Rapiscan® Systems, a leading, global supplier of security checkpoint and inspection technologies, announces the launch of the Orion Metor 900M, Rapiscan’s most advanced metal detection system to date.

The Metor 900M is Rapiscan’s first launch in an upcoming series of new, advanced, metal detection systems.

The Metor 900M is weatherproof with IP65 protection, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Uses include visitor screening at stadiums, critical infrastructure protection and passenger screening at airports and other mass transit facilities. The system is designed to detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as handguns, knives and other security threats.

The 900M offers enhanced screening capabilities, while allowing operators to maintain high throughput rates. By interpreting the electromagnetic characteristics and the shape of detected metals, the Metor 900M is capable of screening for threats and reducing false alarms on innocuous objects. The system also features multi-zone displays to help operators quickly and easily identify the location of the potential threat.

Mal Maginnis, President, Rapiscan Systems said: “The 900M combines a new performance level with the latest operational capabilities, demonstrating our continued commitment to developing the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology we can, in order to keep people and places safe from security threats.”

To find out more about the Metor 900M and Rapiscan System’s full range of scanning and security solutions, visit www.rapiscansystems.com

Today, Bruker announced the launch of the novel RAPIDplus (mod 4) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) based stand-off detector for Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC). RAPIDplus (mod 4) allows automated, 24/7 monitoring of chemical hazards at distances up to 5 km. It is specifically designed for maritime,  coastal, and shipboard environments which makes this instrument unique.

RAPIDplus (mod 4) – Chemical Stand-Off Detector for Naval Applications

RAPIDplus (mod 4) is based on the field-proven FTIR technology used in the widely deployed RAPIDplus (mod 3). The instrument has been designed with advanced materials selected to withstand harsh maritime environments, with enhanced sealing and a clear focus on maintainability. Our aim was to achieve customer driven needs while maintaining the superior analytical performance of our technology.

RAPIDplus (mod 4) is the first stand-off detector especially designed for maritime environments. The system has been extensively tested against the pertinent military and environmental standards associated with a corrosive environment and has succesfully demonstrated its superior capabilities in this challenging application.

The RAPIDplus (mod 4) is the first chemical stand-off detector designed for maritime applications including the navy, coast guard, port security, and more. We are convinced that the combination of proven Bruker stand-off technology tailored for this application will provide the same high level of reliability, performance and protection that is expected by all of our customers across the globe.” said Dr.-Ing. Armin Gembus, Vice President Business Area Gas Raman and Trace Detection. 

For more information on RAPIDplus (mod 4) please visit: www.bruker.com/rapidplus

The Learning Academy of Rapiscan Systems, a leading manufacturer of security inspection equipment, has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ grade as a certified training provider by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) UK.

The Learning Academy provides certified training globally to an average of 3,000 students per year, having trained approximately 9,800 security professionals to date. The Academy supplies a range of training and educational programs to suit individual customer requirements, including Threat Recognition and accredited UK Security Training across Rapiscan’s range of security and inspection technologies and areas of expertise.

CAA Accreditation utilizes a formal certification framework with strict criteria. This includes requiring a Management and Governance structure of training content, enacting specific policies around Learning and Development to enhance the learning experience, putting in place a stringent Quality Assurance model across all areas of course delivery and providing support tools for all students that include dyslexia screening and additional assistance as required.

“Passing the audit process is a challenge for any training service provider, but passing with an ‘outstanding’ result across all framework areas makes me immensely proud,” explains Brian Reid, Global Director Training and Education. “We pride ourselves on offering informative, industry-leading training across our product range, in line with the highest possible standards and with EU regulation. The CAA Award reflects these high standards, but most importantly the hard work of our Learning Academy team.”

“Going forward, as the aviation and transport industries recover from the current global health crisis, operator skills are likely to fade,” Brian continues. “Training and skill building will be essential to ensure that security screening operators return to top-form. With increased numbers of staff working remotely, virtual training and learning from home will be key. As the only security manufacturer able to deliver fully CAA accredited end-to-end training solutions, from initial introductions to concepts through to actionable skills and certification, our Outstanding CAA Certified training is here to support companies and learners across the industry.”

