Carnival circus

Carnival Cruise Lines has another crisis! The year started with the sinking of the Costa Concordia and was followed by her sister ship having an engine fire which stranded thousands of passengers and crew for days without power, air conditioning, working kitchens etc.

Now it is revealed that another Carnival cruise ship sailed pass a stranded fishing boat with 3 fishermen, without offering aid or calling for assistance. Days later the fishing ship was found with two dead and a struggling third fisherman.

Maritime law, in addition to the moral responsibility, requires ships to offer assistance to others in distress.

More lives affected by the decisions of the Carnival Cruise Line.

More information at:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2012/04/19/19655166.html

Province delays again

The provincial government has been side stepping the issue of making fire sprinkler systems mandatory in long term care and retirement facilities for the past 10 years.

With 3 inquests in the past couple of years that have recommended sprinklers and a report by the Ontario Fire Chiefs, you would think that the decision would be close at hand.

With the inquest about to start on Monday into an Orillia retirement home fire that resulted in 4 deaths and 11 critical injuries to residents, the province attempts to pre-empt the logical recommendations by asking the Fire Marshall to take the next year to study the issue. While it may seem like sprinklers would only be a year away, the issue then has to go through the political system required to create new laws. This can take many months.

More lives will be lost in the mean time.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1160739--fire-marshall-to-conduct-review-on-seniors-homes

100th Anniversary of the Titanic

Today is the 100th anniversary of the Titanic striking the iceberg. This has resulted in numerous specials and articles about the event and other major cruise ship sinkings.

One that got my attention was a study of 18 liner sinkings. The issue that caught my attention was the fact that Captains and Crew often survived while leaving passengers. And women and children were much more likely to parish demonstrating that it was rare for women and children to be first. This was discouraging as I have believed in the responsibility to put children and women first.

It does reinforce the point that we are all responsible to ensure we know what to do in an emergency. Especially on a cruise ship.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/04/14/19632891.html

Army Base Buried in Avalanche

An avalanche has buried an army base in the Himalayan mountains in Pakistan. At this point in time all 135 people at the base are missing. The base is located at an incredible 18,000 ft elevation. Rescue efforts are continuing.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/07/world/asia/pakistan-avalanche/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Amazing Power of the Storm

This past week a storm ravaged the state of Texas including heavy rain of 2 inches per hour and several tornadoes which damaged more than 1,100 homes. New 3D satellite images show the storm clouds were more than 8 miles (12.8 km) tall.

http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/06/this-weeks-texas-storm-towered-8-miles-high/?hpt=us_c2

Nuclear Reactors shut down

Nuclear reactors at a power plant in California have been shut down after encountering a number of problems. This is just the latest in a rash of issues in nuclear power plants around the world in the past year.

If you live within 20 km of a nuclear power plant you need to have a evacuation plan for the safety of your family. The risk is low, but still exists.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/us/california-nuclear-plant/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

NYPD Presence Everywhere

When you are in Manhattan it appears that the NYPD are everywhere... and that is what they want to feel. As a tourist it makes you feel safe. As a bad guy it would make you take a second look. This elevating platform with cameras mounted on it is located in Times Square, keeping an eye above the crowds.

Bus Stop Ad by FEMA

During a recent trip to New York City I saw this FEMA advertisement on a bus stop in Manhattan reminding people to be prepared.

Airliner Safety Not What We Expect in Canada

The federal Auditor General has come out with a report that questions the safety of air travel in Canada. Transport Canada is only completing 30% of the mandated inspections of airline companies and when major issues are identified with the industry it can take Transport Canada 10 years to address them.

Unfortunately, this can lead to a lower level of safety when flying. The question is: will it take a major crash before they take action to resolve these issues?

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1155743--auditor-general-raises-red-flag-over-transport-canada-s-oversight-of-aviation-safety

The ORNGE is rotten

Back in the late 90's I was privileged to be one of the managers responsible for the Ontario Air Ambulance Service. We offered a basic service but highly efficient service. For approximately $60 Million a year we provided 15,000 air ambulance flights a year across the province with a team of some of the best flight medics in North America, if not the world. With Mike Harris those costs were reduced by approximately $6 Million, without a huge impact to the patients by reducing non-emergency patient transfer flights.

We contracted with Canadian Helicopters to provide a fleet of S76 Sikorski helicopters, the Cadillac, of helicopters in the EMS world with ample patient care space, good range, and high reliability. Fixed wing flights were provided though a group of private air carriers that were required to meet some fairly stringent standards.

Managers were paid $60-70,000 per year and the entire team of non-operational staff consisted of 6 managers and a similar number of admin. assistants. A year ago there were 200 operational staff and 200 administrative staff in ORNGE, with costs of approximately $170 Million. Yet the number of flights have not increased significantly. But with Senior Staff salaries ranging from $200,000 to $1.4 Million, the service has been turned into a scandal.

The most unfortunate aspect of the scandal is that the paramedics, pilots, flight followers, and other front line staff have been dragged down through poor leadership. The service needs to re-instill the pride of the work that they do day in and day out.

Lets start with getting rid of the name ORNGE and all of the connotations it has. Then it is time to demonstrate to the citizens of Ontario, though a concerted effort, the high quality service that they receive from the team of professional front line staff.

Lives continue to be saved and changed for the better every day because of the skill and efforts of these women and men who continue to labour under the shadow of this scandal.

http://www.thestar.com/topic/ornge

In

Prevent / disinfect mold after flooding

Flooding from storms can cause mold. Outside, mold decays leaves, contributing to soil enrichment. However, mold growing inside buildings can cause serious health risks. It is critical to disinfect and completely dry storm-impacted buildings.

When disinfecting with bleach:

• never use more than one cup bleach to one gallon water;
• never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaner;
• wear rubber boots, gloves, goggles and a mask;
• open windows and doors when weather permits.

Do not use fans; if mold already exists, it could spread.

Fix leaks in pipes and any damp areas around tubs and sinks.
Rebuild using water-resistant materials.
Prevent water seepage from outdoors by installing or reinforcing rain spouts.

The Comparison of Disasters

An interesting article comparing the Great Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 to other major disaster events.

