A Public Safety Communications Journal Regina 2009 APCO ...23 APCO AUSTRALASIA REPORT: New Police...

A Public Safety Communications Journal

Volume 22, Issue 4 | October 2009 | ISSN 1709-2574

INDIA REPORT | GLOBAL ALLIANCE | INDUSTRY INSIDER | AUSTRALASIA REPORT

www.andrewjohnpublishing.com

Regina 2009 APCOCanada ConferenceSchedule

Small CommunicationsCentres

Regina 2009 APCOCanada ConferenceSchedule

Small CommunicationsCentres

P U B L I C A T I O N S A G R E E M E N T N U M B E R 4 0 0 2 5 0 4 9

3www.apco.ca | Wavelength

Not for NothingPublic safety communication centre’s activities have evolvedto a point where the vast majority are highly dependent onthe technology that is in use and available within theirorganization. Successful business continuity then comes torely on the personal and equipment dependencies present –those that allow for the work to carry on regardless versusthose that can only continue whilst the supporting technolo-gy is present and operational.

Such mundane things as handwriting and simple human interaction inthe absence of technology are “arts” that are arguably no longer practiceddaily. And the recent phenomenon that sees many “addicted” to theirelectronic personal devices has spread inside some organizations to find themhighly relying upon the continued availability of supporting technologieseven as the likelihood rises that these very tools will be the target of next stageterrorism.

This reliance on technological resilience has therefore begun cropping up dur-ing contingency planning. Only a handful of Canadian communicationscentres take their systems down to “nothing” during contingency exercises.Training in some organizations doesn’t include a scenario where they mayhave to rely on “yesterdays” tools. “Dread” is the most common emotionnamed when one is asked how one might deal with the loss of the techno-tools. Writing things down with pen and paper and speaking to one anotherto clearly and concisely get points across is in some instances unimaginable.This is especially true when one considers the level and degree of telecommu-nication consolidation that has occurred across the country – and around theglobe. Texting, e-mailing, computer interfacing, mobile data terminals – allremove from common practice, common sense. The message may get lostwhen left to untrained managers and communications officers, as vulnerablepersonnel do not make for well-prepared staff.

The benefits for those that take a business continuity approach that includesa period of an absence of technology are immeasurable. From improved com-munication skills for all personnel to a degree of “hardiness” when faced withthe unthinkable – these centres produce not only some of the best plans butalso some of the finest staff and management. This is but a small part of busi-ness continuity planning but it’s not for nothing that thesetypes of exercises need to take place.

Ted HarrisEditor-in-Chief

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E E D I T O R - I N - C H I E FA P C O C a n a d aB o a r d o fD i r e c t o r s

A P C O C a n a d aB o a r d o fD i r e c t o r s

PRESIDENT

MAUREEN SCHMIDT

Deputy Fire Commissioner,

Province of Saskatchewan

[email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT

CURTIS BROCHU

Public Safety Communications – Calgary

[email protected]

PAST PRESIDENT

DONNA ANDERSON

Toronto Police Service

[email protected]

DIRECTOR

NANCY BANKS

Peel Regional Police Service

[email protected]

DIRECTOR

GAVIN HAYES

Halton Regional Police Service

[email protected]

DIRECTOR

THERESA VIRGIN

Durham Regional Police Service

[email protected]

DIRECTOR

SANDY VOGSTAD

RCMP – Prince George

OIC – North District Operational

Communications Centre (OCC)

[email protected]

4 Wavelength | October 2009


Wavelength is published five times per year by Andrew JohnPublishing Inc. with offices at 115 King St. W, Dundas ON,Canada L9H 1V1. We welcome editorial submissions but can-not assume responsibility for commitment for unsolicitedmaterial. Any editorial materials, including photographs, thatare accepted from an unsolicited contributor will become theproperty of Andrew John Publishing Inc.

FEEDBACK: We welcome your views and comments. Pleasesend them to Andrew John Publishing Inc., 115 King St. W,Dundas ON, Canada L9H 1V1. Copyright 2009 by Andrew JohnPublishing. All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or in partis forbidden without express written consent from the pub-lisher.

Publication Agreement Number 40025049 | ISSN 1709-2574

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Volume 22, Issue 4 | October 2009

ContentsEditor-in-ChiefTed Harris | [email protected] Regional Edi torsAtlanticMike Sampson | [email protected]

OntarioTheresa Virgin | [email protected]

PacificTally Wade | [email protected]

Heather Sorge | [email protected]

PrairiesTyler Thomas | [email protected]

AustralasiaDes Bahr | des.bahr.apcoaust.com.au

IndiaUma Nath | [email protected]

USATony Davidson | [email protected]

ContributorsDes Bahr | Ted Harris | Steven E. Loomis

Maureen Schmidt | Uma Nath

Managing EditorScott Bryant | [email protected]

Art Director/DesignBinda Traver | [email protected]

AdvertisingJohn Birkby

Ph 905-628-4309 | jbirkby@andrewjohnpublishing .com

Sales & Circulation CoordinatorBrenda Robinson | [email protected]

AccountingSusan McClung

TranslatorGladys St-Louis

Group PublisherJohn D. Birkby | [email protected]

F E AT U R E S

25 SMALL COMMUNICATIONSCENTRES – Designed to ServeBy Steven E. Loomis

28 EMS CHIEFS OF CANADACOME TO NIAGARA FALLS

30 CBRN RESILIENCE

28

D E PA R T M E N T S3 EDITORIAL:

Not for NothingBy Ted Harris

7 MESSAGE FROM THEPRESIDENTBy Maureen Schmidt

7 PENCIL IT IN:Upcoming Events

9 GLOBAL ALLIANCEREPORT

19 INDUSTRY INSIDER

21 INDIA REPORT: Introduction ofNew Members of EMRI GoverningBoard and New ChairmanBy Uma Nath

23 APCO AUSTRALASIAREPORT: New Police Patrol CarDue to Arrive in LA within Weeks

APCO CANADACONFERENCE 2009

10 Keynote Speakers

12 2009 Conference Program

APCO CANADA NEWS

17 2009 APCO CANADAMEMBERSHIP SURVEYRESULTS

25

30


Ce n’est pas pour rienLes activités du centre des communications en sécurité publique ont évolué au point où lagrande majorité dépend de la technologie qui est utilisée et disponible dans leur compagnie.La continuité des opérations fructueuse compte sur les dépendances du personnel et del’équipement – ceux et celles qui peuvent poursuivre leur travail peu importe les conditionspar rapport à ceux et celles qui ne peuvent travailler que lorsque la technologie est présenteet fonctionnelle.

M E S S A G E D U R É D A C T E U R E N C H E F

La formation dans certaines compag-nies n’inclut pas un scénario où tousdoivent avoir recours à des outils del’ancien temps. La « terreur » est l’é-motion la plus commune lorsqu’ondemande comment on pourraitfonctionner sans les outils tech-nologiques. Écrire avec un stylo surdu papier et se parler de manièreclaire et concise pour faire passer lemessage dans certains cas est inimag-inable. Cela est particulièrement vrailorsqu’on considère le niveau et ledegré de la fusion des télécommuni-cations dans le pays et à travers lemonde. L’envoi de messages textes,les courriels, l’interface informa-tique, les services mobiles detransmission des données – tousretirés de la pratique courante. Lemessage peut être perdu s’il est laisséavec des cadres ou des administra-teurs non formés, puisque le

Des choses banales telles quel’écriture courante, l’interac-tion humaine en l’absence detechnologie sont un « art » qui n’estplus pratiqué de nos jours. Nous con-statons également un phénomèned’accoutumance aux appareils élec-troniques personnels qui s’étenddans les compagnies. Ces personnesse fient entièrement à la disponibil-ité continue des outils technolo-giques même si la probabilité que cesmêmes appareils fassent l’objet deterrorisme.

