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Public Safety News, Events, and Information

If It Smells Rotten … Beware! Poison Toxic Tidbits

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From ToxicTidbits a monthly publication of Maryland Poison Control Center, University of Maryland.

You are standing near a sewer line and smell rotten eggs. You are helping to resuscitate a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest and smell bitter almonds.
What is that odor?
Volatilized chemicals that humans and animals perceive by the sense of smell  (olfaction) cause odors. Some odors are pleasant while others are unpleasant or even repulsive. An odor can serve as a warning of potential danger. In medicine, recognizing odors is an important skill. It can aid in rapid diagnosis, guide laboratory evaluation and may allow for early treatment before the development of more serious clinical signs … READ THE ARTICLE.

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Chemical Suicides Create Dangerous Environments for First Responders

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Three law enforcement officers in Georgia were hospitalized in May after being exposed to toxic fumes at the scene of a possible chemical suicide. Chemical suicides involve people mixing easily-attainable chemicals to produce a toxic gas, which can kill rather quickly. Often this is done in an enclosed space such as a car; occasionally people use “exit bags”: plastic bags placed over the head, connected to a gas supply. Instructions are,  unfortunately, readily available on the internet.

car in dark alley

In many but not all chemical suicide incidents, the victim leaves a written warning for whomever will find them. Typically, the first instinct when faced with an unconscious person in a car is to open a door or break a window; in a home or hotel, rushing in after gaining access is also the norm. Though well intended, these actions also endanger first responders or anyone else attempting to render aid.

It is important to gain situational awareness and take time to perform a quick evaluation of the scene for responder safety — even if time is critical:

  • Look for signs taped to doors or windows warning of any danger.
  • Look in the windows for chemical containers or chemical fog.
  • Take notice of any faint chemical odors.
  • Look for tape sealing the edges of doors, windows or vents.

For more information, see the Chemical Suicide Case Study and training for first responders offered by HazMatNation.com. The International Association of Fire Chiefs also offers resources and a webinar on chemical suicide response.

This article appeared in the May 24, 2018 InfoGram PDF ~160 KB. |  Subscribe to the InfoGram

Other articles include:

  • Emergency management planning for schools
  • Coordination between emergency management and water utilities
  • EMS Week: Stronger Together

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New Online Course: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster

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FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is offering a new self-paced, independent study course, Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster.

This course explores how religious and cultural communities are engaged during disasters, how religious and cultural diversity and practice is protected by law, and how religious and cultural diversity can strengthen emergency management capabilities.  It provides emergency management professionals and faith and community leaders active in disaster with literacy and competency tools to engage religious and cultural groups both pre- and post-disaster.

The course was developed to support partnerships between the first responders and faith-based and community organizations to more effectively serve disaster survivors in their time of need.
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-505

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Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT to assist American Red Cross with Smoke Detector Program

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The Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will assist the American Red Cross and local Fire Departments with fire education and installing fire alarms on Saturday, 16 January, from 10AM to 4PM.

Home fires in the United States kill more than 2,500 people annually and cause an average of 13,000 injuries. Fire prevention is crucial and achievable.

The volunteers will be canvassing the Pasadena and Annapolis areas and offering to install smoke alarms in homes… for FREE! Homeowners will also receive some important information regarding fire safety and checklists.

So be on the lookout.

If you have any photos from the event, feel free to send to communications@aaacert.org

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Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared? – Webinar

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Although CERT isn’t directly involved with response this still may be a seminar of interest and benefit.

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared?
Date: December 29, 2015
Time: 3:00 PM EST / 2:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM GMT

Event Description:
A variety of machinery-entrapment situations are presented. Students learn how to effectively operate at these incidents from scene size-up until the disentanglement is complete. The focus is on looking at the big picture to realizing that not all disentanglements need to be complex. Lock-out/tag-out, equipment options, medical considerations, and actual incidents are discussed.

REGISTER

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Skywarn Spotter Flood Class

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Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT and the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management is sponsoring a Skywarn Flood Class. This class will be presented by professional Meteorologist from the National Weather Service from Sterling Virginia.

Training in the Flood class is a good overview of flood threats in this area. It is intended for everyone. Basics I is a prerequisite for this class. The Flood class includes:

  • Role of spotters & review of area
  • What to report & how
  • Types of flooding
  • Forecasting and meteorology of flooding
  • Review of some flooding cases
  • NWS products for flooding

Date: 2016 April 21
Time: 1900 – 2200 (3 hours)
Location:
Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management
7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

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