InfoGram 7-12: February 16, 2012

This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by email at emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov.

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Pipeline Emergency Planning and Response

(Source: Fire Rescue Magazine)

An article beginning on page 40 of the January 2012 issue of Fire Rescue Magazine revealed that approximately 2.5 million miles of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines crisscross the United States. Many of these pipelines operate under tremendous pressure and carry hazardous materials that pose serious risks to people and the environment.

The authors of this article indicated that incidents on major transmission pipelines are low-frequency, but potentially high-consequence hazardous materials events. They advise that pipelines do not get the attention they deserve. "Emergency responders simply are not aware of major pipelines in their jurisdictions, or emergency responders are overwhelmed with information on a multitude of hazards and priorities in their jurisdictions."

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted that lessons learned from recent pipeline incidents highlight the value of pipeline emergency preparedness and response. In addition to dedicated joint training, a positive working relationship between emergency responders and pipeline operators should enhance readiness for the next event.

Pipeline locations are vital pieces of information needed to coordinate with the respective operators and to prepare for emergencies. This information can be obtained from the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS), which is a geographic information system (GIS) dataset of hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipeline locations. The NPMS specifically consists of geospatial data, attribute data, public contact information, and more.

Emergency Simulations and Drills

(Source: Pan American Health Organization)

The Pan American Health Organization worked with a group of international experts to prepare a series of practical guidelines for planning and executing simulations and drills. Their efforts resulted in the recent release of "Guidelines for Developing Emergency Simulations and Drills" (PDF, 2 Mb).

Recognizing that simulation exercises and drills are excellent tools for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies to evaluate and test their response plans, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the guidelines for ESS applicability. Although written primarily for health sector institutions, the guidelines for organizing, developing, and evaluating simulations and drills can be equally useful for ESS organizations.

There are three important parts to the guidelines. The first two sections introduce the concepts and methods that guide the design and development of simulations and drills. The third section presents an evaluation tool for exercises involving mass casualties.

Designated Infection Control Officer

(Source: FireEngineering.com)

To comprehend the duties of the designated infection control officer (DICO) as they pertain to the preparedness and protection of Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the Fire Engineering article titled: "The Designated Officer’s Role for Infection Control."

Subpart B of the 1990 Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, Public Law 101-381 (PDF, 2.4 Mb) requires every emergency response entity in the country to have a DICO, which includes firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, police officers, and volunteers. The emergency response provisions of this law were stricken from the 2006 Congressional reauthorization; however, these provisions were reinstated in the reauthorization of October 1, 2009.

According to the authors, the selection of the department DICO is very important and should be based on serious interest in the 24/7 responsibility, self-motivation, and desire to stay current on medical information, laws, and regulations. The prospective candidate should understand there is much more involved than just knowing when to send a potentially exposed employee to the medical facility. "A truly knowledgeable DICO will assist in ensuring proper care if an exposure occurs and will assist management with liability and cost reduction."

As seen in this article, the following DICO major duties are summarized for the consideration of department chief officers, administrators, and incumbent DICO personnel:

• Notification of key personnel for exposure reporting.
• Evaluation of possible exposure events.
• Documentation of the exposure follow-up process.
• Consultation with the medical facility.
• Monitoring laws, regulations, and guidelines for compliance.
• Education of department members.
• Data collection.

Conscientious performance of these duties can make a significant difference in protecting department employees from exposure to or spread of communicable diseases.

Trial Preparation for Fire Investigators

(Source: U.S. Fire Administration)

How to successfully present an investigation and conclusions to a jury is the subject of another Coffee Break Training (PDF, 193 Kb) installment by the U.S. Fire Administration.

As a part of the Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation Curriculum, this particular training reminds investigators that a proper, professional presentation of credentials establishes the foundation of his or her credibility. Command of the facts, the legal process, and demeanor can determine the merit of an investigator’s testimony.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) observed that upon completion of this training "the student shall be able to explain the key factors to effectively testify in civil and criminal proceedings."