La confiance en la résilience d’unsystème technologique a commencéà être questionnée au cours de laplanification des mesures d’urgence.Seulement une poignée de centres decommunications canadiens fermentcomplètement leur système au coursdes exercices de mesures d’urgence.

personnel à risque ne peut remplacerle personnel formé à cet effet.

Les avantages pour ceux et celles quiadoptent l’approche de la continuitédes opérations qui comprend unepériode de privation de technologiesont incommensurables. Des tech-niques de communication amélioréespour tout le personnel à une cer-taine « hardiesse » face à l’im-pensable, ces centres élaborent nonseulement les meilleurs plans maisproduisent aussi les meilleursemployés et cadres. Il s’agit d’unepetite portion de la planification dela continuité des opérations, mais ce n’est pas pourrien que ces types d’exercices sont enplace.

Ted HarrisRédacteur en chef

Pencil It InU P C O M I N G E V E N T S

APCO CanadaConference2009October 4-7, 2009Evraz Place, Regina, Saskatchewan

APCO AustralasiaMarch 14-17, 2010Melbourne Conferenceand Exhibition Centre,Melbourne, Australia

BAPCOConferenceApri l 20-22, 2010Business Design Centre,Islington, London, UK

www.apco.ca

Go to the website for the latest committee and AGM Reports

Visitez le siteWeb pour lesderniers rapports sur les finances,les comités etl'AGA

Ihave been very fortunate to workwith a strong, knowledgeableboard of directors with so muchindustry expertise. Also, the supportof APCO Canada past presidents,dedicated committee chairs, GlobalAlliance partners, and front-line andcorporate members, forms the back-bone of this association. The abilityto communicate the ideas, solutionsand discussions of all these groups isa priority and a challenge.

As the public safety communicationfield expands in Canada, so must ourassociation. As communication pro-fessionals, we are responsible to takeon leadership roles and truly be thevoice of public safety communica-tions in Canada and around theworld. By continuing to mature andexpand our mandate, APCO Canadawill be recognized and sourced as theauthority on communication issues.

By remaining strategic, focused andprofessional APCO Canada canguide decision makers on publicsafety communication trends andobstacles. Continued partnershipswith other similar public safety asso-ciations will ensure messages remainclear and consistent. I remain com-mitted to our associationestablishing a full-time funded posi-tion that would provide stability anddedicate the necessary time to

expanding our initiatives.

Once again I must congratulate thecurrent board of directors who hasworked diligently on ensuring thatour decisions remain transparentand in the best interests of our mem-bership. Financial audits, request forproposals for contract services, andensuring bylaws remain accurateand registered were accomplishedthrough many hours of volunteertime. This same dedication is repre-sented in communication centresacross Canada every day and I couldnot be prouder of the work that youdo.

I wish Curtis Brochu the best as hetakes on the position of president. Aspast president I will continue to sup-port the board and the membershipto the best of my ability and lookforward to participating on publicsafety initiatives across Canada.Thank you for the opportunity toserve as your president and I encour-age all of you to consider taking on aleadership role in our exciting,dynamic profession.

Regards,

Maureen SchmidtAPCO Canada

President

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

Message from the President

It is with very mixed emotions that I write my finalWavelength article as your president. It has been an hon-our and privilege to represent the public safety communica-tions industry on your behalf.

www.apco.ca | Wavelength 7

M E S S A G E D E L A P R É S I D E N T E


Message de la PrésidenteC’est avec un certain regret que je rédige mon dernierarticle Wavelength en tant que présidente. Ce fut unhonneur et un grand privilège de représenter l’industriedes communications en sécurité publique en votre nom.

J’ai eu la chance de travailler avec un conseil de direction solide,bien renseigné et spécialiste de l’industrie. Le soutien des prési-dents sortants d’APCO Canada, des présidents des comités, despartenaires de l’Alliance globale et des cadres de premier niveau formele réseau de base de cette association. La capacité de communiquer lesidées, les solutions et les discussions de tous ces groupes constitue unepriorité et représente un défi.

Notre association doit prendre de l’expansion au fur et à mesure que ledomaine des communications en sécurité publique s’élargit auCanada. En tant que professionnels du domaine des communications,nous sommes responsables d’assumer un rôle de leadership et d’êtrevraiment la voix des communications en sécurité publique au Canadaet partout au monde. En continuant à accomplir et à remplir notremandat, APCO Canada sera reconnue comme l’autorité en matière decommunications.

En conservant une attitude centrée, stratégique et professionnelle,APCO Canada peut guider les décideurs sur les tendances et obstaclesen matière de communications en sécurité publique. Les partenariatsavec d’autres associations semblables en sécurité publique permettrontaux messages de demeurer clairs et cohérents. Je demeure engagée ànotre association en établissant un poste à plein temps subventionnéqui permettra de procurer la stabilité et de consacrer le temps qu’il fau-dra pour promouvoir nos initiatives.

Une fois de plus, je veux féliciter le conseil des directeurs actuel qui atravaillé avec diligence pour faire en sorte que nos décisions demeurenttransparentes et qu’elles soient prises dans le meilleur intérêt de nosmembres. C’est grâce aux nombreuses heures de bénévolat que les véri-fications financières, les demandes de proposition pour les contrats deservice ont pu être faites et que les règlements sont demeurés rigoureuxet ont été respectés. Le même dévouement est représenté dans les cen-tres de communications au Canada chaque jour et je ne peux pas êtreplus fière du travail que vous accomplissez.

Je transmets à Curtis Brochu mes meilleurs vœux de réussite à la prési-dence. En tant que présidente sortante, je vais continuer de collaboreravec le conseil et les membres du mieux que je vais pouvoir et j’ai bienhâte de participer aux initiatives en sécurité publique au Canada. Jevous remercie de m’avoir donné la chance d’occuper la présidence etvous encourage à assumer un rôle de leadership dans notre professiondynamique et énergique.

Cordiales salutations.

Maureen SchmidtPrésidente, APCO Canada

A P C O A L L I A N C E F O RG L O B A L C O O P E R A T I O N

A N D D E V E L O P M E N T

Since attending BAPCO in April,the Global Alliance group has cir-culated documentation regardingcall handling standards that arebeing developed in Britain. It isthe continued sharing and col-laboration of this group that willensure worldwide improvementsto the public safety communica-tions field.

APCO Canada did attend the GlobalAlliance meeting at theInternational Conference andExposition in Las Vegas. All four partici-pating associations will provide an updatethrough a briefing paper on local associa-tion activities. The agenda includes manytopics including: call calling standards,Global Alliance support to developingnations, international telematics language, emergency notification require-ments, simless call blocking, projectMESA, plus updates on the website.

The Canadian briefing will provideupdates on the recent and upcomingCRTC rulings concerning enhanced wire-less implementation in Canada and theresulting media attention as well as theongoing national interoperability groupmeetings. The annual report and strategicplan updates will be shared.

The next Global Alliance meeting is sched-uled during the APCO Canada 2009Conference in Regina, SK.

I look forward to reporting the discussions from both these meetings inthe next publication of Wavelength.

