Here at the 2010 Conference for Critical Incident Preparedness (TCIP)... It's all about the PROCESS. Actually, it's not. It's really all about the RESULTS, but the process is the method we rely on to establish appropriate, useable standards that ensure that first responders are safe responding to, working at, and recovering from incidents, large or small. In a panel discussion from 8 or 9 points of view, here are only two of the highlights that resonated with me. As a former bomb technician, I appreciate the work that has gone into designing a better bomb disposal suit. Ursula Wiebusch from the Hartford CT Police Department provided insight for the non-initiated explosives ordnance disposal attendees on what bomb squads do, face, and feel about safety. How do you convince a insane person (i.e., bomb tech) to get into a suit that weighs up 70 pounds, looks like an earth-bound astronaut, and still has not guarantee that it is 100% safe? Is a hand really expendable in the line of duty? I donned a bomb suit many years ago (don't ask how many) and hoped that I would never have to do it again. (The suit was more frightening than the device.) The new materials and the detail in the design and performance standards that the new suit must meet will make the job safer for the folks that do have to wear them. I still don't want to have to put another one in the line of duty, but those that do will be much safer than I was. And that feels good. As a former fire fighter and NFPA staffer, I have always held high regard for the work the NFPA has done improving the safety of station and incident "turnout" clothing and personal protective equipment. NFPA Vice-President Bob Vondrasek outlined the success and validity of the NPFA process and the assistance NFPA provided to federal agencies in developing standards for specific personal protective equipment from basic fire fighter clothing to chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear suits and gear. Frankly, one the best feelings I had as an NFPA staff liaison was the satisfaction that I got from helping fire chiefs and fire fighters to be safer on the line. In some very small way, I may have made a difference in fire fighter safety in training, operations, or other aspect of a job that I so proudly held for many years. The review of standards processes my not be the most exciting or riveting topic in a darkened ballroom after lunch, but the dedication and detail and concern that goes into the process of developing standards that enable emergency personnel to go return to family and friends each night is laudable. And, readers, that's only one of the sessions here at the TCIP Conference. Stay tuned for my review of the exhibits 
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