NCJ Number
194366
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 3 Issue: 12 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
September 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This newsletter focuses on contingency planning for forensic odontology, Coast Guard roles in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents, State and local preparedness helplines, a Live Response program on recovery, and a national alert teleconference.
Abstract
A “go-kit” equipped with dental supplies and equipment, infection control materials, radiographic equipment and supplies, photographic equipment and supplies, and administrative supplies should be ready at a moment’s notice and should only be accessed for a forensic mission. Infection control procedures must be followed and the necessary supplies included in the “go-kit.” Too often, mass casualty exercises fail to include fatality management or the dental team. Training for forensic dental identification is a crucial aspect of preparedness for response to a medical disaster. Formal training courses are offered at various sites throughout the year. Weeklong courses are offered by both military and civilian centers that provide the fundamental information and are often augmented by a laboratory “hands on” scenario. Training for forensic identification includes both individual education and team exercise experience, and is an ongoing process. For a chemical WMD incident, Strike Teams will be the Coast Guard assets providing Level A response capabilities. There are three Strike Teams and they are located at Fort Dix (New Jersey), Mobile (Alabama), and Novato (California). These teams are comprised of highly skilled HazMat responders, each consisting of 35 active duty personnel and up to 50 reserve personnel, and respond to over 200 chemical releases per year. An advantage these teams possess is extensive familiarity with State and local responders. A new State and local domestic preparedness support helpline offers technical assistance in non-emergency cases to State and local responders and public officials. An hour-long Live Response interactive program is being implemented to explore topics related to WMD consequence management. A “National Alert” Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teleconference will be broadcast on the Military/Federal CDV GETN Convergent digital satellite networks for local, State, and Federal Emergency Management personnel and National Guard personnel. 5 tables, 10 references