POSITION Emergency Management Intern

POSITION
Emergency Management Intern

SALARY
Course Credit (per higher education institution)

DUTIES
The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) is currently taking applications for unpaid internships. This highly competitive program in the nation’s 2nd largest city is open to graduate students interested in emergency management and pursuing a degree in emergency management, homeland security, public administration, strategic planning, or a related field. Interns will receive hands-on learning experiences, as they will be fully integrated into the Department and will be assigned projects related to emergency planning, emergency operations, and community preparedness. Interns may also prepare reports, research,
recommendations, and correspondence on behalf of EMD, the Emergency Operations Organization, or other administrative bodies as directed. Interns will work with representatives from various City of Los Angeles departments, business partners, and non-profit organizations.
All participants in this program will be assigned a mentor who is an experienced emergency management professional. A final review of each intern will be conducted to facilitate the intern’s learning and growth as an emergency management professional. Further, Interns will have access to all City hosted emergency management training courses and related meetings as available at no cost.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
EMD acts on behalf of the Mayor, the City Council, Emergency Operations Board (EOB), and Emergency Operations Organization (EOO) on all matters of city-wide emergency planning, training, mitigation, recovery, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) readiness. The Department strives to coordinate and manage Citywide emergency management activities with the goals of increasing the preparedness of Angelenos; enhancing the City’s collective ability to plan for, mitigate, and respond to emergencies; and expanding the City’s continuity of operations/continuity of government capabilities. WWW.LACITY.ORG/EMD

REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Enrolled in or completed a graduate degree program at an accredited university, preferably in
emergency management, homeland security, public administration, strategic planning, or a related field
• Minimum of 3.0 Cumulative GPA preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills; Detail-oriented; Creative thinker and ability to strategize and solve complex problems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• References and writing sample may be required.

All interns will be expected to work a minimum of five hours per week and a maximum of twenty hours per week throughout the eight-ten week summer program.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: Devra Brukman, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Devra.Brukman@lacity.org. Please include: Summer Internship in the subject of your email, and in your cover letter, note your availability based on your academic calendar.

Applications for the summer program will be accepted through May 15, 2009.

Filing may close at any time without prior notice after a sufficient number of applications have been received.

New FREE Bombs/Bomb-Response/ Suicide-Bomber Program Available

New FREE Bombs/Bomb-Response/
Suicide-Bomber Program Available

The Police Officers Safety Association’s (POSA’s) newest training program, Responding to Bomb Threats, Bomb Incidents and Suicide Bombers, is now available free by download. This program contains a 100+ slide PowerPoint resource that’s dense with information. It contains an overview of explosives and bombs, provides examples of various kinds of each. It informs public safety personnel what to look for when on calls so that they might recognize bombs and their precursors. It details ways in which agencies can respond to bomb threats and bombing incidents. It describes ways to interdict suicide bombers and minimize loss of life.

The entire program is at the practical level for front-line responders, and it does not veer off into interesting but academic areas. The program was reviewed by a Technical Review Committee consisting of experts in homeland security, police special operations, and the fire service from across the nation.

The program includes more than a dozen open-source documents full of information on handling all aspects of this kind of event, from communications to hazmat to tactics.

The PowerPoint resource can be used by any agency or officer either as-is, or as a basis from which to construct training modules or presentations of their own. It compiles the thoughts and advice of many of the leading experts in this area.

To download, simply go to http://www.posai.org/ and click on the "Access Training Programs" link on the left navigation menu. Then click on the "click here" link on the main page to be taken to our download page on Officer.com.

http://www.officer.com/posa/posa_videos.jsp?siteSection=30

National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

One of our students in the DMM program, Daryl Doering will be working with Paramedic students at the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (http://muddyangels.org/), May 16th 2009 - May 22nd 2009. His function will be to help the students apply ICS as they coordinate all aspects of ride support and planning. Daryl and his colleagues welcome and need volunteers of all sorts. Part of the experience will evolve around the running of the ICS style command and allocation of resources. Anyone interested in volunteering for this event and gaining some excellent experience from the field, please feel free to contact Aaron Richman at richmana@philau.edu and we will assist you in making the arrangements.