Some facts about the event:

• Over a million homes destroyed or damaged.
• 15,800 dead and 3,300 missing
• Explosions in 3 nuclear reactors
• Estimated to take 30 years to contain nuclear reactors
• Close to 300,000 still in temporary shelter

Did you know that an earthquake in 1556 left 830,000 dead?

To read the article go to:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/10/japan-disaster-cost_n_1335250.html

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Camps

Back by demand, Emergency Management & Training is offering the Emergency Preparedness for Summer Camps seminar again in 2012.

The seminar is scheduled for April 28, 2012 in Barrie ON.

Early Bird Pricing saves $30. Register for only $95 now! Regular price is $125.

For more information go to:
http://www.emergencymgt.com/upcoming-seminars.html

UK adds Solar Storms and Volcanos to risks

As every municipality, province/state, and country should do, the UK has reassessed it's HIRA (hazard identification and risk analysis), adding solar storms and volcanos to their list of risks.

While solar storms do not pose a direct risk to people, it can disrupt power grids, satelites, radio transmission etc.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20120318/britain-volcanoes-solar-storms-20120318/

Nuclear Power Plants Aging

70% of the world's nuclear power plants are more than 30 years old raising concern about the maintenance of the plants.

While countries such as Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium move away nuclear power, countries such as India, China and Russia are increasing their nuclear power capacity.

We haven't seen the last of nuclear disasters...

http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1145304--older-nuclear-plants-pose-safety-challenge-iaea

Another International Airliner Crash

The crashes of international airliners continue. In the past two weeks we became aware of three major crashes with multiple deaths.

Unfortunately today in someways is no different, except that everyone survive... this time.


http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1032757--cheers-turn-to-screams-as-plane-skids-off-runway-breaks-in-two

Flyer beware!

Poorly maintained aircraft, poorly trained staff, lax regulations, flying in very poor conditions all contribute to crashes and death.

Canada's Most Wanted follow up

In the two weeks following the posting of pictures and info on international criminals who had entered Canada illegally 5 of them have been captured due to the photos. In one case an off duty police officer spotted one of the men after seeing the photos being posted. In other cases calls have been made to authorities by neighbours and co-workers.

In the USA photos of wanted criminals are widely published but in Canada authorities shy away from using the media in this way. It is about time that the manhunt for serious criminals in Canada includes letting the public know who is wanted, why and where they were last known to be.

Canada's Most Wanted War Criminals

The Canadian Border Service Agency has posted photos and information on more than two dozen wanted war criminals that were last known to be in Toronto.

If you recognize one of these people call police.


http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/wc-cg/menu-eng.html

Terrorism Attacks A Quiet Peaceful Norway

Canadians need to be prepared. It is only a matter of time before one of these attacks hit a major city near us.

We need to remember that only a couple of years ago the Toronto 19 were arrested while planning a huge truck bomb for downtown Toronto.


http://www.thestar.com/videozone/1029119--oslo-explosion

Wind storm causes chaos.

A wind storm at a summer concert blows over the main stage injuring two and causing others to flee. This is a similar event to an outdoor festival in Alberta in 2009 where several were injured.


http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2011/07/17/18432736.html

EMS Dispatchers Receive Bravery Award

A story of two dispatchers who were in the right place at the right time during a coffee break.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Paramedic+dispatchers+bravery+awards/5004381/story.html

Aircraft struck by lightning

It is estimated that airliners are struck by lightning twice per year on average. While the flash and bang may be startling to the crew and passengers, the aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes.

The attached video shows a passing airliner being struck by two bolts of lightning in rapid sequence.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/odd-22186925/lightning-bolt-strikes-plane-25724459.html

Are we paying attention to Germany

The E-Coli outbreak in Europe appears to have its origin in Germany. Health officials are now investigating a fruit and vegetable supplier as the possible source of this new strain of E-coli that hasn't been treatable with the traditional medications.

At this point there have been 21 deaths and over 2000 illnesses in 12 countries linked to this outbreak putting a huge strain on the health care services across Europe. At this point the vast majority of the ill either lived or travelled through northern Germany.

In Germany officials have started asking physicians to come out of retirement to assist with the strain on the system.

This type of outbreak could occur anywhere. Are we prepared? Do we have the surge capacity in our hospitals to deal with a sudden outbreak? Do we have adequate food quality monitoring systems to prevent outbreaks before they occur? We need to be asking our government to provide some answers.


http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2011/06/05/18240746.html

Busy, busy, busy

As Emergency Management & Training continues to grow we focus on those items that directly serve our clients and have let the blog updates slide. Our apologies, but our focus is and always will be to ensure that our clients are well served.

This past week I have been in Texas meeting with Texas State Technical College and today will go to the Canine Academy outside of Austin. In another week I will be headed to Nevada.

From small towns with a four way stop in northern Ontario to large southern metropolitan cities, our team is always focused first on the client. Regardless if it is a small seminar or a large convention we want to treat each and every person with the highest level of respect and service. And that is our commitment.

So our apologies on letting our blog slip. We will try better but rest assured, if you are a client you have our full attention.

Darryl

Another Retirement Home Death

The Northwest Response Forum (northwestresponseforum.ca) is a dynamic conference. Due to its location it is smaller than most but still has attracted 150 people from Ontario and Manitoba. Yesterday I spoke on the importance of emergency preparedness for Long Term Care and Retirement Homes. After the presentation a fire chief told me about another fatal retirement home fire on the weekend, this one in Timmins. A sad exclamation mark on the presentation. http://www.thedailypress.ca/PhotoGallery/PhotoGallery.aspx?abID=1136589&pageID=1&page=1

Two firefighters killed in Listowel

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and fellow firefighters of the two volunteer Listowel firefighters that were killed yesterday in a structure fire.


http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/503318--update-crews-remove-bodies-of-firefighters-killed-in-listowel-fire

91% of the fire departments in Canada rely on volunteer firefighters. It is their commitment and bravery that helps keep our communities safe.