The Global Alliance continues to be aresource for APCO Canada and its mem-bership as well as our corporate partners.Please visit the Global Alliance website atwww.apcoglobal alliance.org

Regards,

Maureen SchmidtAPCO Canada President


uniqueness of stress experienced by those who serve andsupport others. Fewer people, less equipment, less sup-port, lower budgets, and a demanding work environmentcreates a theatre in which we are asked to continue to actwith dignity and surety, while dedicating ourselves to thewell-being of others. There are proven ways to addressthese issues, to move forward, and create a sense of per-sonal well-being while doing an outstanding job. It isvirtually impossible to excel in today’s world without aknowledge of the ways in which the world has changedand the advantages of proper coping skills. Each employ-ee impacts upon the organization. Emphasis is placed onhonouring your superiors, respecting each other, andserving those who depend on you. One of the most diffi-cult concepts to understand as we continue our progressinto the twenty-first century is “change.” Change alonehas caused more problems in organizations, as well as inthe day-to-day lives of individuals, than any other issue.Change always appears to be threatening, it creates stressand with that, the potential harmful effects that follow.Whether the enemy we face is terrorism, or overwhelm-ing stress at work, we can learn strategies to take care ofourselves so we can better serve others in times of need.Our problems stem not from “balancing our abilities” butrather “our ability to balance.” It is time to ask the ques-tion: “Is my job a passion, or just a pension?” “Do I wantto stay bitter, or get better?”

www.jamestreese.com

APCO Canada Conference 2009 Keynote Speakers

Dr. James T. Reese

Dr. James T. Reese, PhD, diplomate in criminal and police psychology, is aninternationally known author, lecturer, and consultant in the specialty areasof coping with change, stress management, ethics-based leadership, andmotivation.

Dr. Reese is a board certified expert in traumaticstress and is a fellow of the American Academyof Experts in Traumatic Stress. He has addressedthe National Executive Institute for more than twodecades, and has been faculty of the InternationalCritical Incident Stress Foundation, the Institute for theAdvanced Study of Crisis and Disaster Management, theprestigious FBI Academy, and adjunct faculty of theUniversity of Virginia. He is a premier speaker for theNational Trauma Center. Dr. Reese blends wit and wis-dom as he addresses groups of all compositions, from therank-and-file and supervisors to CEOs. Dr. Reese hasaddressed representatives of more than 350 Fortune 500companies. An original FBI criminal profiler (Silence ofthe Lambs), he retired as assistant unit chief of the FBIBehavioral Science Unit. His is co-author of PSYCHO-LOGICAL BODY ARMOR: Seven Strategic Lessons aboutLife, Resiliency, and Coping with Stress (ChevronPublishing, Ellicott City, MD, 2007.) His latest book, co-authored with Cherie Castellano, MS, LCSW, is entitled,LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILIES: The Ultimate Backup,(2007). He is CEO of James T. Reese and Associates, andRichmond Hill Press, LLC., with international headquar-ters in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Coping with Change and Adversity: StayingBitter or Getting Better

This presentation will provide an examination of the


Darci Lang, ProfessionalSpeaker and Trainer

Darci shares an easy toapply message that relatesto everyone. The message issimple; you have a choicewhen it comes to your atti-tude, professionally and per-sonally.

The choices you make effect yourself and yourteam.

A positive attitude is the foundation of Darci’s suc-cess. She has owned and operated three separatecompanies, worked with others and managedmany different people. As owner of X-L Enterprisesand past owner of the award winning MallabarTuxedo Rentals in Regina, Darci understands thatworking effectively within an area or unit requiresyou to work on yourself first.

As the demand increased for Darci to tell her per-sonal story of turning business into success sheturned to professional speaking and training – herthird business endeavour. She then started to shareher “Focusing on the 90%” message and otherswanted to hear about her life story as well. She hasbeen speaking and training for over 15 years. Darciis proud to call Regina home. She is wife to Darrenand mom to Jayda and John.

Her dedication and entrepreneurial skill have paidoff. She is now a bestselling author with her bookFocus on the 90%. One simple tool to change the wayyou view your life. Darci has won The SaskatchewanWoman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and anAchieving Business Excellence (ABEX) Award. Shewas a finalist in the Canadian Woman of the YearAward and a three-time nominee for the nationallyrecognized Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneurof the Year Awards.

She is truly someone who walks the talk.

www.darcilang.com

K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R S


2009 APCO Canada Conference ProgramPlease note this program is subject to change

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009

0730 - 0830 OPENING BREAKFAST & CEREMONIES

0830 - 1000 Keynote SpeakerDr. James T. Reese, Ph.D., F.A.A.E.T.S., D.P.C.P., B.C.S.M.

“Coping with Change & Adversity: Staying Bitter or Getting Better?” (*Confirmed)

1000 - 1200 First Nation Drumming into Trade ShowTrade Show Open 1000-1600 hrs

1200 - 1300 LUNCH ON THE TRADE SHOW FLOOR

1300 - 1400 David Francois BlackOttawa Police Service

Communications“Bull’s Eye!

How You Can Target & Hire theRight Candidates for YourCommunication Centre”

Dr. James T. Reese

Ph.D., F.A.A.E.T.S., D.P.C.P., B.C.S.M.“Success Without Stress:

Six Keys to Stress-Free Living”

Shelby Lewis, BSEE, BSIT

Positron Public Safety Systems“Preparing the Network/PSAP for

Phase I, Phase II (Mandatory 2010),& NG-911 Location Based Services”

1400 - 1500 Kristyn Emenecker

Verint Witness Actionable Solutions“The Perfect Storm: Why Quality

Assurance & Training are Critical inthe Age of Video, Liability &

YouTube”

Rev. Mr. Rob Thomas

Halton Regional Police ServiceCommunications

“Addiction Has No Profile”

Motorola I

Motorola Canada(Presentation Title Pending)

1500 - 1600 Nate McClure, ENP

AECOM Design, CTA Communications“Analysis or Paralysis?

Using Workload Analysis toDetermine Your Staffing Needs”

Pamela Kaufman

APCO Institute, Inc.“Suicide Bombers – The Future of

Domestic Terrorism”

Patrick Kiernan, M.B.A.

NICE Systems, Inc.“A Tale of Two Counties: PSAP

Efficiency Tips You Can Take to theBank”

1600 - 1700 “On Scene” with “APCO Canada 2009”~ Live Scenario ~

Evening Enjoy Regina!!

Session Room


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2009

2 0 0 9 A P C O C A N A D A C O N F E R E N C E P R O G R A M

0830 - 0930 J. Douglas Anthony

National Claims & LitigationDirectorate

“How to be a Good Supervisor:Steps, Processes, & How to Invest

in Your Employees”

Nancy Banks, ENP

Peel Regional Police Communications“Saying No to Negativity”

Motorola II


0930 - 1030 Jim Kuthy, Ph.D

CritiCall Pre-Employment Testing Software

“Personality Counts – Now What?”

Corinne Begg

British Columbia Ambulance ServiceCommunications

“100% Customer Service 100% ofthe Time”

Dave Thuringer, B.B.A.

Cartel Communication Systems Inc.“Communications Systems:

Business Continuity Perspective –Are You Ready?”

1030 - 1130 Tally Wade, M.Ed.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University“Mentoring: What’s Your Legacy in

the Workplace?”

Allison Kapp, RD

(Presentation Title Pending –

Topic: Shift Work & Nutrition)

Thomas (Tom) Brown, B.S., M.S.E.E.