To find out more about the Rapiscan System’s Learning Academy and wider product range, visit https://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/

Direx announced today that the first EpiShuttle has arrived in Spain, for evaluation from professional caretakers and medical transport.

Spain is currently experiencing a second wave of corona patients, and need more than ever to gain control. EpiGuard and Direx just signed an agreement for the distribution of the EpiShuttle, with Direx as the exclusive distributor in Spain.

– The EpiShuttle is a single patient isolation and transport system, for safe and certified transport of contagious patients through air, land and sea. Spanish healthcare workers and first responders are making an admirable effort transporting patients and at the same time putting their own heath on the line. We hope the EpiShuttle will make their job safer and their patient transport more efficient, when eliminating the need to disinfect entire transport vessels, Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO of EpiGuard says.

The EpiShuttle is in use in multifarious environments, including ambulance services, hospitals and emergency services. Direx has done extensive research to find to safest product for contagious patient transport.

– We found the EpiShuttle to have unparalleled features. It allows for monitoring and full intensive care treatment including emergency procedures like intubation and insertion of central venous catheters. In addition, for Covid-19 patients, the adjustable backrest is extremely important to keep coughing at a minimum. However, it was the fact that the EpiShuttle is re-usable, making it the most cost efficient product on the market, which made us decide on the EpiShuttle, says Eduardo Jorge, General Manager of Direx.

– We chose to distribute the EpiShuttle in Spain through Direx because of their strong market presence, proven confidence amongst customers and most of all because of the depth of knowledge and expertise we find at Direx. Their technical expertise and experience impressed us, but their dedication to customer relations was the thing that really made the deal, Anderson says.

The EpiShuttle is already in service all over the world, including the The Royal Air Force in Scotland, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Royal Danish Air Force, Air Alliance and FAI. Since March FAI, one of the world’s leading global provider of aviation services, has performed almost 70 flights of covid-19 patients in 47 countries – including difficult destinations as Iraq, China and South Sudan. Recently, the Greek ambulance service (EKAB) acquired several EpiShuttles. Financing these EpiShuttles was a group of private well doers, mainly from the tourism industry. One of the main task of these EpiShuttles will be to keep the Greek Islands safe for tourists.

The EpiShuttle is NATO stock listed and CE-marked as a class one medical device.

For more information, please feel free to contact Direx or EpiGuard directly:

• EpiGuard: +47.934.22.325,
• Direx: +34 902 121 475,

Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI), a leading threat detection and security technology company, today announces that it has fulfilled a multi-year $2.2 million contract with Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) of Illinois to expand their hazardous materials response capabilities with HazMatID Elite handheld chemical identifiers.  

SDI began supplying MABAS with HazMatID Elite identifiers in 2016 as part of a strategy to equip their regional HazMat teams with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) technology to analyze suspicious substances on emergency scenes. In addition, the equipment has been upgraded with Smiths Detection’s Command System solution, which provide responders with the ability to compare unknown substances to a database of more than 35,000 chemicals, including toxins, explosives and narcotics, helping them both accelerate response times and obtain critical, or life-saving, information quicker.

Don Davids, President of MABAS-IL commented, “HazMatID Elite continues to be a trusted tool that we use to safeguard our communities.  Upgrading to the Command System not only improves our response ability, but also helps us build upon the expertise we have gained over the years.”

Shan Hood, President of SDI commented, “We are happy to continue our relationship with MABAS-Illinois by providing them with the very best field based hazardous materials identification systems available.”

MABAS provides emergency rapid response and sustained operations when a jurisdiction or region experiences and event of manmade, technological, or environmental threat. MABAS-Illinois serves local fire agencies, MABAS Divisions, State of Illinois departments, and Cook County UASI-DHSEM by providing a systems-based resource allocation and distribution network of robust traditional and nontraditional fire-EMS-rescue and special operations teams for emergency and sustained response within and outside of the State of Illinois.

Knowledge Group (KG), the training, development and consulting arm of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), announced the launch of the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Hub in the UAE, in partnership with Orbrix Technical and Occupational Skills Training and in cooperation with the European Union (EU) Centers of Excellence (CoE) for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region. The Hub was launched during a virtual conference on the 16th of November 2020, with over 150 attendees from local, regional and international entities.