Death and Damage Toll Rises

Over 1,000 dead and the number continues to climb in Japan.


http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2011/03/11/17576051.html

Earthquake in Japan, Tsunami Warnings in BC

Earthquake in Japan
On March 11, CBC News reported that at least 60 people are dead after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Northeast coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami that damaged homes, boats and cars, followed by approximately 19 powerful aftershocks. According to CBC News, there are no reports of injuries to Canadians currently in Japan. Approximately 4.4 million people in Japan are without power. This earthquake was the largest to hit the country since the late 1800s. CBC News stated that tsunami watches and advisories have been issued for parts of the Pacific, including the west coasts of South America, the United States and Canada.

The Government of British Columbia issued tsunami advisories for the north coast and the Haida Gwaii Islands, the central coast including Bella Bella, Bella Coola and Shearwater, the outer west coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Port Renfrew. The Government of British Columbia indicated that a low level tsunami has been generated that could impact marinas and other coastal infrastructure or potentially create strong currents in harbours and isolated coastal areas.

Direct link to tsunami advisories in BC: http://www.pep.bc.ca/tsunami_BCbulletins.html

Major Cyber Attack Targets France

The French government had to shut down more than 10,000 computers after hackers based in China attacked the finance department. Reports state that the hackers were searching for documents related to the G20. France is hosting the G20 meetings later this year.

For more information:
http://www.canada.com/technology/Spectacular+cyber+attack+hits+French+government/4395541/story.html

Emergency Management Seminar for Places of Worship

Join us for a one day seminar designed specifically for church organizations.

Emergency Procedures:
- Severe storms, aggressive persons, fire, suspicious packages, etc. - Safe Children Policies
- Security practices

Who should attend: Pastors, Ministers, Clergy, Elders, Deacons, Program Directors, Board Members, and those responsible for congregational safety.

Registration: 9:00 am
Seminar: 9:30 – 4:00 pm

Seminar Locations:
Hamilton / Niagara – March 26
Barrie - April 9
Mississauga – April 30

Participants will receive a workbook with draft procedures and policies. Registration only $119.
Register early and SAVE $30.
Early bird registration is ONLY $89 (+ HST).

Seating is limited. Register today!

For more information or to register online for this seminar go to:
www.emergencymgt.com/courses-materials

An early promotional video

This is an early promotional video for Emergency Management & Training Inc.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3VFq8YI_dI

Middle East Turmoil

While tensions in Egypt have dramatically reduced following Mubarak's resignation, tensions in other middle eastern countries continue to boil.

In Yemen protesters were attacked by knife weilding mobs. In Iran the religious dictators have blocked the internet and warned force will be used against any anti-government protesters. In Jordan, tribal leaders are protesting the rule of the King and Queen. Protests continue in Tunisia.

The world continues to watch the unrest.

Too little too late

A nursing home resident in Windsor wanders off and dies in the middle of the night. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care orders an alarm system be installed. The question we have is, why wasn't there an alarm system in the first place?

Every Long Term Care facility in the province has a fire alarm, fire procedures and at least one fire drill per month per shift (meaning most facilities have 3 drills a month). Why? It is legislated.

Wandering residents are one of the highest risks that Long Term Care facilities face. So why are there not alarm systems, procedures and drills? Well, many facilities do. Unfortunately there are a few that still do not.

Here is an article on the Windsor fatality.


http://www.windsorstar.com/news/Alarms+ordered+nursing+home+wake+death/4201377/story.html

Egypt in Digital Darkness

We have talked about digital attacks previously and now we are watching a digital battle occurring as we speak.

First an rogue group of computer geeks attacks the Egyptian government websites in a distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack. On January 27, 2011, CCIRC reported that the hacking group called Anonymous launched a DDOS attack against Egyptian websites demanding they provide their citizens with unbiased media.

The government of Egypt then uses its powers to shut down online services to the public to reduce the ability of protesters to communicate with each other.

On January 28, SANS ISC is reporting that the entire country is offline. Press reports are saying that this is mainly because the unrest is being organized using twitter, SMS and other online services. Reports state that close to 3000 routers to Egyptian networks were removed and major ISPs went dark.

For more information go to the Internet Storm Center at http://isc.sans.edu/

Governments around the world, including the USA, are building the capability to disable the internet services within their own countries. This extends to the ability to shut down the internet networks in other countries or targeted areas.

We have yet to see what the impacts are when these attacks or disabling of the internet infrastructure is when it occurs in North America. It is just a matter of time...

Northwest Response Forum

Darryl will be speaking at two breakout sessions at the Northwest Response Forum in Dryden ON this April.

Check out the agenda.

http://www.northwestresponseforum.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/NRF-Conference-Agenda-Updated-Jan.-27-11.pdf


Northwest Response Forum website: http://www.northwestresponseforum.ca/

25 Years Ago Today

Where were you 25 years ago today? What were you doing?

I was on the lower floor in the raised bungalow that we lived in at the time working on a university paper. My son was in a playpen quietly playing and the TV was on as I was watching the newscast of the launch, as were millions of North Americans.

It was a beautiful launch and then... a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach as the Challenger exploded. I watched in silence, shock and sadness.

We all know that space travel is inherently dangerous, but we still feel shock when a tragic event like this occurs.

Our memories are with Dick Scobee, commander; Michael J. Smith, pilot; Ellison Onizuka, mission specialist; Judy Resnik, mission specialist; Ron McNair, mission specialist; Gregory Jarvis, payload specialist; and Christa McAuliffe, payload specialist and teacher.

Egypt in Chaos

Troubles around the Mediterranean continue to spread over economic woes. In 2010 violent protests in Italy, Greece and France erupted over government austerity cuts. The past few weeks has seen country wide protests in Tunisia and now Egypt.

The Egyptian government has shut down all internet and cell phone service in the county in an attempt to disrupt the coordination of protests, however, today is being called the Friday of Wrath as the people gather in an uprising. Rising food costs and lower incomes are all part fuel in the demand to oust President Hosni Mubarak after 30 years of authoritarian rule.

While we may feel these protests are half a world away the growing protests over the growing rift between rich and poor are not isolated to north Africa.