Tyco Electronics“Challenges & Solutions for Video

Over Wireless”

1300 - 1400 Sgt. Kelly A. Anctil

Royal Canadian Mounted Police – ‘F’ Division

(Presentation Title Pending)

J. Douglas Anthony

National Claims & LitigationDirectorate

“Be the Change”

Motorola III


1400 – 1500 Sandy Vogstad

RCMP North District OperationalComm. Centre

“Pensions & Emergency ServicesCommunicators”

Tanya Silletta

Victoria Police DepartmentCommunications

“An Elephant in a Phone Booth”

Darren Goski, B.E.E., B.C.S.

SaskTel“Recommendations on

Evolving Saskatchewan’s 911Network to NG-911”

1500 - 1600 Mike Reschny

Saskatoon Fire & Protective ServicesCommunications

“Building Positive Teams”

Capt. Carly Arkell, BEng Aerospace

Canadian Forces Snowbirds –431 Air Demonstration Squadron


Elliot Fisch, MBA

Atrus, Inc.“Do You Know Where the AEDs inYour Community Are? Could You

Direct a First Responder to One?”

1800 - 2200 GALA DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENTDelta Regina Hotel


0730 - 0830 BUFFET BREAKFAST

Session Room


2009 APCO Canada Conference ProgramWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009

2 0 0 9 A P C O C A N A D A C O N F E R E N C E P R O G R A M

1000 - 1100 Corinne Begg

British Columbia Ambulance ServiceCommunications

“Beyond Dispatch Basics”

Mike Reschny

Saskatoon Fire & Protective ServicesCommunications

“Communications: A Key Role inTechnical Rescue”

William (Bill) Book, B.S.E.E., M.S.E.E.

EADS Secure Networks North America“Key Criteria’s to Implementing a

Wide Area Open Standard P25Solution”

1100 - 1200 Tally Wade, M.Ed.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University“The Serious Side of Humour –

How the Effective Use of HumourPromotes Learning & Retention”

Chaplain Tom McCullagh

Royal Canadian Mounted Police – ‘F’ Division

“Understanding Boundaries”

Motorola IV


1400 - 1500 Theresa Mura, BSW

Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan“Helping People with Dementia –

What You Need to Know”

Dan Heney, BAppBUS: ES

Deputy Chief, Prince Albert Fire &Emergency Services

“Critical Incident StressManagement (CISM)”

Motorola V


1500 - 1600 Ron Morris

Morris Interactive

“The Power of ONE: Your Impact on the Universe”

Nancy Banks, ENP

Peel Regional PoliceCommunications

“Missing Children!”

Anritsu Company


0730 - 0830 BUFFET BREAKFAST

0800 - 1000 APCO Canada Annual MeetingNew & Non-Members also welcome!


1300 – 1400 Keynote SpeakerDarci Lang

“Focus on the 90%”

Sask. Women Entrepreneur of the Year, APEX Award Winner, YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

1800-2300 FUN NIGHTFood & Fun!

Session Room

Please note this program is subject to change

2009 APCO CanadaConference & Trade Show

A Professional Showcase of TalentEvery year, APCO Canada joins with a host city and welcomes attendees from across the

globe to join us in a partnership of learning and professional development. Each of us

helps to create a portrait of our home organization by sharing verbal visuals of where we

come from, and what it’s like at our own PSAP’s. We paint pictures using words and

body language – some even go to the length of drawing out a schematic of their work-

place – that’s talent! Through these partnerships and personal paint brushes, we create

a public safety mural that ensures APCO’s vision of continued recognition and support

of public safety communications in Canada remains superior.

This year’s APCO Conference will be held in our Queen City - Regina, Saskatchewan.

We are enthusiastically preparing to host what will be an amazing mosaic of learning opportu-

nities and shared celebrations. We will be welcoming ‘extended family’ this year, by combining

forces with “On Scene 2009”. “On Scene” had its inaugural multi-agency training event last

September, emerging as a successful collaboration of protective services personnel from Law

Enforcement, Fire, and EMS. The most exciting aspect of their conference was an interactive

scenario, where inter-agency relationships were put to the test, working and learning together to

ensure prompt response and a successful save. We are hoping to contribute to the 2009 scenario,

by attempting to incorporate the actual ‘front-line’ of public safety, the Dispatcher!

It all starts with a call...

The 2009 APCO Canada theme, “Art of Communication: Partnership in Public Safety”,

is a colourful expression of our professional expertise in communicative abilities to provide a

high standard of public safety – the art of words can comfort, guide, acknowledge, and reassure.

Our coded radio language translates into stories, and paints a scene that our field officers and

personnel can mentally and physically prepare for. Dark humour, and light-hearted laughter,

can draw us together in the best of times, and the worst of times. To our public clients, the

colours and sounds surrounding the ‘Art of Communication’ can mean everything – the pattern

of a familiar logo, the decals on an emergency vehicle, the trust in a uniform, and even the music

of a siren, can mean that help is on the way.

We invite everyone to Regina, from October 4-7, 2009

Come join us in a learning experience that will expand your public safety palette! In partnership

with our outstanding vendors and sponsors, and introducing our new relationship with

“On Scene 2009", this training event will truly highlight the many talents of our industry.

And The 2009 APCO Canada Membership Survey Says …


APCO CANADA NEWS

Thanks to those who responded to the survey cir-culated earlier this year. This survey wasdeveloped to gather your opinions on the oper-ation of your association and the board appreciatesthe feedback. There were 15 questions on the surveyand 85 responses were submitted. Where commentsto specific questions were offered a sampling has beenincluded in this report. With this feedback, the APCOBoard of Directors will analyze these results and verifythat our strategic plan remains current and relevant.

1. How long have you been a member of APCO Canada?

• 10% – new members

• 59% – 1 to ten years

• 31% – more than 10 years

2. Does your APCO Canada membership meet your expecta-tions?

• 73% – yes

• 27% – lacking

Additional Comments:

• Several requests for more training opportuni-ties

• APCO needs to spend more time with Chief’sAssociation to promote the benefits of mem-bership

• Just started my membership and have enjoyedmy first magazine

• Information is readily available and e–newsmakes staying current easy

• There needs to be more level of pride in beinga member.

• A membership directory is required so that net-working is readily available

3. Do you access the APCO Canada website regularly?

• 56% – yes

• 44% – no

4. If you do access the APCO Canada website, is it easy to navi-gate; and is the information on the site relevant to you?

• 85% – yes easy to navigate

• 4% – not easy to navigate

• 60% – yes the information is relevant

• 9.2% – no, the information is not relevant

5. Have you read the APCO Canada Strategic Plan?

• 40% – yes

• 60% – no

6. Does APCO Canada report on its financial condition in a man-ner that is transparent, i.e., available upon request as perthe APCO Canada website and at each general meeting?

• 42 % – yes

• 3% – no

• 55% – did not know it was available

7. What areas to you think APCO Canada should focus on?

• 31% – to develop a communication plan

• 69% – to develop an education plan

• 53% – to develop an industry relationship plan

• 36% – to develop an organizational plan


A P C O C A N A D A N E W S

8. Do you attend the APCO Canada Conference and Trade Show?

• 67% – yes

• 33% – no

9. From the list below, please rank which of the conference andtrade show areas are important to you.

Very Important Neutral Not Very Important Important

Pre-conference Courses9.2% 30.3% 43.4% 11.8%

Educational Tracks36.5% 44.6% 16.2% 1.4%

Trade Show 35.4% 49.4% 10.1% 5.1%

Networking Events49.4% 40.5% 8.9% 1.3%

Location (city and venue)39.7% 30.8% 23.1% 5.1%

Trade Show and Educational Sessions Under one Roof43.6% 41.0% 12.8% 1.3%

Food 5.1% 27.8% 58.2% 7.6%

Committee Meetings5.1% 30.4% 51.9% 11.4%

Awards Presentations10.4% 37.7% 41.6% 9.1%

Keynote Speakers31.6% 59.5% 8.9% 0.0%

Super Session Speakers32.1% 57.7% 9.0% 1.3%

New Information and Ideas58.8% 38.8% 2.5% 2.5%

10. Do you participate in any provincial 9–1–1 committees?

• 24% – yes

• 76% – no

11. Do the APCO Canada e-mail blasts meet your communicationneeds?

• 91% – yes

• 9% – no

Additional Comments:

• They are short and to the point

• Would like more details

• Even wider range of topics

12. Do you want traditional publications i.e., Wavelength or shouldAPCO Canada move completely to electronic notifications?

