Fire rescue gear including a black vest with pink and white lettering, a white firefighter helmet with yellow reflective stickers and the word 'SMITH', and other equipment on display.

Active Shooter/Hostile Environment Preparedness

The experiences of every first-responder organization are inherently unique and are often shaped by various factors including geographical region, system design, organizational framework, and the diverse first-hand experiences of its personnel.

As threats to public safety become increasingly complex, preparedness for active shooter and hostile environments continues to evolve in response to new challenges and lessons learned.

Group of firefighters in protective gear and oxygen tanks fighting a large fire with smoke billowing in the background.

An article written by Dr. Hezedean Smith that discussed a survey that was conducted focused on fire services professionals that examined the challenges and opportunities involved in promoting a more inclusive environment for all individuals within the fire service.

The process included an exploration and analysis of the correlation between diversity fatigue and meritocracy within the profession, providing valuable insights into how these factors interconnect.

Exploring Diversity and Meritocracy

A gray humanoid robot kneeling on one knee, reaching into a clear plastic box filled with small gray and white plastic hands and arms.

Mission Critical Decision-Making

A comprehensive presentation that meticulously examined data from the unique perspective of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Responders was hosted by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation. This event aimed to highlight critical insights and enhance understanding of the challenges faced by these vital emergency responders.

This article focuses on how a dedicated group of emergency physicians in Orlando collaborative to undertake the efforts to align fire department personnel, emergency medical services (EMS), hospital planners, and festival staff to create a comprehensive and efficient system aimed at safely treating attendees at a large outdoor electronic dance music festival held in the City of Orlando, Florida.

Interior of a temporary medical facility with rows of black and white partitioned stations and hospital beds with blue mattresses, set up inside a large tent.

Emergency Care at a Music Festival: First-Person

Engagement with stakeholders is a lifelong commitment.

  • Group of rescue personnel and officials in a room, some wearing vests labeled 'RESCUE', engaged in conversation and interaction.

    The Bahamas Emergency Medical Services personnel receive ballistic vests.

    We proudly coordinated the donation of a total of 40 level 3 ballistic vests to the dedicated Emergency Medical Services health care professionals at the National Emergency Medical Services organization. These vests represent the crucial initial stage in our ongoing commitment to equipping our staff members with the proper tools and protective gear they need to efficiently and safely perform their vital duties in the field.

  • Scene of emergency responders providing medical assistance to a man with an oxygen mask outside a house.

    Quick take: Understanding research and its impact on patient care

    An informative article that was published, focusing on an engaging interactive session designed to help participants effectively dissect various research methods and results. This session provides a unique opportunity for attendees to learn how to interpret the findings from these studies accurately, as well as apply the valuable lessons learned to enhance clinical practice within their respective systems.