For ongoing updates go to: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/28/egypt.protests/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1

2010 Natural Disaster Report - 373 events

2010- United Nation’s Year in Review of Natural Disasters
Teresa Norrish

According to United Nation’s (UN) top disaster reduction official, 2010 was one of the deadliest years for natural disasters! It was the year with the highest-disaster-related-casualties in two decades; including the Haiti earthquake January 12, 2010 that claimed the lives of more than 222,500 people and the Russian summer heat wave that caused 56,000 fatalities.

The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) discovered that 75 per cent of the total deaths in the America’s last year were caused by the earthquake in Haiti; making the America’s the world’s worst affected continents in terms of fatalities. Europe had the second highest fatalities from the summer heat wave, Storm Xynthia (Feb), floods in France (June) and extreme winter conditions throughout Europe (Dec).

89 per cent of the total people affected by natural disasters reside in Asia- making it the worlds most prone to natural disasters. However, last year Asia had the lowest recorded disaster-related deaths at 4.7 per cent of total fatalities.

The costliest event in 2010 was the earthquake in Chili (Feb) that totaled $30 billion followed by the landslides and floods in China with $18 billion, the flood-related destruction in Pakistan at $9.5 billion and the Haiti earthquake with $8 billion.

Last year, 373 disasters affected nearly 208 million people, took the lives of more than 296,800 people and cost an astonishing $110 billion. These statistics further emphasize the importance of not only having disaster / emergency / business continuity plans but also implementing a mitigation plan, running exercises and continuously updating and reviewing the plans. This will ensure that your organization is better prepared and has the support / resources to be put into place should there an emergency occur.

For more information about the UN’s year in review of Natural Disasters please visit:

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37357&Cr=disaster+reduction&Cr1=

Terrorists hit Moscow Airport

All the screening of passengers doesn't help if the flights are not the target. The airport terminal themselves are a rich target for terrorists as demonstrated by this suicide bomber at the Moscow airport today.

31 are reported dead and more than 100 injured in this attack on Russia's largest airport.

For more information on the attack follow the attached link:
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/24/explosion-rocks-moscow-airport/?hpt=T1&iref=BN1

Town without Power as Temps hit -40

The town of Moosonee has declared a state of emergency as a prolonged power outage hit the town this morning at temperatures reached -40 C.

The power failure occurred at approximately 3:00 am and a state of emergency was declared at 10 am as the power had not been restored and temperatures were dipping. An emergency shelter has been established at the local college campus in this town of 3,500. Warmth, food and water were being provided at the shelter. A boil water advisory had been declared earlier in the town, now made very difficult without electricity.

Moosonee is an isolated town on the coast of James Bay only accessible by train or aircraft, except in the summer when ships arrive with large supplies.

Why use a consultant?

Below is a transcript of an article that appeared in The Financial Times, issue of November 19, 2007.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/1/c76fd0e8-93fc-11dc-acd0-0000779fd2ac.html

A survey by the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) found that the single most important reason why organisations use consultants (70 per cent) is access to specific skills not available internally.

“Our research shows that people want to access specialist skills they need for a short period of time,” says Fiona Czerniawska, director of the MCA’s think tank, “and the management consulting firms have those skills. There are ‘economies of knowledge’ because the client gets the benefit of using a consultant who has worked for different businesses in different places within a particular field.

Hiring a consultancy just for their skills is fine for a short term where the organisation will have no further use of the skills afterwards. However, longer term needs are met at lower cost by hiring an individual, either onto the payroll or on a finite contract.

“There are no lightly loaded people and no slack,” he says. “Most people no longer have time to think or keep-up with the latest trends and changes. In contrast, consultants can devote as much as 30 or 40 per cent of their time to keeping up to speed.” Richard Rawlinson, a partner at Booz Allen Hamilton says that it is often impossible for an organisation to maintain the same range of specialist skills or to provide the broad comparative experience that consultants develop.

Gerald Dunn, a director at Qedis, says that undoubtedly there is the time and the place for bringing in the expert who has done a task many times before. “However, if you are using consultants,” he says, “you are usually looking for smart, pragmatic, organised problem solvers who can adapt to what they find and deliver value.”

David Ketchin, lead practice director at Parson Consulting, points out that skills alone are not enough. Whereas technical skills are required to challenge the status quo, client companies often lack change management expertise. It is the blend of the two that delivers true value to an organisation. “One of the most important and enduring rationales of a consultancy is to bring external insights and experience in different industries from around the world,” says Mr Thomlinson. “These insights are both with regard to the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of change.”

Another reason to use consultants is because they can speed up the process of change. “Often the requirement is for a burst of effort to get something done by people that do not have other obligations or a day job to attend to,” says Mr Dunn. “Consultants can be brought in, set clear deliverables and aggressive timelines and provide the catalyst or momentum to get things done.”

“Consultants often look expensive,” concludes Mr Cochrane, “but their flexibility, dynamism, knowledge and creativity come from their low utilisation. Creativity, problem-solving and solution-engineering take time!”

Above is a transcript of an article that appeared in The Financial Times, issue of November 19, 2007.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/1/c76fd0e8-93fc-11dc-acd0-0000779fd2ac.html

Canadians militants training for Jihad at Home

It is no surprise to see news reports that Canadian islamic extremists are training in Pakistan to carry out terrorist attacks on Canadian soil. It is only a matter of time before these extremists attempt an attack on a major urban centre.

Canadians need to be more vigilant against suspicious activity and threats to our safety and security.

For news reports on this threat go to: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110115/canadians-train-jihad-110115/

Haiti's Earthquake - A year later

Tomorrow marks one year since the Haiti earthquake, a tragic event that claimed 230,000+ lives, injured 300,000, and left more than a Million people homeless. It destroyed tens of thousands of buildings including the Presidential palace, governmental buildings, police stations, hospitals, schools, a federal prison, court houses, stores, fuel depots, radio / tv stations, etc.

Not only were these buildings destroyed but their workers were killed. One police station collapsed killing 3/4's of the police force, a hospital collapse killed dozens of nurses, school collapses killed teachers as well as students, etc. The infrastructure of the society was shattered.

