Skip to main content

Search

The Safe Side of the Fence

World War II's Manhattan Project required the refinement of massive amounts of uranium, and St. Louis-based Mallinckrodt Chemical Works took on the job.

pece_annotation_1473112109

Sara.Till

This report provides a detailed analysis of international response to nuclear emergencies. In addition to reviewing historic nuclear emergencies and their responses, it examines current nuclear policies. Initial reactions to previous nuclear emergencies (Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, ect.) focused on preventing future incidents. Yet,  Dr. Schmid argues increased safety measures and rigorous regulation cannot possibly safeguard against all emergency scenarios. She emphasizes the need to create an international organization to serve as an emergent response team, and explores several candidates such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and World Association of Nuclear Operators. However, Dr. Schmid concludes none of these suggested organizations currently have the fiscal capability or internation authority to act in this role.

pece_annotation_1480862436

Sara.Till

As I mentioned in earlier answers, at the peak of the crack-cocaine epidemic, BSVAC was founded (1988). It took outside EMS agencies an average of 30 minutes to reach patients with Bed-Stuy, a time that is far too costly for major trauma patients. This causes the current Commander (formerly referred to as Captain) "Rocky" Robinson to begin a volunteer EMS agency within the city itself. Placing the agency in the city decreased response time significantly, with BSVAC now averaging a response time of less than 4 minutes. 

pece_annotation_1473627670

Sara.Till

Paul Farmer: American anthropologist and physician best known for his work combating tuberculosis in developing countries. Co-founder of Partners in Health, an organization dedicated to establishing and developing health care systems in under-served areas.

Bruce Nizeye: Engineer who works with Partners in Health directing the building program. Rwandese by birth and survivor of the Rwanda Genocide.

Sara Stulac: Associate physicain in Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women's hospital. Clinical Director for PIH in Rwanda

Salmaan Keehavjee: Associate professor of global health and science medicine at Harvard Medical School. Specializes in tuberculosis research and proliferation.

pece_annotation_1474221192

Sara.Till

The policy specifically includes elements directed specifically at first responders. This includes testing of various scenarios that contain possible Ebola cases. One of the main highlights of the taped press conference seemed to be communication between main health centers deemed fit to treat Ebola and urgent care/transporting facilities. This includes knowledge of first responders about which of these facilities can handle Ebola cases and how to treat a scene with a possible Ebola patient.

pece_annotation_1474759197

Sara.Till

Scott G. Knowles: Department of History Head, Associate Professor in the Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Drexel University. Dr. Knowles specifically focuses on disaster, risk, and technological history. Multiple publications also extend into public policy, modern disaster response, and future risks.

pece_annotation_1475425660

Sara.Till

The program appears to be popular with both lawmakers and the public. Unfortunately, coverage of the organization appears to mostly come from articles about the founding physicians-- often in the form of alumni news. The foundation's home webpage does link to several outside articles and news sources involving relevant topics in prison health care. There also appears to be an on-going series in The Lancet focusing on HIV/AIDs, a main component of the Center's mission. Moreover, the Center seems to serve as a fantastic resource for the Warren Alpert Medical School students, as the school maintains a longstanding tradition of involvement in Rhode Island public health

pece_annotation_1477239991

Sara.Till

Emily Goldmann, PhD, MPH: assistant research professor of Global Public Health at NYU College of Global Public Health. Previous research includes work within several public health consulting firms and employment in the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the Bureau of Adult Mental Health; this work included surveillance of psychological distress, metal illness, hospitalization, and rapid assessment of mental health conditions following hurricane Sandy. 

Sandro Galea MD, MPH, DrPH: a Canadian/American board-certified emergency medicine physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Galea is the current dean of the BU School of Public Health and former chair of Epidemiology at Mailman School of Public Health (Columbia University). His research primarily centers on social production of health within urban populations, including mental health disorders such as mood-anxiety and substance abuse; extensive publications exploring health inequalities, epidemiology, and health within vulnerable populations. Dr. Galea has served on numerous boards and committees analyzing the consequences of mass traumas, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and numerous international conflicts. 

pece_annotation_1477273427

Sara.Till

1) Attawapiskat: This First Nation region is described in the article as one of the most isolate and remote. Further research indicates not only is it geographically isolated, but it lacks significant resources, resulting in a high cost of living and a scarcity in certain goods. Moreover, the region is serviced by a nursing clinic (no physicians) and a team of 8 paramedics-- truly an under-served medical region.

2) Aboriginal Healing Foundation: Our Catholic high school curriculum involved an ethics class, which debated the mistreatment aboriginals in the name of evangelicalism. I chose to research the foundation and determine what made this special-- why were they able to be cited as making such progress, despite losing funding in a few years.

3) Sheridan: A young girl who came to symbolize the suicide epidemic in Attawapiskat, she was 1 of over 100 who attempted to commit suicide within the span of 7 months. The Vice article describing her life and circumstances shows hints of an adolescent wise beyond her years, quoted as saying "if there's no resources, there's not going to be any change" in her suicide recording.