms, marine, coastal and tropical weather, hydrological events, and fire-related weather.
National Fire Academy Off-Campus Courses
It doesn’t matter where you are, if you wish upon a National Fire Academy course, you’ll find one in your area. The Academy offers free fire and EMS training in all fifty states and this list will give you an idea of what’s coming up in your neighborhood. Class topics include executive development, hazardous materials, arson, incident management, and responder health and safety. CEUs are available in some instances.