The virtual conference saw participation from key attendees from Knowledge Group, Orbrix Technical and Occupational Skills Training, the UAE CBRN Hub, the European Union (EU) Centers of Excellence (CoE) for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region, as well as various guest speakers from several entities including the UAE Ministry of Interior, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, the European Union, the United Nations, the European Commission, the Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centers of Excellence.

Working in line with national requirements, the Hub will serve a myriad of areas including research, advisory services, training programs, qualifications, conferences, network support research working with the key agencies.

Dr. Ahmad Badr, Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Member of Knowledge Group commented: “We are pleased to be working alongside key industry players to launch the CBRN Hub in line with our commitment to grow sustainable knowledge and skills for individuals, businesses and governments that will ensure their readiness to tackle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. By combining a broad spectrum of expertise, knowledge and resources under one roof, including national and international experts from the Knowledge Group, Orbrix and the EU CBRN CoE Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region, the Hub will provide focused management and prioritization of capabilities development in line with national and regional policies and priorities.”

He added: “The CBRN Hub will offer an interactive platform to engage with field experts and learn about a range of different disciplines. Our vision is to have the CBRN Hub as the approved facility for a resource and central point of operation for all stakeholders and parties involved in planning for and responding to CBRN events.”

Mr. Ahmed Zaid Saeed Al Shemeili , Founder of CBRN Hub UAE, Official Representative of the UAE in the European Union Regional Secretariat of CoE for CBRN Emergencies and Representative to UAE in International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) commented  “A few years ago, an idea was seeded and nurtured and finally brought to fruition by an amazing team through collaborations and partnerships. The UAE CBRN Hub will work in close cooperation with the EU CoE Initiative, and international organizations such as the EU CoE for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region, the European Union, the European Commission, UNICRI, IAEA, OPCW, WHO and INTERPOL, to ensure that in addition to fulfilling the training requirements of all stakeholders, the Hub will support these stakeholders through future research and projects’ development and include services such as after-service customer care including risk and threat assessment support, development of response plans and procedures, implementation support and organizational and response evaluations.”

From her side, Hawa Charfaray, CEO of Orbrix Technical and Occupational Skills Training, commented: “We are delighted to launch the UAE CBRN Hub with Knowledge Group and we are confident that this partnership will raise the prestige and leadership of the UAE in CBRN preparedness and response by becoming a regional center for CBRN training and research. Working with all stakeholders in CBRN, the Hub could open its training and education program to the CBRN community in GCC countries, and eventually to organizations from the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The UAE has the technological knowledge and the de facto role to be the regional leader in CBRN field of training, development and research, and this CBRN Hub being launched by Knowledge Group in partnership with Orbrix in the UAE will fill a regional gap.”

The Hub will provide a one-stop shop for all aspects related to CBRN education, training, exercises and research and will work in close cooperation with the EU CoE, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to ensure that the training is relevant, adapted to the constantly evolving security threat basis and in line with up-to-date doctrines, practices and safety standards in the area.

Moreover, the UAE CBRN Hub is set to establish an  Augmented and Virtual Reality learning center in the UAE, to be the first of its kind in the Gulf Region and the Middle East and will join the ranks of the world’s top AR/VR training academies for civil protection and emergency responders, including those in Singapore, Korea and Coventry University in the UK.

Knowledge Group is a regional leader, with extensive experience supporting and reinforcing the operational capabilities of the Middle East and North Africa region’s workforce and its private and public organizations. Since its establishment, Knowledge Group has provided solutions in training and development for over 150,000 people across more than 19 countries of operation, in collaboration with over 25 international partners.

For more information about the CBRN Hub, please visit the website: https://www.knowledgegroup.co/en-us/events/cbrnhub/about-event

Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY) announced today that Health Canada has expanded the approval of the Company’s non-replicating smallpox vaccine, IMVAMUNE^® to include additional indications – specifically, monkeypox and related orthopoxvirus infections and disease in adults 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk for exposure. 

The extended approval was granted following assessment of additional clinical and non-clinical data, generated since IMVAMUNE received approval as a smallpox vaccine by Health Canada in 2013. These data include among others a Phase 3 study which demonstrated that, in terms of efficacy, IMVAMUNE was non-inferior to replicating smallpox vaccines, while also confirming its favorable benefit/risk profile. IMVAMUNE is approved in Canada under the Extraordinary Use New Drugs (EUNDS) Pathway. 

