To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. THEY’LL GET THE MESSAGE. RESPONDERS TODAY catalyst for spurring innovation, according to Mark Deasy, communications director for Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Mine Safety Appliances (MSA). “Five or 10 years ago, in an event you might have had to use three different respirators,” said Deasy. “When you don’t know the hazard, the protocol has been to use a general SCBA. Once you knew the hazard level, you would then move to a specialized CBRN gas mask. Now, thanks to the NIOSH standards, it’s much more feasible to design and manufacture one face piece that can be adjusted for a variety of situations.” Using NIOSH standards, MSA was able to design its FireHawk M7 Responder Air Mask, a mask that, depending on the situation, can quickly be transformed into a CBRN air-purifying respirator APR or a CBRN PAPR. The flexibility built into the respirator, according to Deasy, enables first responders to change respirator modes as their jobs change direction from first response and rescue to scene management and remediation activities. Future developments As important as having respirators that give a broader range of protection is, said David Ladd, director of hazardous materials response at the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, equally critical going forward will be having standards in place that specify requirements directly relevant to first responders’ missions. Specifically, explained Ladd, “We need to develop standards for interoperability and interchangeability of key components to provide flexibility to the responders during large-scale events.” “We’ve come quite a way in the past few years on the protective front,” Ladd added. “The next frontier will be providing standards that enable true ease of use, and the ability to function more comfortably over longer time periods.” With this in mind, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in October 2008 awarded the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) a $2 million contract to develop a new pressure vessel that will make the SCBA worn by first responders substantially thinner and lighter. The IAFF is currently working with Vulcore Industrial, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., to use technology, engineering and new materials to modify the pressure vessel in a way that will reduce the weight and make it smaller and more flexible. According to initial design specifications, the new pressure vessel will offer a weight reduction of up to 60 percent compared to conventional SCBA cylinders. The prototype is currently undergoing testing in simulated confined space entry. The IAFF’s contract with DHS will run through January 2010, and hopes are high, according to Baker, that research and development will result in new, far more user-friendly CBRNE-ready SBCA. “Every firefighter—and first responder, for that matter—has to accept that, from now on, dealing with the possibility of CBRNE is part of our job description, something we must be prepared for every day. Luckily, our [personal protective equipment] is beginning to fully reflect this.” HST ALERT FM™ allows emergency managers to send critical information to targeted recipients like citizens, businesses and first responders in seconds. This personal alert and messaging system transmits messages using the data subcarrier of local FM stations. It’s Reliable. It’s Affordable. And it’s available right now. So don’t let another emergency strike before contacting us today to find out how you can better protect your citizens with ALERT FM. 1-866-869-5180 www.ALERTFM.com 12 June 2009 | Homeland Security Today Magazine This month’s issue is now available online at…