On January 10, 2011 I was privileged to have the opportunity to attend a meeting of the minds at York University, looking at the lessons learned from the Haiti earthquake and the recovery over the past year.

While the media presses for an instant solution and short term recovery, the destruction of an infrastructure of a city the size of Toronto or Tampa/St. Petersburg, cannot be restored short term. This combined with the poor conditions before the earthquake.

Before the earthquake only 12% of the population had access to tap water in their homes, only 41% had latrines, 80% lived in poverty, 1% had health insurance, 81% of the buildings were considered fragile, 0.7% had building insurance... Add to this the fact that 20 major earthquakes have occurred in this region over the past 300 years and major hurricanes strike the country every year or two, it will be a long term challenge to rebuild.

Rebuilding Haiti is a decade long project and will require our on-going support.

Organizations that are continuing to make a difference:

http://www.redcross.ca/

http://www.worldvision.ca/

http://www.salvationarmy.ca/

Photo: Canadian Forces assisting to repair drainage systems and other infrastructure

Photo credit: Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Master Corporal David Hardwick

Tragic shooting in Arizona

The news today has been dominated with a mass shooting in Tucson, AZ including the murder of a 9 year old child, a federal judge, and four other, plus the wounding of 12 people including the local congresswoman who is in critical condition.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and to those who are injured.

The attack occurred in front of a grocery store where the congress woman was meeting with the public, constituents. A politician in a democratic society is only as good as their relationship with the people in their community. Unfortunately, a domestic terrorist event such as this forces an isolation between those who are elected to represent the people and the people.

We all need to be vigilant to the risks of domestic threats. They
are not just an issue in Arizona.

Inside Disaster: Haiti

On January 12, 2010 an earthquake devastated Haiti, killing 150,000 and leaving tens of thousands missing.

The first of a 3 part documentary following the Red Cross response will air on January 11 at 9:00 pm on TVO. Part 2 and 3 will air on January 12 and 13 at 9:00 pm. Background on the documentary is fascinating, educating, and heart breaking all at the same time.

We would encourage you to check out this documentary.

For more information go to: http://insidedisaster.com/haiti

"I'm Eating My Cookie" boss fired

Alberta Health Services CEO Dr Stephen Duckett has been fired over his exceptionally poor dealing with reporters. Video, which went viral, showed Ducket shoving a cookie into the face of one reporter while repeating "I'm eating my cookie" in response to questions from the reporters.

This was an example on how disrespect for the media can become a career disaster and create challenges for the organization in maintaining the public's confidence.

For more information go to: http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/701034--cookie-crumbles-for-alberta-health-boss

Five Canadians Killed at Mexican Resort

An explosion at a Mexican Resort has reportedly killed 5 Canadians including a 9 year old boy as well as two Mexican resort staff. Dozens have been injured.

Vacationers must always be alert and prepared to deal with emergencies where ever they may be... resorts, cruise ships, hotels, bus tours, etc.

Always be aware of your surroundings, know the emergency exits, participate in drills (e.g. cruise ship drills), ensure you have health insurance, etc.

For more information on this terrible explosion:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2010/11/14/16136781.html

November 6-9, 2011

Mark November 6-9, 2011 in your calendars! The 2011 Provincial Emergency Management Conference has been scheduled for next year and will be in Kingston ON.

Today was the last day of this year's great conference. Again, well done to the organizers and volunteers who made the conference a success.

Look forward to seeing you at the conference next year.

Red Cross Scores Top Marks - Again!!!

The Provincial Emergency Management Conference is currently taking place in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Emergency Management & Training has the privilege of being part of the trade show and today I had opportunity to speak at one of the sessions. But apart from that giving me a bias towards the conference I must say that the conference is extremely well organized with a great slate of speakers.

My congratulations to John Saunders, Annie Burke and the entire Red Cross team, both staff and volunteers. Well done!

One of the highlights for me today was a presentation by Jean-Pierre Taschereau, Senior Manager, International Emergency Response, Canadian Red Cross. Not only a very articulate and captivating speaker, Jean-Pierre walked us through the trials, challenges and creative solutions implemented by the international Red Cross organizations to the earthquake in Haiti. His deployment, starting the day after the earthquake, was one of true humanitarianism, placing the lives of others before yourself.

It was also a reminder that you cannot rebuild a city that took centuries to grow in a matter of months. It is a long term commitment that continues to require our support financially.

Next year the Provincial Emergency Management Conference will be in Kingston. It is one, based on the past two years, that I would highly recommend. Hope to see you there next year.

US and Canadian Fighters Scrambled

Both US and Canadian fighter jets were scrambled today to escort jets over the Atlantic headed to US destinations.

At this time it appears that several suspicious packages have been discovered after they were shipped from Yemen to the United States, destined for synagogues in the Chicago area.

The media story can be followed at www.cnn.com

Moving Towards Your Goals

Earlier this week I had opportunity to attend the graduation of one of my former staff, a paramedic who had just completed a year long upgrade to Advanced Care Paramedic.

Congratulations Bret Foisy! Well done.

Bret is a young man, a skilled paramedic, who has been willing to take a calculated risk in order to gain a long term goal. While many services have Advanced Care Paramedics and often pay for their staff, in some sort of partnership agreement, to undertake the training, Bret worked for a service that was limited to Primary Care Paramedics by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. While the service has pressed forward with IVs, CPAP, 12 lead ECGs, King LT Advanced Airways and other enhanced skills, there has been a limitation by the MOHLTC to permit the service from moving forward to ACP.

Bret took it upon himself to invest more than $10,000 into the 1 year ACP course, using vacation, banked time and shift changes to attend school while continuing to work full time. All for a course that he did not know if he would be able to use at his service when he graduated. He still doesn't, but you can be sure that other services will be looking to pick up this young man who was willing to look forward and do what it takes to get there.

Emergency planning, much like Bret's calculated risk, is based on looking forward, seeing what the potentials are and planning for them. It takes time, effort and money but if the risks have been assessed, it all pays off in the future.

Congratulations to Bret, and well done to all of those organizations who have taken a serious effort in their emergency preparedness.