CDC Confirms 91 Swine Flu Cases in 10 States & First U.S. Death;Urges Health Habits

The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

As of 11:00 AM ET on April 29, 2009, CDC has confirmed 91 human cases of swine flu in 10 states and 1 death:

• Arizona: 1
• California: 14
• Indiana: 1
• Kansas: 2
• Massachusetts: 2
• Michigan: 2
• Nevada: 1
• New York: 51
• Ohio: 1
• Texas: 16 (1 death)

This information has recently been updated,

International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection

For information about investigation into cases outside the United States, see the World Health Organization website.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

For more information on what you can to stay safe and healthy, check the CDC Swine Flu website.

Additional Updates on the CDC Swine Flu Website

To learn about other updates made to the CDC Swine Flu Website in the past 24 hours, please check the "What's New" page on the CDC Swine Flu website.

Pandemic Flu/2009 H1-N1 Flu Info:

Pandemic Flu/2009 H1-N1 Flu Info:

Association of State and Territorial Health Officers (ASTHO)
Flu State Updates:
http://www.astho.org/templates/display_pub.php?pub_id=3797&admin=1

BBC World Map (H1-N1 progress)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8021547.stm

DHHS (US Department of Health and Human Services)
Public Health Emergency Declaration:
http://www.hhs.gov/secretary/phe_swh1n1.html

DHHS/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Tools and Resources for Influenza Preparedness
http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/swineflu.htm

DHHS/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Main H1-N1 Flu Web Link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Case Counts: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
Guidance and Recommendations:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations
<http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm>
Influenza General Resources http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/
Info Phone Line: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Key Facts: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
Media Brf Transcripts:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090426.htm
Seasonal Flu Overview http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
Travel Updates/Guidance.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravel.aspx
"Widgets" (Including Swine Flu Widget).
http://www.hhs.gov/web/library/index.html

DHHS/Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Emergency Use Authorization Summary.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02002.html

DHHS/National Library of Medicine
Swine Flu Resources. http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/swineflu.html

DHHS/Pandemic Flu.Gov
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html
Federal and world response stages:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/federal/fedresponsestages.html
H1-N1 Frequently Asked Questions:
http://pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/
Use of Pneumococcal Vaccine
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/vaccine/pneumococcal.html
State-by-State Pandemic Planning and status:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/states/index.html#stateplans

Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
Flu Updates. http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/programs/swine-flu.shtm

DHS/FEMA:
FEMA Assistance for Pan Flu:
http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9523_17.shtm

Google Maps Swine Flu Tracking Tool:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=106484775090
296685271.

0004681a37b713f6b5950&ll=32.639375,-110.390625&spn=15.738151,2
5.488281&z=5

International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Spanish Language reports/resources/information.
http://www.iaem.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=616&Itemid=
208

Masks and PPE:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/stockpiling-facemasks-respirators.html
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01630.html
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/masks.htm

Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Guidance/Tng Documents for Hospital PPE Issues.
http://www.sccm.org/Public_Health_and_Policy/Disaster_Resources/Pages/de
fault.aspx

Mexican Department of Health:
http://portal.salud.gob.mx/

Office of Personnel Management (HR and US Govt personnel Issues):
www.opm.gov/pandemic/
www.opm.gov/oca/compmemo/2008/2008-09.asp
Advice to Federal Employees and Agencies on Preventing the Spread of the
Current Flu and Maintaining Readiness to Use HR Flexibilities if
Necessary
http://www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalId=
2227
http://www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/Index.aspx

Pan American Health Organization:
Main Site: http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?lang=en
Flu Page:
http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id
=805&Itemid=569

Public Health Agency of Canada
PHAC Swine Flu information:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php
Travel Health Warning:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php
Information on Government of Canada actions:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2009/2009_0427_a-eng.php
General Influenza Information:
http://www.fightflu.ca/index-eng.html

US Dpt of Agriculture
Swine Flu FAQs.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=200
9/04/0131.xml

US Dpt of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
Healthcare workers and workplace guidance.
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf
Workplace Guidance.
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html

World Health Organization:
Pandemic Alert System/Levels:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html
Swine Flu Page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Swine Flu Map

Click on the link below for a view of states that have the swine flu. http://snipurl.com/gzu23

Swine Flu

As you are aware, a worldwide outbreak of Swine Influenza (swine flu) has been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that swine flu is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known exactly how easily the virus spreads between people.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported that no cases of the swine influenza virus have been reported in Pennsylvania. However, the University of Delaware in Newark, Del., has reported that four University of Delaware students have been identified with cases of influenza that meet probable definitions for swine flu.

The following is provided in an effort to keep you informed regarding this situation and to suggest precautions to take in order to minimize risk.

