🚀 go-pugleaf

TO:  EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS

I�m working on a federaly-sponsored project that is looking into ways to get critical information
 directly and rapidly to emergency responders (police, fire, EMT) who are the *first units* to
 arrive at the scene of a commercial highway vehicle accident or spill involving hazardous
 materials. The HAZMAT Information for First Responders (HAZ-First) Project is in the early
 planning stages and is looking for inputs from anyone on similar pilot projects or relevant
 technologies and for comments that could help us better meet the needs of emergency first
 responders.  If anyone in this group is directly involved in emergency first response I would
 appreciate your comments on the Haz-First Project. The preliminary first responder information
 needs we have identified.  I am interested in what information you feel is usually lacking upon
 arrival at a HAZMAT incident and how you would like that information provided to you.  I
 would appreciate

Our initial survey of emergency first responders indicated a need to know the following upon
 being dispatched to an accident/spill location and *before* arriving at the scene:

(1)  Precise descriptions of all hazardous materials, if any, in a commercial vehicle, including a
 description of their containers.  

(2)  Detailed list of other materials in the commercial vehicle load, including a description of their
 containers.

(3)  Information on the hazardous material�s physical and chemical characterisitics and any
 associated warnings.

(4)  Implications of hazardous materials within the commercial vehicle�s load interacting with each
 other and with non-hazardous materials also present in the vehicle.

(5)  Recommended actions needed to immediately neutralize the hazardous material�s effects
 and/or to treat any injuries resulting from exposure to the hazardous materials.

If you know of test projects being conducted or planned by other organizations (federal, state,
 local, non-profit, academic, or industry) in support of emergency first responders we would like
 to know about them. Initial demonstration of some of the information technologies listed below
 will depend heavily on being able to coordinate with Federal, State, or local agencies in ITS,
 DOT, and industry-sponsored projects.  

Your comments on first responder�s information will always be welcomed.  Thanks very much for
 your comments and suggestions.

Michael Vetter
TASC, Inc.
(617) 942-2000, X 2407
FAX  942-7100
mfvetter@tasc.com