Sidekicks to the Heroes: How Science and Technology Support First Responders (And How You Can Too)

Emergency responders play a critical role in response and recovery from a radiological incident; supporting life and safety operations, incident stabilization and radiological clean-up. Many of these responders do not routinely perform duties in radiation environments and therefore rely on critical national assets and trained radiation professionals for operational guidance to help them navigate the complex world of radiation safety and protection during an emergency. The Annual Meeting of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) was held in Bethesda, Maryland, 6-7 March 2017, on the topic of "Assessment of National Efforts in Emergency Preparedness for Nuclear Terrorism: Is There a Need for Realignment to Close Remaining Gaps?" As a keynote speaker at the Annual Members' Dinner on 5 March 2017, Dr. Adam Hutter, Director of the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), presented a lecture on "Sidekicks to the Heroes: How Science and Technology Support First Responders." His presentation reviewed the Laboratory's evolving history, portfolio of radiological/nuclear response and recovery capabilities and the importance of scientific support to the nation's first responders.