Recommended standard precautionary measures, as outlined by the CDC, include:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick to prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
4. Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid the spread of germs.
6. Practice good health habits – get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The CDC recommends that people with symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading the illness to others. If you experience severe symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.

The CDC has established a swine flu website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu, which is updated regularly.

Student Presentation at WADEM Conference

Trinell Genga, DMM student was chosen to present "Insights and Lessons Learned from a University Disaster Drill Experience" at the 16th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine in Victoria, Canada on May 12th through 15th, 2009. Click on image to view poster.

Rescheduled Israeli Home Front Command

PhilaU Connect: Professional International Presentations

Rescheduled Israeli Home Front Command

May 4, 2009, 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

The Israeli Home Front Command has rescheduled their presentation for May 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The guest lecturer's will be Colonel Dr. Hilek Sofer and Itay Peleg. Title of the presentation will be Home Front Command During the Gaza War.

If you are interested in hearing this presentation, please contact Annette Solarski at solarskia@philau.edu for log on information.

Swine Flu Updates

Main Swine Flu Web Link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Case Counts: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

Guidance and Recommendations: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations

Influenza General Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/

Influenza OPLAN: http://wwwcdc.gov/flu/pandemic/cdcplan.htm

Information Phone Line: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

Key Facts: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

Intern Employment Program

If you're interested in an intern opportunity with the Office of Naval Intelligence click on the following link http://www.nmic.navy.mil/internprogram.htm.

News Resource

This site may be of interest to all the "news junkies" http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

DMM Student Capstone Presentations

Great happenings in the Disaster Medicine and Management Program at Philadelphia University. Two of our students are presenting their final Capstone projects. Colette Whelan will present her capstone project on "Medical Reserve Corp" on April 27th. Robert Feinberg will present his capstone project on "Educating Up Hill" on May 6th.

Study Abroad

Global-Education-Study across the globe

The Institute of Terrorism Research and Response offers students the unique opportunity to increase their sphere of influence through study abroad. Programs offered during the summer term, winter term, fall semester, spring semester or full academic year.

Israel

The Institute of Terrorism Research and Response, in a joint project, will hold 2 programs, hands-on class at the world renowned ITRR facilities in Jerusalem and around Israel.

1. Executive Anti Terror Program, The Israeli Experience
2. Trauma and Resilience, The Israeli Experience

This extensive on-site training provides attendees a glimpse into the facilities and protected environments that Israel has developed over the years to deal with terror related threats and risks. The experience includes intelligence briefings, on-site visits, and lecture presentations. Students are also given the opportunity to witness current political events and address current political issues that reach far beyond the borders of Israel and the United States.

Attendees must be 18 years of age or older and in good standing with the university. Attendees must also complete an Israeli security questionnaire (background check). Students need a valid passport; however no entry visa is required for American citizens.

Students may discuss with the world's experts various issues regarding emergency response, disaster mitigation, and current political issues while they share their experiences with anti-terror tactics, multi mass-casualties and response to terror incidents and handling the aftermath in an international political arena. The experience has applications in several areas; each course has an emphasis in separate academic areas to maximize the learning experience.

Basic Elements

The sponsoring school: Philadelphia University DMM Program
The accompanying faculty are limited to those with direct responsibility for the course.
It is recommended that one faculty members accompany each group.

Minimum enrollment: eight (8) paying participants (including assigned faculty).
Foreign study courses not accounting for eight paying participants at deposit deadline will be cancelled. All members (students and faculty) depart and return as a group from JFK or EWR airport on a direct flight to Israel. For security and liability reasons participants are not permitted to secure their own air travel. The redemption of frequent flyer awards and/or class of service upgrades is not possible with group rates. Mileage, however, may be accrued by presenting frequent flyer membership to the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response travel agent.

Estimated Group Size: 30 students

Program Starting date: November 8, 2009
Program Ending date: November 16, 2009
___________________________________________________________

Living Accommodations
Students will be housed in double occupancy rooms at a designated hotel in Jerusalem.

Cost Information
The cost of $5,150 includes double-occupancy rooms with two meals each day (breakfast and dinner), round trip airfare from JFK or EWR to Israel, local transportation and training.

Not included: Additional meals, passports, books and personal expenses.

The Program may allow for time which can be spent in non-Program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

For additional information, contact AnnetteSolarski at solarskia@philau.edu.

PhilaU Connect - May 12, 2009

The PhilaU Connect Professional International Presentations is proud to announce:

Our guest speaker, Colonel (Ret) Shlomo Mofaz from Israel

Title of presentation: "Hezbolla; Local & International Terror Organization"

Location: Presentation will be via "Adobe Connect", on line. Log in details upon registration.

