Software measures readiness in handling terrorist attacks.
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Press Release Summary:
CruiseLine 206 simulates emergency situation prompting First Responders to lead and coordinate response efforts. Product assesses user's ability to make strategic, time-critical decisions relating to areas such as triage, treatment and transportation of sick and injured civilians, and crime scene preservation. Challenges incorporate multimedia outputs, GIS, aerial and satellite data that depict incident scene and its relationship to exposures, assets and structures.
Original Press Release:
Incident Tactics Releases New CruiseLine 206 Product
Simulation Tool Measures Readiness of America's First Responders in Handling Terrorist Attacks
SEATTLE, Nov. 12 -- Incident Tactics, a developer of simulation and assessment tools that forecast the readiness of emergency personnel to respond to natural disasters, terrorist attacks and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) events, today released a new product designed to help mitigate the aftermath of attacks targeted at America.
The first installment in their library of challenges is called CruiseLine 206 and simulates an emergency situation prompting First Responders to effectively lead and coordinate response efforts in the critical minutes and hours that follow. Users of the product are assessed on their knowledge of emergency procedures and their ability to tactically manage specific emergency situations from beginning to end.
The product was developed in response to the federal government's commitment to strengthening emergency management capabilities across the country -- a commitment that's backed by billions in grant money.
"While local governments are focused on preventing terrorist attacks from ever occurring, it's equally important that they prepare for the worst," said John Mitchell, Incident Tactics' president and CEO. "Our products don't preempt terrorist attacks from happening, but rather help ensure that local emergency personnel are prepared for effectively leading rescue efforts once they do."
The CruiseLine 206 product is developed in strict adherence to standards and guidelines set by the Department of Homeland Security's National Incident Management System (NIMS) and measures each First Responder's understanding of operational, logistical and tactical procedures. The product line presents mock situations and assesses the user's ability to make strategic, time- critical decisions and judgment calls relating to a range of areas including, but not limited to, triage, the treatment and transportation of sick and injured civilians, crime scene preservation as well as the coordination of multiple agencies.
To create a realistic user experience for customers, the CruiseLine 206 product was designed to accurately reflect the geography and resources in the Seattle area. The challenges incorporate multimedia outputs, GIS, aerial and satellite data that depict the incident scene and its relationship to various exposures, assets and structures.
"The first version of our product is designed using a Northwest location -- as identified by the 206 area code -- but is by no means exclusive to customers in this area," said Mitchell. "Now that we have a solid framework in place, we can customize the product for other markets around the country as well. For example we are delivering a new High-Rise 213 and Stadium 212 in the coming months."
The company also imbeds pressure-testing elements into the product that are designed to mirror the chaos and intensity that emergency personnel will face in a real crisis situation.
"The product does a very good job of creating a stressful environment," said Don Warner, a King County firefighter/paramedic that recently tested the product. "As the situation unfolds, you're faced with some tough decisions and a clock that is timing your responses. Throughout the challenge, you're also required to review written reports, radio transmissions and maps. It's very difficult and elicits precisely what you don't know."
The CruiseLine 206 product is accessible to Incident Tactics customers via the company's website. As an application service provider (ASP), the company hosts the password-protected products on their own servers and makes them available to customers including fire departments and police precincts on a "per-use" pricing model. Individuals can also purchase and access the products online.
About Incident Tactics
Based in Seattle, Wash., Incident Tactics is a company dedicated to making emergency personnel in cities across America prepared to effectively respond to, and mitigate the effects of large-scale incidents including terrorist attacks and Weapons of Mass Destruction events. The company is delivering a suite of simulation tools which place First Responders in real-world crisis situations so they can develop and fine tune conditioned responses to large-scale emergency events.
ITAC products are developed by an experienced and credentialed team of professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians and technology professionals with strict adherence to the department of Homeland Security's National Incident Management System (NIMS). The products are available today and are marketed to city, county and state governments committed to the highest level of emergency preparedness and the protection of citizens. More information about Incident Tactics and its products can be found at www.incidenttactics.com.
