Is this the Ultimate First Responder Vehicle?

The press release says it is. It’s the Off-Road Forester with SEMA Mountain Rescue Vehicle from Subaru. Outfitted with all sorts of goodies this SUV crossover is specifically designed for ski and mountain search and rescue operations.

Of course calling any vehicle the “ultimate” first responder vehicle is hyperbole. There are many different types of emergencies in every possible environment so it is impossible to declare this or that vehicle the best possible for all circumstances. Fires in an urban area require one type of vehicle and a particular sort of operation while an auto accident on a desert highway will require another.

But for what it was created this new Subaru sounds pretty impressive. With all sort of engine, tire, body and suspension modifications that I don’t understand it is specifically designed for the snow and off-road conditions often encountered in mountain rescue operations. It also comes fully bedecked with lights front and back/up and down as well as a winch, skis, remote open rear doors, and a toboggan. Sounds like they thought of everything.

Searching for a Signal

One of the lessons learned by first responders on 9/11 was that search and rescue robots can easily loose signal. In a big, complex environment like the collapsed towers the radio signals controlling the machines can sometime quickly get lost. Researchers have been working on a solution since.

Through trial and error they’ve tried different solutions in different circumstances. What works in a silica factory isn’t going to be the same thing that works in a coal mine and that will be different from what works in a collapsed building. By subjecting their robots to real-world conditions researchers have found that in some cases there is a frequency sweet spot that will allow them to maintain a signal over greater distances.

They’ve also developed a smarter robot. When it senses a weakening signal it drops a repeater, a device that can continue receiving the signal from the controller as the robot moves out of range then forwards or relays that signal on the robot. Pretty clever stuff.

Sometimes it’s all about the Equipment

Even the best trained first responders can sometimes be rendered helpless or ineffective for lack of the proper equipment. Take this recent case of a life saved in Chico, California of a man saved because the firemen who responded to the emergency call had the right equipment. A month ago they might not have been able to revive him.

Now the Federal Government has made more funds for such equipment available to first responders. As part of the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act signed by President Bush on June 26, 2008, the Cooperative Purchasing Program allows state and local agencies to buy law enforcement, security, and first responder goods and services off a GSA contract known as Schedule 84.

“Access to Schedule 84 will help our state and local government partners make their communities safer today,” said GSA Acting Administrator Jim Williams.

First Responders’ National ID Card

Should there be a standardized ID card for first responders? A compelling argument for this move is made in a white paper published by the Smart Card Alliance.

National standards for an electronically readable card would increase efficiency by providing emergency response officials with instant and comprehensive information about the responders on their team. This would prove especially useful in major emergency events such as hurricanes or earthquakes where workers from other parts of the country might be called in to aid the rescue effort.

Doing so would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response organizations in both their day to day operations as well as in emergency situations.

Reconsidering Officer ‘Health and Safety’

I don’t pretend to fully understand the rules of British cops but something certain seems amiss here.

Thanks to legislation that adds restrictions to the action of police officers in the course of their duty some odd incidents have taken place recently. From the Press Association article:

A recent case saw police officers radio for help instead of trying to save a drowning boy because they were not trained in water rescue. In another case, a woman shot and seriously hurt was left waiting for help as police stood outside because of health and safety fears.

Whether this “health and safety red tape,” as the politicians put it, is the cause of these two incidents or not something obviously needs to be addressed here.

Poking the next James Bond

The British spy agency for which James Bond works is diversifying their recruitment pool. They are now listing open positions on facebook.

Here are some examples of the enticements the spook network is dangling in front of the social network:

"Graduates of all ages can develop long-term careers as operational officers, collecting and analysing global intelligence."

"Time for a career change? MI6 can use your skills. Join us as an operational officer collecting and analysing global intelligence to protect the UK."

"A career in world events? Help influence world events, protect the UK. Operational officer roles collecting and analysing global intelligence."

More Halloween Safety Tips

Last time we looked at some child safety tips for picking out the right costume. Here are some suggestions for the big night:

1. Chaperone. Never send kids out trick-or-treating alone. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.


2. Stay together. Keep the group small, clearly communicate with everyone and make sure that they all know where they are going. Cross streets as a group.


3. Carry a cell phone. Make sure that the kids know how to dial 9-1-1 or the local emergency numbers.


4. Only visit houses with porch lights. Children should understand to never enter strangers’ houses or cars even with the promise of candy.

There's no reason that Halloween can't be both safe and fun. It's a kid's holiday but that's no reason that responsible adults shouldn't remain alert and use common sense.