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Emergency Responders

Racial Discrimination
blog
Historic Lynchings and Voter Registration, China in Space, Firefighters' Mental Health: RAND Weekly Recap
Jul 30, 2021
This weekly recap focuses on the link between historic lynchings and voter registration, Afghanistan in the era of fentanyl, supporting firefighters’ mental health, and more.
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Workplace Well-Being
commentary
As Fire Season Heats Up, Burnout Looms
Grace Hindmarch, Aaron Clark-Ginsberg @aclarkginsberg, Jay Balagna
Jul 21, 2021
The RAND Blog
Increasingly intense fire seasons are taking a physical and mental toll on wildland firefighters. Without more direct attention paid to firefighters' mental health, burnout could decimate the ranks of those who protect lives and property across the West.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
commentary
Planning for the Upcoming Hurricane Season in Light of COVID-19
Aaron Clark-Ginsberg @aclarkginsberg, Gary Cecchine @GaryCecchine, Craig Fugate, Craig A. Bond
May 4, 2020
Vox
What if Hurricane Katrina had hit during a pandemic? Emergency planners can prepare for this scenario by evaluating current response system capacity, evacuation and sheltering procedures, food and supply issues, and more.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
commentary
The Justice System and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Policymakers
Bethany Saunders-Medina
Apr 20, 2020
The RAND Blog
From closed courts to increased risk for first responders, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges for the justice system. RAND research provides insights that may be helpful as decisionmakers try and address some of these issues.
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Emergency Responders
commentary
Lessons for First Responders on the Front Lines of Terrorism
Mahshid Abir, Christopher Nelson
Jul 10, 2017
The Conversation
Given the persistent risk of terrorist attacks, it is critical to learn from past incidents to prepare for future ones. Medical and nonmedical first responders need more training in basic lifesaving skills. Open communication lines such as a dedicated radio frequency could help responders better coordinate. Disaster drills are also essential.
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Emergency Services and Response
commentary
An Enduring Need for Better Measures of Emergency Preparedness
Brian A. Jackson
Jun 25, 2014
The RAND Blog
In an era of fiscal austerity, the need for measurement and assessment becomes manifold. Tied to good government goals and responsible stewardship of public funds, measurements are also necessary to educate the public about what it should—and should not—reasonably expect when disaster strikes.
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Terrorism Threat Assessment
commentary
Airport Violence—Not a New Phenomenon
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Nov 2, 2013
The RAND Blog
Shootings at airports are nothing new, writes Brian Michael Jenkins. In fact, they have regularly occurred worldwide in recent years. The motives have included terrorism, crime, and mental illness.
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Emergency Medical Services
commentary
From Boston to Oklahoma—Lessons for the Regional Trauma Response System
Mahshid Abir, Stewart D. Wang
May 23, 2013
The Health Care Blog
Three mass-casualty events occurring in three very different settings show that disaster preparedness should not be limited to large cities or “target” areas in the United States. One trait that is common to all such events is the need for coordinated, responsive trauma care for victims.
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Emergency Preparedness
commentary
Lessons from Boston
Arthur L. Kellermann, Kobi Peleg
Apr 25, 2013
New England Journal of Medicine
Boston's health care providers reacted the way they did because they knew what they were supposed to do. Those who did not were smart enough to follow the lead of those who did. That's how a “ritualized” disaster plan works.
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Emergency Responders
commentary
Why U.S. Was Surprised, but Prepared for Boston Attack
Arthur L. Kellermann
Apr 18, 2013
CNN
Although official after-action reports are still being compiled, it looks like Boston's first responders and hospitals delivered under difficult circumstances, writes Arthur Kellermann.
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Emergency Responders
commentary
Katrina Proved We Must Do Better Job of Protecting Our Protectors
Brian A. Jackson
Aug 13, 2007
Clarion-Ledger
Katrina Proved We Must Do Better Job of Protecting Our Protectors, in the Clarion-Ledger
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commentary
Forum: Are We Prepared? Not Quite
K. Jack Riley @K_Jack_Riley
Aug 27, 2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published commentary by RAND staff: Forum: Are We Prepared? Not Quite, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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commentary
Prepare for Disaster
Tom LaTourrette, Edward W. Chan
Sep 27, 2005
United Press International
Published commentary by RAND staff: Prepare for Disaster in the United Press International.
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commentary
Prepare the Public
Nicole Lurie, Jeffrey Wasserman
Dec 30, 2004
United Press International
Published commentary by RAND staff.
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commentary
All Citizens Now First Responders
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Mar 24, 2003
USA Today
Published commentary by RAND staff.
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