Date: May 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Colonel Mofaz (res.) with his practical and operational experience in designing and implementing solutions in the field, comes with the expertise in Intelligence (collection & analysis) in the strategic and operational level. He has unique expertise with launching, setting up and operating command & control systems, and advanced intelligence systems.Colonel Mofaz (ret.) has a masters degree in Political Science from the University of Haifa and graduate of the Israeli National Defense College.He had a distinguished career as Deputy Head of the Directorate of Military Intelligences Research Division and the head of counter terrorism department in the Israel Defense Forces.

Instructions outlining how to join the PhilaU Connect will be sent via email prior to the event

Certification: Each PhilaU Connect presentation will include a certificate of attendance emailed to the attendee

Questions? or to register, please contact, Annette Solarski at: solarskia@philau.edu

Internship in Israel with ITTR

The Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR) is an American not for profit corporation created to help organizations succeed and prosper in a world influenced by terrorism. You can read about the institute at http://www.terrorresponse.org/.

ITRR-Jerusalem, has immediate openings to recruit two researchers for an internship in Israel for a period up to ten days. The research program deals with the mass casualty incident of which a bus carrying Russian visitors had plunged into a ravine in southern Israel, killing at least 24 people, rescue workers say.

The internship includes a certificate upon completion and assistance in travel expenses. Please send resumes to: Yulia Shnaider, Projects Coordinator at: application@itrrintel.org

6th Annual International Crisis Management Seminar

Click on file to enlarge.

Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE

The First Israeli International Conference on Healthcare System Preparedness & Response to Emergencies & Disasters

January 11-14, 2010

Introduction:

From January 11-14, 2010, the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Israel Home Front Command will be hosting the First Israeli International Conference on Healthcare System Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters. The meeting, which will be held in Tel Aviv, will provide an unparalleled opportunity for professionals from around the world to share the latest findings and new experience regarding health system readiness for disasters and emergencies of all types.

Conference Aims:

1. To provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, experience and lessons learned for
practitioners and researchers involved in the field of preparedness and response to
emergencies and disasters.

2. To promote international networking between health care professionals in the fields
of preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters.

3. To enhance international research collaboration in the field of emergency and
disaster medicine and public health preparedness.

Audience:

The conference is aimed at professionals (both practitioners and researchers) from the civilian and military domains, government and non-governmental agencies and organizations involved in the delivery of health care, and agencies involved in preparedness and response of health care systems for the full gamut of emergencies and disasters. Professionals who would benefit from the conference include: physicians, nurses, emergency medical services personnel, emergency planners, public health, mental health, law enforcement, environmental protection agencies, and
rescue and fire services.

Location:

Dan Panorama - Tel – Aviv, Israel

Important dates:

1. Final date for submission of abstracts: July 1, 2009
2. Notification of abstract acceptance: August 31, 2009
3. Deadline for Early Bird registration: August 12, 2009
4. Presenters of accepted abstracts must be registered by: November 12, 2009
5. Late and on-site registration fee begins: December 23, 2009

Language of the Conference: English

Topics:

1. Healthcare system planning for emergencies and disasters
2. Training and exercising medical and other personnel for managing emergencies
3. Protection of healthcare facilities
4. C4 of disaster management – Command, Control, Coordination & Communication.
5. Risk assessment for different types of emergencies
6. Challenges posed by emerging threats
7. Surveillance systems for monitoring morbidity and mortality; detecting and identifying communicable diseases and pandemics
8. Methods for evaluating levels of preparedness for emergencies and disasters
9. Lessons learned from mass casualty events and emergencies
10. Logistics in managing emergencies
11. Disaster and emergency nursing
12. Interface relations between emergency agencies
13. Collaboration between military and civilian systems in managing emergencies
14. Mental health aspects of managing emergencies
15. Adjusted standards and protocols of treating casualties in disasters
16. Risk communication and public behavior in emergencies
17. Organizing volunteers in disaster medicine
18. The role of community health services in times of emergency
19. Role of international agencies in disaster medicine

For inquiries and additional information please contact: bruria@moh.health.gov.il

Innovator Magazine

During our on-campus week, students in our Disaster Medicine and Management program participated in a large exercise held at the University. The drill was highlighted in Philadelphia University's Innovator Magazine.

To read the full article, please click on the link http://www.philau.edu/innovator/vol1num1/#/12/