Cholera Could Spread to Dominican Republic

Over 3,000 people in Haiti have been diagnosed with cholera in recent weeks, with more than 250 deaths.

Cholera is a bacteria that is spread through contaminated water, food and personal contact. Infecting the intestines it is present in feces and easily spread in areas where sewage is not properly treated, drinking water is contaminated and there is a lack proper hygiene. In Haiti the situation is complicated by the fact that bodies of the deceased with cholera can continue to be host to the bacteria in the tropical heat, spreading the disease if not properly disposed of. Many of these conditions have been exacerbated due to the large number of people still crowded into temporary camps following the earthquake earlier this year.

Severe cases of cholera causes diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration, cramps and death. Seniors, children and those with other medical conditions such as HIV have a higher risk of death.

Due to the high daily traffic of persons across the Haiti / Dominican Republic border there is a high risk of cholera carriers bringing the disease into DR. Should there be an outbreak in DR it has the potential to have a double effect, both effecting the health of some communities but also cause concerns within the tourism industry with a potential to impact the financial health of those areas.

For more information on the cholera outbreak go to the Pan American Health Organization website at: http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4379&Itemid=1926

Photo: Canada Combat Camera - MCpl David Hardwick
Canadian Forces work to reconstruct some of the sewage infrastructure following the Haitian earthquake.

Amazing Rescue

You would have to be living in a mine not to have been aware of the 33 trapped miners in Chile and their rescue occurring as I write. Watching the first miner as he exited the rescue cage and hugged his son on live TV was a special moment.

Over a thousand personnel have worked around the clock for more than 2 months for this day.

For more information on this amazing rescue including video go to: www.cnn.com

Monkeys Protecting Commonwealth Games

When rogue monkeys or snakes threaten the peace of the competators and spectators the Commonwealth Games organizers in India call in the Langur monkeys and their handlers. The Langur monkeys chase away other monkeys who may target people and their property, as well as snakes and stray dogs.

Photo: Reuters / Parivartan Sharma

Lockdown Play By Play on Facebook

Several times we have written about the impact of social media on emergency management, both in our blog and in our newsletters.

Today was a perfect example. A high speed chase following an armed robbery ended in the parking lot of my niece's high school in Michigan. The driver fled into the school which was immediately placed into a lockdown.

My niece was in the computer lab at the time and started to post on Facebook, giving a play by play of what she was experiencing. Friends, both in the school and outside the school posted their comments. Parents were posting their worries. And all of this was in real time while the event was occurring.

Two and a half hours after the lockdown was implemented my niece was posting how boring it was getting... then the lockdown was lifted.

Facebook, twitter and other social media are transforming emergency management, both how information is communicated to the public, but also how the public (in this case my niece and her friends) respond to the incident.

It was an interesting read. Times are changing.

Mega Bus Crash Kills Four

Earlier this year I travelled with the Training Officer of a professional fire department to the facilities of a coach line that operates the double decker "megabus". We spent a couple of hours learning about these buses, their safety features, and looking at the added complexities for emergency services in responding to a collision involving one of these buses.

The most obvious difference is that a standard bus will carry 50-54 passengers, while the mega bus has a capacity of 84 passengers. The lower deck is lower than the seating in a traditional coach, as there is not any luggage storage below the seating. The second level is accessed through two (one forward and one mid-frame) steep stairways similar to a mini spiral staircase creating extrication complications.

While I'm only aware of one Canadian carrier using these buses, running between Toronto, Montreal and New York City, the increased use of these buses will no doubt grow as more passengers can be carried for approximately the same operational costs.

Emergency services need to become familiar with the challenges and the potential for larger numbers of casualties involved in bus crashes.
On September 11, 2010 a megabus being driven into a low bridge killed 4 passengers and injured two dozen others in New York state.
The attached news article (link), references two other megabus crashes in New York state the last 12 months.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/859778--canadians-safe-after-n-y-bus-crash?bn=1

Risks All Around Us

This past week I had opportunity to spend 8 days in Coronado / San Diego on a business trip. A beautiful city with great weather year round. But while we were there the media was reporting three earthquakes in the area in the 4.0 and 4.1 range in a three day period.

While we didn't feel them, it was a stark reminder of the risks that we all face from one risk or another. It is not healthy to be paranoid, but it is important to be prepared.

Each person, family, organization and government should take time to identify the hazards in their area, evaluate the risks, determine if you can reduce or prevent risks, establish a plan and the resources to respond, and breath a little easier knowing that you will be better prepared.

Terrorism Arrests in Ottawa

It is only a matter of time before we have another major terrorism attack in Canada (e.g. Air India attack originated in BC).

Here are links to some of the articles on these arrests today:

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2010/08/25/15137356.html

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/08/25/ottawa-rcmp-arrests.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/852264--two-arrested-in-ottawa-in-alleged-terror-plot?bn=1

June Earthquake Caused Gov't Website to Crumble

The Toronto Star has an interesting article about the June 23 earthquake. Although the earthquake did very little property damage, the public desire for information caused Natural Resources Canada's website to crash.

People today frequently turn to the internet more than the main stream media for immediate information on emergencies, disasters and potential disasters. When this occurred on June 23 the government website crashed.

While the article does not say whether or not the website had any useful or updated information on it, it is an indicator to all levels of government that people will be turning to their websites for information in a crisis. Are the websites robust enough to handle the increased traffic, are they updated quickly and is the information useful?

Check out the article at:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/851058--june-earthquake-did-more-damage-online-than-on-the-ground

Helping Our Helpers Stay Healthy

The Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists www.atss.info is hosting a conference in Toronto, September 30 to October 2 - "Safely in Our Hands: Helping Our Helpers Stay Healthy". The line up of speakers and topics looks very interesting.

Traumatic stress is real and affects many on the front lines: paramedics, police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, dispatchers and those in the military. These are the women and men who see, hear, and deal with events the average person cannot even imagine. And sometimes it is hard to get out of the back of your mind.