• 23% – yes I want traditional publications

• 31% – no I want electronic notifications only

• 46% – I want both

13. Do you want your APCO Canada executive to focus on Canadianissues or to continue to be involved in international initiatives?

• 32% – Canadian issues only

• 68% – Continue with international initiatives

14. APCO Canada relies on membership dues as a prime source ofrevenue for the running of the association. Assuming youragency pays your membership, if this was no longer available toyou, would you pay on your own?

• 51% – yes

• 31% – no

• 18% – not applicable

15. The column “Other” in gray on this chart represents the numberof responses that were not interested in participating on committees.

Submitted by: Maureen Schmidt

on behalf of the APCO Board of Directors

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

As a member of APCO Canada, are you aware that the association has many committees that meet

regularly via teleconference? Although not all committees are in need of new members right now there are

some that are. Would you consider participating as a committee member, and if so, which committee(s)?

Other

APCO Canada

Mem

bership Comm

ittee

APCO Canada

Advocacy Comm

ittee

APCO Canada

Telenatics Comm

ittee

Website/

Wavelength Com

mittee

Recruitment and

Nom

inating Comm

ittee

Recognition and Aw

ards Comm

ittee

Public SafetyCom

munication

Standards Comm

ittee

Public SafetyCom

munication

Programs Com

mittee

Public SafetyCom

munications Corporate

Advisory Comm

ittee

Constitution andBylaw

s Comm

ittee

19www.apco.ca | Wavelength 19www.apco.ca | Wavelength

IOWA 9-1-1 CALL CENTER FIRST INNATION TO SUCCESSFULLY TRIAL

9-1-1 TEXT MESSAGINGBlack Hawk County First 9-1-1 Call Center toParticipate in Landmark Effort Enabling Speechand Hearing Impaired Citizens to CommunicateDirectly With 9-1-1 for Help; Service to go livethis July

WATERLOO, IOWA – The Black Hawk County Iowa 9-1-1Service Board today announced that the Black HawkConsolidated Public Safety Communications Center hasbecome the first 9-1-1 Call Center in the country to suc-cessfully receive text messages sent directly to 9-1-1. Thisgroundbreaking effort allows those with speech andhearing impairments to use text messaging to communi-cate directly with a 9-1-1 operator in an emergency. Abroad team of communications companies including iwireless, Intrado Inc., Positron Public Safety, andRACOM Corporation were involved in this effort.

The organizations worked collaboratively to support thepublic safety needs of the nation’s 31 million citizenswith speech and hearing impairments who rely upontext messaging as a primary means of communications.Currently they must communicate with 9-1-1 operatorsusing a relay center or a specialized communicationsdevice.

“The successful testing of text messaging to 9-1-1 from awireless telephone is a tremendous emergency servicesadvancement for individuals who have sensory disabili-ties,” said Richard Ray, chair of the National EmergencyNumber Association’s (NENA) Accessibility Committee.“I urge public safety agencies to accelerate the deploy-ment of this technology and to encourage, support andcelebrate efforts such as this.”

“Increasingly text is becoming the way people communi-cate and public safety must be able to support 9-1-1 textmessaging,” said Chief Thomas Jennings, chairman,Black Hawk 9-1-1 Board. “We are excited to have theopportunity to participate on a solution to enable 9-1-1texting for the Speech and Hearing impaired communityas well as set the stage for adoption by the larger textingpopulation.”

www.intrado.com.

www.racom.net.

ATX TO BEGIN SENDING IN-VEHICLEEMERGENCY CALLS FROM TOYOTA,

LEXUS VEHICLES TO PUBLIC SAFETYANSWERING POINTS IN SUPPORT OFNEW SAFETY CONNECT TELEMATICS

PROGRAMATX Response Specialists Representing SafetyConnect Subscribers to Begin Calling PSAPs inAugust

DALLAS – ATX GROUP, a leading provider of connected vehi-cle (telematics) services to global automobile manu-facturers, announced today that beginning this month,it will send location-enabled emergency calls to PublicSafety Answering Points (PSAPs) from vehicles equippedwith Safety Connect, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA,Inc.’s, new proprietary telematics program for Toyotaand Lexus vehicles.

ATX will support Safety Connect with such services aslocation-based Automatic Collision Notification (ACN),designated in-vehicle Emergency Assistance (SOS) buttonresponse, Roadside Assistance and Stolen VehicleLocation, each of which require a connection from ATX’sResponse Center to PSAPs either through 9-1-1 lines ordedicated emergency numbers.

For more than a decade, ATX has developed anddeployed telematics programs to serve vehicle manufac-turers whose owners have high expectations for safety,technical performance and customer service.

“Toyota is a company whose reputation has been builton providing quality service to its customers, and thatalso describes how they intend to work with the emer-gency response community,” said Gary Wallace, vicepresident of corporate relations, who works closely withpublic emergency response organizations such as theNational Emergency Number Association, theAssociation of Public Safety Communications Officials,the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administratorsand the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

www.atxg.com.

INDUSTRY INSIDER


I N D U S T R Y I N S I D E R

DANIELS ELECTRONICS ANDZETRON INC ANNOUNCE A DIGITAL

P25 ETHERNET FIXED STATIONINTERFACE (FSI)

Victoria BC – Daniels Electronics Ltd., a leading sup-plier of high reliability LMR radio equipment, andZetron Inc, a world leader in providing mission criti-cal communication solutions, today jointlyannounced the development of a P25 DigitalEthernet Interface between their products, enablingdirect digital connection from the Daniels P25 digitalradio to the Zetron Acom Advanced CommunicationConsole System in accordance with the TIA P25 FixedStation Interface (FSI) standard.

The Daniels digital Universal Interface Card (UIC),provides a digital Ethernet connection from theDaniels MT-4 P25 radio system to other LMR subsys-tems such as IP-based dispatch consoles in a P25network. In accordance with the TIA P25 general sys-tem model, this interface interconnects the FixedStation (Daniels Radio) to a Console or RF subsystemat the Ef connection. The digital Ethernet Universalinterface provides a digital audio signal directly to theconsole as well as a comprehensive suite of controlsignals allowing the dispatch console to see and man-age all information associated with a call in an IPformat.

“Our existing UIC has enhanced firmware to complywith the new P25 TIA Fixed Station Interface stan-dard and, as a result of today’s announcement, willinterface to the Zetron family of consoles. This addsanother key piece to the P25 interoperability puzzle”,says Robert Small, president and chief operating offi-cer of Daniels Electronics.

“Zetron is committed to supporting P25 standards”,said John Reece, President, Zetron. “We are pleased tobe working with Daniels Electronics to create a solidinteroperability solution between our products.”

www.danelec.com

www.zetron.com

FORT ST. JOHN FIRE DEPARTMENTGOES LIVE WITH FDM SOFTWARE’SCOMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH (CAD)

SYSTEMNORTH VANCOUVER, BC – On June 22nd, 2009, The FortSt. John Fire Department officially launches itsComputer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system provided byFDM Software Ltd., North America’s leading publicsafety software developer.

