WMD/Hazmat

Portable gas detector/alarm unit
The Detective, from Crowcon, is a free-standing, transportable gas detector and alarm unit that provides reliable protection wherever there are short-term hazards. It can be used individually or in groups to monitor up to four gases at once. If a dangerous gas level is detected, the unit warns with a wailing 101-decibel siren and flashing high-intensity LED beacon visible from any direction. Used as a stand-alone unit, the Detective can monitor small areas or protect lone workers. For wide-area coverage, several Detectives can be linked in minutes to create a perimeter around a site. Any units detecting a dangerous gas level flash their warning lights faster than the others in the network, allowing personnel in the area to identify the safest exit route.
For more: 800/5-CROWCON; 859/957-1039; www.crowcon.com.

Protective ensemble for multiple threats
Tactix MT94 is a multi-wear ensemble designed to provide protection against a variety of threats, including chemical/biological terrorism agents. Available from Lion RescueWear, it is certified to meet NFPA standards 1994 (Class 2) and 1992. Although the NFPA 1994 standard was established to address select chemical/biological terrorism agents, the MT94 has a wide range of uses, including technical rescue, hazmat, confined-space rescue, decon, high-risk entries (such as narcotics labs) and bombs (secondary threat protection). In addition to guarding against the challenges identified in NFPA 1994 and 1992, the MT94 also offers protection against flame and "weaponized" chemical and biological agents.
For more: www.lionapparel.com.

Fast bio-agent detection
The M1M Analyzer is a biological-agent detection system designed to help minimize the impact of natural disasters and biological warfare. Based on BioVeris' proprietary electrochemiluminescence technology, the M1M can rapidly identify harmful organisms and toxins, including botulinum neurotoxins, anthrax, ricin and staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B, among others. The system and its user-friendly BioVerify test kits can test an environmental or food sample and provide highly accurate results in 30 minutes or less. Using specification and configuration input from BioVeris' biodefense, life science and industrial customers, the M1M was custom-made to meet the needs of field, mobile and centralized research laboratories. It is a user-friendly, ruggedized system that can withstand extreme temperatures and be transported easily.
For more: www.bioveris.com.

New line of disposable backboards
FSI North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fire Safety International, Inc., recently launched a complete range of patent-pending FSI "Transporter" disposable, fluid-resistant adult and pediatric backboards. Transporter backboards are offered in a number of configurations (with/without straps, autocradles, c-collar, etc.). They come packaged in boxes of five and take up little space, since they store flat. When one is needed, the user simply pulls the zip tab on the back, and in less than 30 seconds, a fully configured backboard is in place and ready. There is no glue or tape to dry out and fail over time. The specially coated structural cardboard can be left out in the rain overnight.
For more: 440/949-2400; www.fsinorth.com.

PAPR amplifier/radio interface
Cleveland-based Ultra Electronics--Audiopack, a global leader in designing and manufacturing rugged voice and data communications equipment for harsh environments, has introduced a new version of its triple-featured amplifier and radio interface system dubbed the WMD TriCom. The product is designed for powered air-purifying respirator wearers in hospital (triage) and first responder environments. Users of the WMD TriCom can communicate to team members via their existing two-way radios, as well as face to face with this all-in-one system.
For more: 216/332-7040; www.audiopack.com.

CBRN escape respirator
The new Safe Escape Respirator is a practical solution to escaping quickly and easily from threatening situations that provides wearers with respiratory protection, along with head and neck protection, from CBRN agents. The Safe Escape Respirator, from MSA, joins several other company products in being the first of its kind to be NIOSH-approved for CBRN hazards. The Safe Escape Respirator features a canister containing a CBRN high-efficiency particulate filter and activated carbon. It is permanently bonded to the respirator coupling nut, ensuring a secure connection. As air flows through the canister, directly into the nose cup, the inlet check valve maximizes the performance of the filter, reduces lens fogging and reduces carbon dioxide build-up inside the hood. Expired air is directed out the one-way exhalation valve.
For more: 888/MSA-0018 (ask for Bulletin No. 0514-01) or any MSA distributor; www.msanet.com.

MSA taps RFTrax for CZT radiation sensors
Mine Safety Appliances Co. is using groundbreaking RAD-CZT gamma-radiation sensors from Texas-based RFTrax, Inc. in a newly enhanced wireless system for detecting dirty bombs and other homeland security threats. The new sensing capability, which is being incorporated into the next generation of MSA's SAFESITE System, was selected based on the ability of RFTrax to differentiate background radiation from actual radiation threats. This level of sensitivity gives first responders a greater, more effective ability to detect radiological threats.
For more: www.msanet.com; www.rftrax.com.

