Thursday, September 6, 2012

** Former New York 9/11 EMT against Ground Zero becoming tourist site;wants more education on WTC events

** Canadian study to look at technology used in emergency services

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A former New York 9/11 EMT is lobbying to ease the touristy atmosphere surrounding the World Trade Center Memorial. WFJA (August 25) said Marianne Pizzitola wants all visitors to the site to view a video detailing how and why 3,000 people died on September 11, 2001. Pizzitola, who visited the site herself last week, said an aura of disrespect is now present at Ground Zero, with tourists diluting the solemn nature of the commemoration. A spokesman for the memorial, meanwhile, did not directly address her concern. She did say, however, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum seeks to educate attendees through brochures and material for school groups.

CANADA NEWS

** A new study by the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) will attempt to discern what types of technology are most prevalent in EMS, police, and fire circles. That is the word from Itbusiness.ca (Christine Wong/August 30) which said a national survey of such needs and usage is about to get underway. According to the news site, subjects to be investigated include how bring your own device (BYOD) trends are influencing both emergency response and citizen expectations of it. In addition, compilers will seek to determine how personal information on devices can impact the retrieval of more official data stored on items like smartphones. Generational differences in the use of gadgets, as well procurement procedures, and the new national broadband public safety network will also be scrutinized. Several emergency organizations have already signed on to participate in the study.