The Fort St. John Fire Department provides dispatchservices for the communities of Fort St John, CharlieLake, Hudson’s Hope, and Taylor, in addition to firstresponder EMS assistance to BC Ambulance through-out the coverage area. In 2006, the Departmentbegan looking for a solution that would help themoptimize resources and provide the highest standardof emergency response. In January 2008, theDepartment implemented FDM’s Records Manage-ment System (RMS) to streamline data entry,reporting and analysis. The implementation ofFDM’s fully integrated CAD system completes theproject and enables dispatchers to quickly prioritizeresource assignments during emergency response.

“We are very pleased to be moving forward withFDM’s integrated CAD and RMS system,” says ChiefFred Burrows. “Dispatchers can now access property,contact, and hazmat details in a single click for effec-tive pre-arrival preparation contributing to a quickerand safer response.

www.fdmsoft.com

We are pleased to share withyou that Dr. GVK Reddy,chairman of GVK hasjoined as chairman of EMRI. He willprovide leadership, guidance, andresources to further strengthen thename and fame of EMRI. Nowonwards, EMRI will be known as“GVK EMRI.”

GVK is a diversified business entitywith a predominant focus on infra-structure and urban infrastructureprojects. It also has a significantpresence in the hospitality, services,and manufacturing sector.

Three new independent persons ofeminence have been inducted to theboard – Dr. Abid Hussain, retd. IAS,former ambassador of India to the

USA; Mr. DR Kaarthikeyan, formerdirector of CBI and former directorgeneral in National Human RightsCommission; and Mr. ARamakrishna, former dy. MD, andpresident of L&T-ECC.

The existing four independent direc-tors – Mr. Rajat Gupta, chairman, ISBand senior partner emeritus,McKinsey & Company; Prof. RajReddy, Carnegie Mellon University;Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, president,Lok Satta; and Mr. Krishnam Raju,secretary, Indo-American CancerSociety continue to remain on theboard. Mr. Venkat Changavalli con-tinues to be the CEO.

GVK is represented on our board byDr. GVK Reddy, chairman, Mrs. G

Indira Krishna Reddy, Mr. GV SanjayReddy, vice chairman, and Mr. SomBhupal (Mr. Krishnaram Bhupal asalternate member).

GVK is committed to provide servic-es at global standards, withimproved transparency, guided bymodern principles of managementand leadership to serve the nation,and would work towards taking theorganization across the country.

Thank you for your support andguidance.

Uma Nath is Wavelength’s AssociateEditor for India and is the LeadPartner – Alliances and Partnerships,EMRI Hyderabad. Uma can bereached at: [email protected]


I N D I A R E P O R T

Introduction of New Members of EMRI Governing Board and New Chairman GVK ReddyBy Uma Nath

Dr. GVK Reddy

The NSA has initiated a projectto develop a state-of-the-artand internationally recognisedprototype police vehicle in whichthere has been significant interest inthe project by the Los Angeles PoliceDepartment (LAPD), a leader in theprovision of vehicle and technologysolutions for US police departments.While active interaction between theLAPD and NSA goes back two years,the public announcement of thatcollaboration was made by the LAPDDeputy Chief Commissioner CharlesBeck at the APCO AustralasiaConference in Sydney, March 2009.

With the new NSA/LAPD prototypevehicle due to make its way onto LAstreets within weeks, this project willbreak down the barriers betweenagencies worldwide, leading to acommon platform to provide maxi-mum benefits to those who arecharged with protecting our commu-nities.

Technology incorporated into thisvehicle includes remote networkaccess, automated number plate andfingerprint recognition technology,video surveillance/CCTV access, traf-fic information, and vehiclediagnostics.

The prototype police vehicle will beon display at booth 2256, and will beofficially launched by LAPD Chief

use of new technology to enableemergency services and first respon-der organizations to better achievetheir future operational needs. Asone key component of this mission,NSA recognized the importance ofdesigning an emergency servicesvehicle from the ground up. For fur-ther information contact Des Bahr –Director Operations – NSA on +6138680 2240 or www.nsa-aust.com.au

Bratton at the 116th AnnualInternational Association of Chiefsof Police (IACP) Conference andExposition in Denver, Colorado,USA from October 3–7, 2009, thepremier event for police in the US.For more information on IACP logonto http://www.theiacpconfer-ence.org/

NSA is a not-for-profit organizationspecifically created to prototype the


A U S T R A L A S I A R E P O R T

New Police Patrol Car Due to Arrive in LA within Weeks

ComeSee Us

at Booths88,89,90,91


Small CommunicationsCentre ChallengesWhile small communication centreshave their own set of unique chal-lenges, they are fundamentallysimilar to larger facilities. In somesituations, the dispatch centre maybe relegated to a secondary functionwithin local law enforcement or firedepartment structure. Often insmaller departments, public safetydispatchers are assigned additionalnon-emergency related duties, suchas control room back up for the jail.Small centres may not include sec-ondary support spaces, such astraining and incident command cen-tres, but these functions can bedesigned to work in multipurposerooms. These situations are far fromideal and demand appropriate plan-ning and design to handle criticalcommunication events.

Beyond the functional needs, pro-viding attractive facilities to housepublic safety programs and itsemployees is essential to supportingand retaining a dedicated, qualifiedworkforce. Officials recognize thisneed, as new communication cen-

ters and the renovation of existingcenters are designed. Of the scores ofpublic safety facilities aroundCanada and the United States, anoverwhelming majority of these cen-ters are comparatively small –accommodating fewer than 10 dis-patch positions.

Given these conditions, potentialsolutions need to be examined toaccommodate communities withsmall centres seeking to upgradetheir operations to reflect capabili-ties associated with larger-scaled,stand-alone facilities. The bottomline issues facing communicationcenters are universal, regardless ofsize and location.

PlanningThe first step to developing the prop-er approach to this situation isplanning. One of the key referencesis the National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA) 1221 Standard forthe Installation, Maintenance, andUse of Emergency Communi-cationSystems – latest version 2009. Thisdocument sets forth the major crite-ria for the design of these facilities. A

basic question that arises early in theplanning process is whether to pro-vide a stand-alone facility or toprovide this function as part of alarger public safety – or even admin-istrative – facility. A stand-alonefacility can provide a great deal ofdesign flexibility for all the separatefunctions that must be incorporated,including the required setback orstandoff distances. In addition, sincethe critical functions are distilled tothis single facility, additional hard-ening usually provided is mucheasier to define and thus is easier toconstruct. Dispatch centres whichare provided within larger structuresmust be separated from portions ofthe building occupied by functionsother than emergency communica-tions by a minimum of a two-hourrated fire barrier. The definition ofemergency communications in thiscase includes all directly relatedfunctions including equipmentrooms and dispatch staff break andtoilet rooms, as well as administra-tive offices.

ComfortsSmall centers require special atten-tion to the liveability features of thefacility. The main communicationroom or dispatch floor should havetaller ceilings (recommend no lessthan 10 feet) to provide a goodmeasure of acoustic absorption andmake the space feel more open. Thisheight allows enough space so thatindirect light fixtures can be used to

F E A T U R E

Small Communication Centres– Designed to Serve

By Steven E. Loomis, AIA

The contemporary communications center, regardless of size, should be planned and designed for maximum operational capability and personnel comfort.


