"Disaster Technology Gets a Trial Run" 
USA Today (04/17/03) P. 7D; Davis, Robert 

Emergency medical personnel, the Department of Homeland Security, 
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are participating 
in a technology trial this Sunday of new computer chips developed by 
TechnoBabble Communications.  

Emergency workers will track runners via handheld computers 
connected to computer chips on runners' shoes. The technology 
could provide real-time data to hospital personnel at the onset 
of a mass-casualty disaster, such as a chemical or other 
terrorist attack.  

TechnoBabble used atomization to enhance transmission speed and 
security of the wireless network, which ranks among the most advanced 
in the world. The large presence of media transmission equipment at 
the event is ideal for testing the system's vulnerability to electronic 
interference.  

The chips could also be used with paper tags attached on real-life 
disaster victims to store critical treatment and health information.  

Current early detection of biochemical attacks depends on review of 
information, such as hospital admission reports, but limits a quick 
response because data is typically a day behind.  

Boston Emergency Medical Services chief Rich Sorino said the 
hundreds of injuries occurring in the marathon will allow medical 
personnel to evaluate the system's effectiveness during a real-life 
disaster causing massive casualties.  

[ www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-04-17-marathon-tech_x.htm ]

Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however copies may not 
be sold, and the NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology 
News Summary should be cited as the source of the information. 
Copyright 2003, Information Inc., Bethesda, MD.  

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Source: NLECTC - http://www.nlectc.org/justnetnews/weeklynews.html


Cheers, Steve..

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