While personally I've been at major traumas of adults including decapitations, transections, drownings, stabbings, shootings, 95% burns, (and on the list could go) which have never bothered me, it was the calls involving children that bothered me. My first child death, the young girl who burned in her closet while the neighbours and firefighters tried to break down her bedroom door which her mother had locked that haunted me. We tried in vain to resuscitate the 4 year old who was covered totally in burns... I still remember, as if it was today, her skin sticking to my hands and arms as I worked on her and having to peel it off after. While it no longer wakes me in the night, it does bring tears 27 years later when I think about it. There were other calls as well, but this was the first for a young 21 year old paramedic. Yes, traumatic stress is very real. And while most of us hid it very well to the outside world (but burdened our families with the effects) and carried on with our chosen careers, it did get the better of some. Alcohol, drugs, depression, anger, and even suicide has been caused to some degree by the stresses on the job.

My complements to this organization. If it were not for previous commitments I would be attending this seminar.

For more information on the seminar go to www.atss.info.

Friday the 13th

For some, Friday the 13th is a movie series. For others it is a ritual.

Today is the 50th Ride of the Friday the 13th motorcycle ride into Port Dover, a little town of 5,500 on the north shore of Lake Erie.

Each Friday the 13th for the past 29 years, bikers have been riding into town, sun, rain, sleet or snow. The event started with 25 bikers. In recent years more than 50,000 bikes and over 100,000 people (many non-bikers come to walk the streets and share in the event) have converged on the town to spend the day. Being the 50th Ride and with great weather, it is anticipated that as many as 100,000 bikes and more than 200,000 people may be attending today.

While the event is generally peaceful, from time to time there are motor vehicle collisions involving bikes. But emergency planners should plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Has a proper HIRA been done?
Some potential risks: food poisoning or other mass illness, multiple casualty motor vehicle accident, significant act of violence (e.g. shooting), weather related events (thunder storms, tornado), fire in a local establishment, water system failure, etc.

Are the emergency services and allied agencies using IMS and a unified command?

And the planning questions could go on and on.

I just wish I had time to ride my bike to Port Dover to be there.

Oil / Gas Drilling Disasters Nothing New

The following is a commentary by Dr. David Suzuki


"The explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon platform in the Gulf of Mexico and subsequent uncontrolled release of millions of litres of oil a day is a monumental disaster. But why are we surprised? Oil drilling and transportation are not like brain surgery; they involve brute technology to obtain and move crude oil, and oil is slopped around in this process every day. Over the years, numerous major spills have occurred on land, from drilling platforms at sea, and after collisions and breakups of ships.

Back in 1967, the Torrey Canyon spilled 117 million litres of crude oil off Cornwall, England. In 1976, the Argo Merchant dumped 29 million litres of fuel oil off Massachusetts. A blow-out at the offshore Ekofisk Bravo platform in 1977 released about 30 million litres into the North Sea in 1977, and the Amoco Cadiz dumped 260 million litres off France in 1978. We've seen oil spilled in dozens of other collisions, blowouts, deliberate releases (in 1991, Iraq released up to 1.9 billion litres of crude oil into the Persian Gulf), and storms (in 2005, hurricane Katrina caused the release of more than 25 million litres). Closer to home, in 1970, the Arrow spilled almost 10 million litres into Chedabucto Bay in Nova Scotia, and in 1988, the Odyssey dumped 159 million litres off St. John's, Newfoundland. And in 1989, the Exxon Valdez spilled over 40 million litres into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound off the Alaska coast."

For the full story: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/science-matters/2010/06/our-oil-addiction-has-always-been-messy/

For other related stories go to: www.davidsuzuki.org

Toronto Police Release G20 Wanted Pics

Toronto Police have released photos of several criminals that were involved in G20 violence, looking for public assistance in their identification.

To see the photos go to: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/media/text/20100714-g20_top_ten.pdf


Additional information is available at http://www.torontopolice.ca/

G8 / G20

Having returned from a successful Huntsville G8 assignment, it is disappointing to see the violence caused by a group of criminals posing as protesters at the Toronto G20.

In a blog posting (May 1, 2010) we spoke about some of the planning and tactics being undertaken by Black Bloc organizers. Unfortunately, many media reporters are acting like the actions of these criminals is a total surprise. And of course, the sensationalism of some media outlets makes it appear that the entire city is under siege. While some incidents escallated quickly it was contained to a small section of a very large city.

From our perspective we would like to congratulate the police on their restraint and professional handling of situations that have the potential to be very dangerous. Over the next few days many analysts, including the media, governments and those within the police services, will review and re-review the occurrences in Toronto over the past couple of days.

The Huntsville G8 operation was extremely impressive. The level of detail and size of the operation took many months of inter-agency planning and coordination. I'm sure the logistics for Toronto were equally daunting. Well done to all those involved.

Emergency Preparedness for Long Term Care & Retirement Homes Seminar

Emergency Management & Training Inc. is proud to host the second annual Emergency Preparedness for Long Term Care and Retirement Homes seminar - September 15 & 16, 2010.

This seminar is 50% SOLD OUT!!! as of June 19.

This intensive 2 day seminar is designed for Owners, CEOs, Administrators, Directors of Care, Department Managers, Health & Safety officers, and Emergency Planners.

Long Term Care Facilities, Retirement Homes and Special Care Homes have a special responsibility to their clients and residents. Poorly handled emergencies can result in injury/death to residents/clients, critical media attention, governmental or police investigations, disciplinary action for employees, civil liability, and even criminal charges for Corporate Directors, Administrators and Managers.

Emergency Management & Training Inc. is hosting this 2 day seminar to assist facilities in the development and enhancement of their emergency plans and training programs.

What are the leading risks in Long Term Care and Retirement facilities? Fire! Missing residents! Violent / Aggressive persons! Power Interruptions! What are the vulnerabilities specific to your facility?

Topics covered in this special seminar will include:

• New MOHLTC standards for emergency procedures
• Incident Management System
• Code White (workplace violence)
• Code Yellow (missing person)
• Code Red (fire and explosions)
• Code Black (bomb threat)
• Emergencies external to your site
• An overview of other emergencies
• Media communication strategies
• Communicating with Stakeholders
• Implementing your plan
• Training staff on emergency plans
• Emergency exercises (table top, functional, full scale and evacuations)

Participants will work through the process of developing a procedure for their facility.