S M A L L C O M M U N I C A T I O N C E N T R E S – D E S I G N E D T O S E R V E

provide a diffused, even lightthroughout. Natural light is highlydesirable in this area to provide thedispatchers visual relief and a con-nection to the diurnal cycle of nightand day. Northern facing exteriorglazing is preferred to prevent glareissues with the computer screens.Finally, acoustic absorptive materialneeds to be provided to keep theambient sound to a minimum. Thiscan be accomplished with wall pan-els, fabric furniture, and carpetingon the floor.

Employee amenities are importantto all centres, but in small centres,these facilities should be accentuatedto provide the much needed reliefoff of the dispatch floor. The breakarea, which may include a kitch-enette and small dining area, mayeven include a connection to theexterior. It is recommended that stafftoilets be located immediately adja-cent to the dispatch area (but not in)

so that the lone graveyard shift dis-patcher can get there and backquickly. Similarly, for convenience,consider providing a coffee bar with-in the work area. Additional stafffacilities may include a small quietroom in combination with an emer-gency “bunk” room near the breakarea. This area may include a showerin the toilet and locker areas, in caseof a long-term emergency whichrequires staff to stay over.

Design for MaximumOperational Capabilityand ComfortThe contemporary communicationscenter, regardless of size, should beplanned and designed for maximumoperational capability and personnelcomfort. Technically and opera-tionally demanding, dispatch is oneof the most stressful positions in thepublic safety realm.

As one of the most critical publicsafety functions in emergencies, dis-patch communications centresdemand that planning for new orupgraded facilities meets the moststringent professional standards thata community can afford. Public safe-ty communications facilities that donot meet the needs of its personnelare unreliable and hazardous to thepeople it is meant to serve.

Steven E. Loomis, AIA, is an assis-tant vice president and the justice

and public safety design directorwith HSMM AECOM (VirginiaBeach, VA), has more than 20

years of professional architecturalpractice and has promoted pro-

gramming, planning, and designfocused on public safety issues. He

can be reached [email protected].

EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNICATIONSTRAINING & CONSULTING

EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNICATIONSTRAINING & CONSULTING

FALL COURSESNow Posted inour Schedule

Section.

Specialized Training for Communicators

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONTARIO COLLEGES

www.provenways.ca • [email protected]

Specialized Training for Communicators

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONTARIO COLLEGES

www.provenways.ca • [email protected]


Earlier this summer the NiagaraEmergency Medical Serviceshosted the EMS Chiefs ofCanada Conference and Trade Showand by all reviews it was a huge suc-cess. The evening before the start ofthe formal conference networkingamongst colleagues began in earnestat the opening reception hosted byNiagara and sponsored by Crestlineat the Hilton hotel.

The conference got underway at theFallsview Casino and Resort withPresident Bruce Farr of theEmergency Medical Services Chiefsof Canada and Chief of Toronto EMSwelcoming the delegates and speak-ing about the themes of the showwhich included leadership, changein service delivery model, patientexpectations, core delivery, and edu-

cational needs. Chief of NiagaraEmergency Medical Services JohnCunnane and Conference ChairNeal Roberts also offered their wel-come and formally recognized thehard work of the local conferencecommittee for creating what wouldturn out to be a memorable andexciting week.

Minister of Public Safety Peter VanLoan was the keynote speaker andprovided a rousing speech about theimportance of emergency medicalservices in the community. Mr. VanLoan is responsible for the secondlargest department in the federalgovernment and his areas of respon-sibility include national security,emergency management, lawenforcement, corrections, crime pre-vention, and border security. As the

representative for the York-Simcoeriding he knows full well of the needfor emergency services as his ownarea has been affected by crises inthe past. “The 2003 blackout, theBarrie Tornado in Innisfil, and theflooding from Hurricane Hazel wereall the proof needed to recognizethat emergencies happen every-where. Our government is takingsteps to keep Canada safe, said PeterVan Loan. “We wholeheartedlybelieve that safe communities makefor a stronger and better Canada andthat emergency medical services arean integral part of that approach.”

The EMSCC 2009 conference line upof 20 speakers that offered both edu-cation and insight. It included MikeTaigman, one of the leading figuresin quality improvement and human

F E A T U R E

EMS Chiefs of Canada Come to Niagara Falls

Niagara EMS Chief John Cunanne, Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan, and the President of the EMS Chiefs of Canadaand Toronto EMS Chief, Bruce Farr


resources for emergency medicalService health care organizations.Mr. Taigman spoke on the subject ofa patient-centred values-drivenapproach to change” in one of theexcellent concurrent sessions. Otherhighlights included the presentationof Dr. Suzanne Mason from the UK’sUniversity of Sheffield on the subjectof their Emergency Care PractitionerProgram and Mr. Rob Theriault’s talkabout “the digital paramedic” – edu-cation in the 21st century. Theconference also featured poster pre-sentations that generated muchinterest among the attendees.

The final panel discussion surround-ed community paramedicine andthe future of EMS that was, on itsown, worth the entire attendancefee. To read more about the directionEMSCC has laid out please read theirwhite paper on the topic at“www.emscc.ca/media.html.”

All of the offered educational ses-sions were well attended throughoutthe conference, as was the tradeshow, which featured over 50 ven-dors. From oxygen masks, to thevehicles themselves, and everythingin between the trade show offeredattendees the very latest in EMStechnology and tools.

The hosts of Niagara EMS nicely bal-anced the presentations, trade show,informal networking, and the socialscene which surrounds the beautifulregion. Tours were offered of historicNiagara-on-the-Lake, the manywineries, and of course tee times at

many of the 40 superb golf coursesin the area were also made available.

As with any conference sponsorshipwas also a key ingredient to successand this one saw a host of supportfrom companies that includedCrestline, Demers, Physio Control,Ferno, Zoll, Allied Medical,Canadian Emergency News, and theWine Council of Ontario.

The conference closed with well-deserved praise for the conferencecommittee by the CanadianPresident of EMSCC, Mr. Bruce Farr.

E M S C H I E F S C O M E T O N I A G A R A F A L L S


The EMS Chiefs of CanadaConference and Trade Showorganizing committee

Back row: Rick Ferron, ChrisCoker, John Cunanne, KevinSmith, Steve Van Valkenburg

Front row: Carrie Beatty, DianeTukonic, Neal Roberts, DenisMerrall, John Pereira, Not pic-tured: Lynn DeGrasse & DaveGoddard

In early July, in the same week thatPresident Obama and RussianPresident Dmitry Medvedev signedan agreement to reduce their coun-tries respective nuclear armories to1,700 each, the BAPCO Journalattended a conference organizedby Defence IQ entitled ‘CBRNResilience’ (Chemical, Biological,Radioactive, Nuclear) to hear talksfrom leading emergency servicesprofessionals, concerning this nichebut highly important area.