Handheld radiation meters
Thermo Electron Corporation, a provider of radiation detection and measurement devices, has unveiled two new handheld radiation meters: the RadEye PRD (Personal Radiation Detector) and the RadEye G (wide-range Gamma Survey Meter). The RadEye PRD is a high-sensitivity personal radiation detector that monitors for nuclear weapons, improvised nuclear devices and/or radiological dispersal devices (dirty bombs). Designed for use by "first preventers" (border guards, customs agents, special forces and counterterrorism teams), the RadEye G measures levels of ambient gamma doses for personal radiation protection.
For more: www.thermo.com/rmp.

Reliable gas warning
Draeger Safety, Inc. announces the new Dräger Pac 7000, a single-gas personal monitor. It can reliably warn of the presence of harmful concentrations of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide or oxygen. The Pac 7000 features an impact-proof housing and is resistant to corrosive chemicals. The new XXS sensors react in a flash, immediately indicating any gas hazards on the screen, which continuously displays the concentration. With a compact design, the Pac 7000 is made for personal monitoring in daily work activities. The display shows all information in large numerals or symbols. In case of an alarm, or at the push of a button, the display is backlit for better readability. In addition, peak-concentration eight-hour exposures (TWA) and short-term exposure limits (STEL) over measurement periods are available. If the selected alarm thresholds or TWA/STEL concentrations are exceeded, the instrument warns the user with audible, visual and vibrating alarms.
For more: 412/788-5671; www.draeger.com.

Hospital endorses Response System
PortBlue has completed initial testing of its Hospital Incident Response System (HIRS) with Utah's Intermountain Healthcare. Intermountain's flagship facility, Latter Day Saints Hospital (LDSH), participated in an earthquake and fire simulation in conjunction with PortBlue in late 2005. LDSH's full Incident Command team unanimously concluded that the HIRS system exceeded their required emergency-coordination elements. They reported that HIRS gave their team critical capacity and other information, dynamically generated customized task lists required in their response, and improved overall response time.
For more: www.portblue.com.

Gel diminishes offensive odors
As the stench of decaying flesh intensified from bodies floating in the water or hidden within structures throughout Katrina-devastated areas of New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama, Patus Ltd. of Tel Aviv, through its Florida-based distributor, MIR, distributed thousands of its OdorScreen product to emergency personnel to enable them to counter the crippling odors. OdorScreen, an olfactory perception-altering gel compound applied under the nose, works by diminishing the user's perception of offensive odors for up to two hours, enabling those working in close proximity to death and destruction to work faster and more effectively, even in exacting heat and humidity.
For more: 877/764-7432; www.mirgear.com.

Surge capacity solution
Whether a hospital will handle disaster-patient overflow within the facility or outside in a tent or shelter, DQE, Inc.'s MasCache hospital surge supplies provide essential disposable care products at an affordable price. MasCache supplies are conveniently packaged to help emergency teams quickly create temporary treatment areas, as well as enhance and expand the delivery of basic patient and physician care while awaiting federal assistance. The MasCache solution enables providers to bed, bathe, clothe and care for patients for at least 72 hours. All products are strategically packaged to simplify and expedite patient care and enhance infection control.
For more: call 800/355-4628; www.dqeready.com.

Canopy makes command post visible
A Washington company has invented a device that can ensure a strong, direct and visible tailgate canopy for the Command Post at any emergency. The Bumperchute Command Post tailgate canopy, engineered by the Bumperchute Company, can be easily stored in an EMS unit and takes only minutes to set up on the back end of a vehicle. It requires no stakes or guy lines--just an aluminum pole with a shock cord and adjustable coated anchor hooks to set it in place. The new Bumperchute model FD2000BT extends almost three feet beyond the opened lift gate, providing additional overhead protection with panel windows and waterproof fabric to protect responders from wind, rain, heat and snow.
For more: www.bumperchute.com.

Multi-threat detection
The SAFESITE Multi-Threat Detection System is now available from MSA's Instrument Division. Designed to monitor, detect and communicate the presence of up to six potential threats, including chemical warfare agents, gamma radiation, volatile organic compounds, toxic industrial chemicals, combustible gas and oxygen deficiency and enrichment, the SAFESITE System operates within a wireless network. It consists of two main components, the SAFEMTX Multi-Threat Detector and the SAFECOM Command Center. The SAFEMTX Detector monitors the maximum number of potential threats, helping users reduce the risk of exposure and facilitate consequence management. For more: 800/MSA-4678; www.MSAgasdetection.com; www.MSAliterature.com (No. 07-2067).

PRI gets Washington mapping contracts
Prepared Response, Inc. develops crisis-management software that provides first responders with critical information that allows them to more effectively mitigate a wide variety of emergency situations. The company's flagship program, Rapid Responder, is currently deployed to more than 288 public-safety agencies and protects more than 4,000 buildings across the U.S. The software digitally maps critical infrastructure.
For more: 800/705-1856; www.preparedresponse.com.

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