Registration includes: emergency preparedness seminar, lunch and snacks each day, special speakers, workbook, certificate of attendance.

This jam packed 2 day seminar is only $699.

Save $100 on registrations received by June 30, 2010

Register by June 30, 2010 for $599.

Lunch and snacks included!

Space is limited. Register TODAY!

Free gift for the first 12 registrants.

To register: Send an email to dculley@emergencymgt.com


Date: September 15 & 16, 2010

Location:
Novotel Toronto Vaughan Centre
200 Bass Pro Mills Dr.
Vaughan ON L4K 0B9
Room reservations 1.905.761.0847

Discounted room rate $149 if reserved by August 15, 2010.


Seminar Speakers include:



Wieslawa Stepkowska is the Assistant Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer of a 391 bed Long Term Care facility which also provides a multitude of Community Services programs for the elderly in a culturally sensitive environment.

Wieslawa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and is a Registered Dietitian. She is also a Certified Long Term Care Administrator and is a member of the Canadian College of Health Services Executives.

She is an emergency management champion and was the catalyst in the development of the Emergency Management System for her facility and is responsible for communication, implementation and staff training.


Antonio Ferreira is the Manger of Environmental Services, as well as Fire Safety Officer at a 391 bed Long Term Care facility in Toronto.

Over the last 20+ years, Antonio’s Facility Management career evolved in such distinguished organizations as Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and Bishop Strachan School - the oldest and one of the most prestigious day and boarding schools for girls in Toronto.

Antonio brings a comprehensive knowledge of building operations and emergency systems including HVAC Systems, safety and building control systems and Fire Alarm Systems. Antonio was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Emergency Management System at a large LTC facility and continues to be responsible for Staff Safety Education in the facility.

You will find Antonio’s training as the Fire Safety Officer and a solid hands-on knowledge of Emergency and Disaster Planning valuable as he demonstrates his training program.


Darryl Culley is the President of Emergency Management & Training Inc. (EMT) and has 28 years of emergency services leadership and health care administration.

In addition to his extensive emergency management background, Darryl was the CEO/Administrator of a 157 bed independent Long Term Care/Retirement facility for 6 years. The combined backgrounds brings unique insight into emergency preparedness planning / training for Long Term Care and Retirement Homes

Darryl has lead EMT’s role in major emergency management projects for organizations including Public Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, ORNGE, Sunnybrook Osler Centre for Prehospital Care and various health care facilities.


Terry Blace is a media relations specialist, a former Sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police with 35 years experience, including 14 years in the Corporate Communications Bureau at OPP Headquarters in Orillia. Terry has dealt with both local and national media outlets, managing/handling crises communications for the OPP.

Terry will be speaking on crisis communications strategies.

Register today by sending an email to dculley@emergencymgt.com

G20 Survival Guide

An interesting article from the Toronto Star

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/825713--g20-survival-guide

One of their points - if you are headed down to see the action bring earplugs, gas mask and a camera...

Fences and the G20

Fences are used by security personnel for several reason, separate authorized persons from unauthorized persons, direct pedestrian traffic, create a psychological barrier as well as the physical barrier, stop or slow assaults on the area being protected, etc.

Fences and the extent of the fencing for the G8 and G20 have been the focus of many media stories. Here are a few of the links



http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/825908--fortress-toronto-secrets-of-the-fence?bn=1

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/news/huntsville-revelling-in-50-million-worth-of-g8-summit-largesse/article1595633/?service=mobile

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/video/g20-fence-going-up/article1595590/

Black Bloc gets media attention

In an earlier post on May 1 (see below) we identified some of the tactics of the Black Bloc and their potential threat to the G8/G20.

The CBC has now published a short story on the Black Bloc but for more details scan down to May 1 in this blog.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/06/14/black-bloc.html

Another story identifies some of the groups that will be protesting at the meetings:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/04/f-g8-g20-protesters.html

JTF2 Protecting G8 / G20 Leaders

One of the world's most respected anti-terrorist units, the Canadian Forces JTF2 will be involved in protecting the world's leaders attending the G8 and G20. In light of the potential threats to this type of event their deployment was to be expected, but the Toronto Star has an article about the unit's role.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/822674--commandos-prepare-for-summits-in-the-shadows?bn=1

Photo from Canadian Forces Combat Camera - special operations training exercise

Intershutz 2010 photos

Intershutz 2010

It is like a pilgrimage, travelling to Germany to the world's largest Fire, EMS and Emergency Management exhibition. Held once every 5 years, Intershutz creates an excitement amongst emergency responders from across the world. It was an event that we had to experience so three of the Emergency Management & Training team members made the trek and our expectations were met and exceeded.

Intershutz 2005 attracted more than 135,000 attendees and after attending this week it is easy to believe that 2010 will have just as many.

There was more than 145,000 sq. metres (1.5 Million sq. feet) of indoor show space (yes, Indoor) in 7 buildings and 70,000 sq. metres of outdoor show space with 1,200 different displays. Demonstrations and competitions were scheduled throughout the event.

Dozens of fire apparatus manufacturers from around the world displayed hundreds of trucks including; a 350 ft tall Bronto (world record holder), airport crash trucks, pumpers, rescues, aerials, robot vehicles, mobile command centres, quick response vehicles and much more. The latest innovations in all types of firefighting, hazmat, rescue, training, and other equipment was on display.

For EMS professionals there were dozens of ambulances, buses, response cars and support units on display with the latest in medical and response equipment. Even Demiers, a Canadian ambulance manufacturer had a booth in the Canadian pavilion.

Emergency management displays included everything from water treatment equipment to SAR dogs, mobile hospitals to CBRN detection equipment, and much more.

The most advanced dispatch, communications, resource tracking and GIS systems were on display. Industrial and building fire protection technologies addressed everything from residential housing to large oil refineries and even transportation systems for railways, ships, and aircraft.

We had the opportunity to meet other professionals from all across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Intershutz closes today after a week long run, but will return in 2015. Personally I'm marking my calendar.

With over 400 photos from Intershutz we will only post a few to get you thinking about attending in 2015.