Ensuring UK Resilience throughEffective Fire and RescueService and Local GovernmentResolve – Sir Ken Knight

The first speaker of the morning was theChief Fire and Rescue Advisor to theGovernment, Sir Ken Knight. He spokeabout the need to ensure the emergency serv-ices have the necessary skills and equipmentto be fully prepared to deal with the ongoingthreat of terrorism and the CBRN risks inher-

F E A T U R E

CBRNResilience


ent in this. Sir Ken started by notingthat the emergency services have,since around 2000, had a lot of goodexperience at dealing with largescale, one-off events, such as the footand mount crisis, the fuel strikes,major flooding events andBuncefield. All these varied andunique events have helped provide abasis from which planning andtraining for CBRN incidents havebeen set out. Part of this has beenthe improvement in communicationand a more “joined up operationalplatform” in which the emergencyservices have got a lot better at work-ing together efficiently, and sharingbest practice and information afterboth real events and training scenar-ios. Sir Ken also noted theinvestment being made by the gov-ernment in this area, notably theNew Dimension project which, sinceits formation after the terroristattacks in New York on September11, has received around £300m. Thisinvestment has helped to delivernew equipment, training and proce-dures to the fire and rescue service(FRS) to enhance national capabili-ties at dealing with CBRN threats.This has also involved the trainingof firefighters, first in Texas, andnow at a purpose built facility at theFire Service College in MortonMarsh, Gloucestershire, in the prepa-ration for CBRN and USAR (UrbanSearch and Rescue) scenarios. As SirKen noted, the need to train fire-fighters is paramount to ensuringthey are able to respond effectivelyto incidents as they occur; any CBRNthreat that is encountered is likely tobe of a large scale and highly com-plex so it is imperative firefighterscan cope with the situation and havehad training that mirrors the risksthey could face at such incidents.This again led Sir Ken to underlinethe importance of best practice andinformation sharing – to make surethat when the time comes all theemergency services are able to worktogether efficiently and effectively. Afinal point from Sir Ken, on thistheme, was the necessity of emer-gency services using a commonlanguage that would cover events,symbols and terminology so there

was no risk of miscommunication orconfusion at key moments. A ques-tion from the floor, after Sir Ken’stalk finished, asked if he believedenough training events were beingcarried out to keep skills learnt intraining sharp. He said they were,saying they were “sufficiently robustand disruptive” to keep people’straining fresh in their minds, andcited an upcoming event in Hollandas an example of the ongoing sce-nario training firefighters werereceiving.

Delivery of the PoliceNational CBRNOperational ResponsePlan – SuperintendentJohn Buttress The second talk of the morning wasdelivered by Superintendent JohnButtress from the Police NationalCBRN Centre, a unit dedicated totraining and preparing for potentialCBRN incidents that was set up inOctober 2001. SuperintendentButtress started his talk by notingthat Britain has always had to dealwith unique and high-level events,from IRA terrorism to plane crashes.Therefore, he reasoned, for the gov-ernment to have invested anadditionally £80m in a centre solelyconcerned with CBRN would suggestthey are aware of the risk it poses,and suggests they are conscious anattack of this nature is a possibilityin the future.

He continued by noting that theCBRN threat is somewhat of anunknown because of the risk of sui-cide bombers – something notencountered in Britain previously –and the randomness of the targets,i.e., the general public, means it isharder to predict where an attackcould occur. Therefore it is vitalpolice officers are trained to be ableto cope with incidents as and whenthey could occur – as SuperintendentButtress says, “to increase CBRNresilience through a series of phasedinvestments.” As part of thisSuperintendent Buttress touched ontwo distinct areas. Firstly, the neces-sity of having the correct clothing

was covered, after the recent signingof a contract worth £18m that wasrecently signed to provide 12,000CBRN quick-don PPE suits to offi-cers, after an extensive tenderprocess. It was noted that spending£18m on clothing that may never beused is a large outlay but a vital onethat will help ensure the best possi-ble response to an incident. Theoriginal clothing used, while able tocope with the conditions they couldface, took around 40 minutes to puton, where as the new quick-don suitstake just five minutes. Secondly, theimportance of crowd control wasanother area that the Police NationalCBRN Centre has to consider andSuperintendent Butress explainedthat to provide this it has recentlypurchased a series of large barriers,which have been used in real situa-tions, such as at a Cardiff v. Swanseafootball match. As well as this, anelectronic messaging system, to pro-vide information to those heldbehind barriers, has been purchasedtoo. This has also been used atGlastonbury to remind those arriv-ing to be aware of the risk of crime.“Familiarising officers with thisequipment is vital as it means if theyhave to use it during a large-scaleincident they are not coming to itcold,” said Superintendent Butress.

While CBRN might, in the main, bea niche area, the investment the gov-ernments has made in the PoliceNational CBRN Centre underlinesthe importance it places in this area,and the possibility it could be calledinto action and to date over 7,000officers have been trained at thisdedicated centre.

Hazardous Area ResponseTeams (HART) Teams –Steve WheatonSteve Wheaton, Regional Head ofSpecialist Operations from the WestMidlands Ambulance Service, gavethe final talk of the morning sessionswith regards Hazardous AreaResponse Teams (HART) and the rolethey play in providing emergencytriage and treatment to patients inhazardous areas and warm zones. As

C B R N R E S I L I E N C E 2 0 0 9 C O N F E R E N C E R E P O R T


Wheaton noted, previously at large-scale incidents paramedics wouldhave to stand on the edge of theinner cordon, waiting for patients tobe brought to them before theycould begin treatment. Obviouslythis was not a good way to operateand wasn’t good for patients.Therefore the idea of setting up ded-icated teams who would be trainedto enter hazardous areas was put for-ward in 2004 after reports fromincidents like 9/11 had been pro-duced. The project was looked intoby the Department of Health, toassess its viability and cost and theysubmitted a paper to governmentministers recommending the teamsin May 2005. Then, after the terror-ist attacks in July, the project wasfast-tracked and given approval inAugust.

As a result of this the plan is to have12 HART teams based across the UKby the end of 2012. London willhave two teams, covering the Eastand West of the city, while the North

West, covering Manchester andLiverpool, will also have two teams,due to the size of the area and thetwo populations in these cities. TheHART teams are to be phased intotheir areas over 18 months, a periodin which the teams are trained andprovided with the necessary equip-ment, to bring them up to therequired standard.

Since the inception of the HARTteams Wheaton said there had beena good level of interest from ambu-lance staff to join. As a result thetraining encompasses both theteaching of the necessary skills andtests to ensure they are competentfor the role, including psychologicaland physical assessments andresilience tests, all of which lastsnine weeks. After training a HARTteams consists of six paramedics,including a team leader. Theyremain dedicated HART staff toensure their skills and trainingremains current while maintaining24/7 dedicated incident coverage. As

well as training, the HART teams alsowork closely with fire services andother agencies in their areas to forgelinks and communications as theyare often working closely together atincidents, said Wheaton.

HART teams also utilize a range ofspecialist vehicles that include a for-ward command vehicles fitted withthe necessary equipment and tech-nology for use at the site. Thisincludes satellite communications, aself-contained Wi-Fi network, VoIPand GSM encrypted phones and thenecessity of having access to thisequipment means that a back-up ofeach vehicle has also been purchasedso if one is taken out of action forany reason there is a back up onavailable. All this has been achievedwith additional funding provided bythe government, with the promise ofcontinued funding of around £2.4ma year, something that Wheaton sayshas helped significantly in providinga basis for the project to move for-ward with the knowledge the

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funding is in place for the future.

To conclude, Wheaton gave an example of the real-lifebenefits of HART, when called into action inBirmingham in April. “The original call suggestedapprox 30 ambulances would need to be sent to aswimming pool after a chlorine leak affected around50 children. Obviously 30 ambulances is a hugeamount and one a controller would find it almostimpossible to send. However, once the true extent ofthe call was ascertained by commanders on the scene,it was evident that large amount of resources wererequired to provide oxygen therapy equipment, theywere able to send a HART team, with their specialistequipment, to the incident to provide rapid triage andmedical treatment. With the Multiple oxygen deliverysystem carried on their vehicles they were able to treat40 children at the scene and only five ambulanceswere needed to transport more severe casualties tohospital,” explained Wheaton. This was just oneexample of where HART teams are making a clear dif-ference in today’s operational environment andimproving the care given to patients.

Reprinted with permission from BAPCO Journal, September

2009.

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