Ted Jarboe, M.S., C.E.M.
Montgomery County, MD Fire and Rescue Service
Number: 1
Introduction To PREP Notes
The purpose of this column is to provide the readers with key information and considerations to help them better prepare for terrorist events involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). PREP Notes® cover topics such as chemical and biological agents, radiological materials, toxic industrial chemicals, terminology and properties, personal and scene safety, incident management, decontamination, casualty care, equipment, and operational tips.
As a first responder, I have committed more than five years developing a reasonable understanding of the potential challenges and consequences of WMD-related terrorism. It seems that the more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to learn. I have been so fortunate to have met and learned from so many nationally recognized experts.
PREP Notes® will allow me to share information that I have absorbed through self-study, participation in training courses, conferences, seminars, committees, task forces, tabletop and functional exercises, publications and media, one-on-one conversations with scientists, medical doctors, researchers and many other experts. I have also learned from members of the hazardous materials response community as well as instructors in the fields of domestic preparedness and homeland defense
Early on, I plan to discuss the issue of quick rescue of (alive) victims from a chemical agent-contaminated building by first responders who are wearing or otherwise using their fire fighting personal protective equipment (PPE). Other PREP Notes® will discuss "Who are the First Responders" and elements of domestic PREParedness.
These PREP Notes® are designed to pique interest, enhance information transfer, promote safety, and encourage planning and exercises. There is little benefit from gaining knowledge unless it is shared and understood by others. Hopefully, PREP Notes® will be a tool to span gaps in knowledge needed to safely, efficient and effectively manage acts of terrorism involving the release of a deadly substance designed to kill or injure many people.
Related:
About the Author - Ted Jarboe, M.S., C.E.M.
Ted Jarboe is a Deputy Chief with the Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue
Service. He is the County’s Fire Marshal and also heads the Bureau of Life
Safety Services.
Jarboe has been a member of many local, state and federal programs involved
with studying and training for weapons weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
incidents. He has tested and trained with a wide range of equipment used in
such incidents.
In January 2000, he designed and created a website titled WMD First
Responders www.wmdfirstresponders.com.
Ted Jarboe has 38 years of career service.
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