Cross Country

Professional Organization Recommends Standards, Offers Information to First Responders

With images of Hurricane Katrina still fresh n many minds and the upcoming five-year anniversary of September 11th on the horizon, many first responders are carefully reviewing their disaster preparedness plans only to find they need something that will help make people safer for the long term. One solution is the International Society of First Responders (ISOFR).

First responders around the globe now have access to a free resource for tools, techniques, and training for homeland security needs through the new professional association, which strives to unite all disciplines of first responders and create strength through collective knowledge.

"ISOFR was created by first responders for first responders, and it builds on the community that exists between them across the country," said James Noe, founder of ISOFR.  "In this post 9/11 world, first responders are tasked with the challenge of protecting and defending citizens from a chemical, biological, or radiological event, and they need the most current tools, techniques, and training to perform their jobs. ISOFR's mission is to provide access to these resources because better preparedness means better protection and security for our communities, our nation, and our international allies."

ISOFR, which can be accessed at www.isofr.com, is the definitive online resource for news and information; training; shared knowledge; and best practices for police, firefighters, EMTs, HAZMAT and other emergency personnel who are the first at the scene of a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) event. First responders have free, unlimited access to thousands of documents, articles and papers, online training courses, and the resource library on WMD and threat assessment best practices submitted by ISOFR members, and EMT and HAZMAT professionals.

Resources at www.isofr.com feature many topics if interest:

• Tactics and techniques
• Third-party product reviews and cost comparisons
• Crowd control and pacification
• Safe perimeter control
• Coordination with police, EMT, and HAZMAT
• Effective interfacing with the military
• Victim decontamination and evacuation
• Emergency medical techniques
• Third-party equipment performance
• Hot Zone proximity firefighting

First responders who register as new members will be designated charter members of the organization and will automatically receive $1,000 in free life insurance. Other upcoming membership benefits include a charter member pin, access to the member register, free online training, financial services, and a family support network.
                        
The International Society of First Responders is a professional organization dedicated to examining the needs of first responders and addressing the challenges. Through professional development forums, ongoing training and seminars, ISOFR is committed to bridging the information gaps between first responders worldwide. ISOFR strives to develop training and equipment standards by advocating for those men and women who are committed to protecting and assisting the general population in the event of a disaster. For more information, visit www.isofr.com, or call 513-333-7800.