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic said. “The extended approval of IMVAMUNE in Canada confirms its potential to prevent infections from a wider range of orthopoxviruses, many of which are naturally occurring. While monkeypox is endemic to certain parts of Africa, orthopoxvirus infections may occur from animals to humans all over the world. Although cases are rare, no vaccine has previously been approved for these indications, and we are pleased to receive this extended approval of IMVAMUNE.”

Bavarian Nordic has collaborated with the Canadian authorities since 2008 on supplying IMVAMUNE, initially for the Canadian Department of National Defence. Subsequent to the initial Canadian EUNDS approval in 2013, Bavarian Nordic has also collaborated with the Public Health Agency of Canada for stockpiling of the vaccine for the general population.

Dstl will host the 23rd CWD conference, bringing together international experts to work together to achieve a future free from chemical weapons. 

To find out more and register click here

The 23rd CWD Conference is organised by Dstl, the science inside UK defence and security, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. It brings you a unique opportunity to hear from international experts and to work collaboratively to help achieve a future free from chemical weapons. It will take place in May 2021, in London.

The organisers took the unavoidable decision to cancel CWD 2020 due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. However, planning has continued to ensure that, with your participation and support, CWD 2021 will be the best conference yet. We aim to build on the success of CWD 2019, which was attended by more than 120 delegates from 13 countries, representing 53 organisations.

Our exciting programme, which includes new additions for 2021, takes into account the changing demilitarisation landscape, including new threats, technical challenges and the approaching completion of destruction of declared chemical weapons stockpiles. Its scope will include wider science and technology issues related to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), including verification, chemical analysis and forensics. Abstracts on any of these, and related topics, may be submitted on our new online registration platform.

Key dates

• Abstract submission closes: 15 January 2021
• Presenter notification: 2 April 2021
• Registration closes: 3 May 2021

During the 2 days of presentations, panel sessions, poster displays and equipment demonstrations, there will be ample opportunity for discussion and networking. The conference is open to anyone with a relevant interest in CWD, and is attended by representatives of governments, industry, academia and the armed forces.

Why attend CWD 2021

Our conference supports the global effort to eliminate chemical weapons and fosters co-operation through the exchange of information and ideas relating to safe disposal. CWD is the primary international forum for making valuable professional contacts in this field.

• Participate in this unique forum for our community
• Exchange knowledge and expertise
• Network with others in the field
• Meet international experts
• Collaborate with your peers
• Learn about innovative and exciting new solutions
• Share your technical challenges
• Discover and offer fresh thinking, new ideas, different approaches
• Contribute to a future free of chemical weapons

To find out more and register click here

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced that the United States (U.S.) Army, Air Force, and Navy have collectively ordered more than 250 additional FLIR Centaur™ unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), worth $32 million combined. The award is being sourced through the Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc. II) program.

Over the last 12 months, FLIR has announced multiple orders totaling roughly $97 million for more than 750 Centaur unmanned ground systems from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams across all services will use the FLIR Centaur to assist in disarming improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance, and similar hazardous tasks. Operators can quickly attach different sensors and payloads to the robot to address other missions, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

“We’re tremendously honored that EOD teams across America’s military are relying on our Centaur robot to help them perform dangerous missions with greater stand-off capability,” said Tom Frost, VP and general manager for Unmanned Ground Systems in the Unmanned and Integrated Solutions business at FLIR. “From enabling easy software updates to enhanced electro-optical infrared cameras, controllers, and communication systems, the Centaur can be a game-changer for troops on the battlefield.

“Sharing common technology across EOD units also creates efficiencies for joint service operations, training and sustainment,” Frost added.

In 2017, the U.S. Army selected the medium-sized Centaur robot as its MTRS Inc II solution. FLIR is delivering systems to the Army under that multi-year program of record, which upon award was valued at more than $150 million, including options. These latest orders fall under the current ceiling. Since then, other U.S. military branches have opted to deploy the Centaur to their EOD teams as a new or replacement ground robot system.

Centaur is a medium-sized UGV that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards. Weighing roughly 160 pounds, the open-architecture robot features an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches over six feet, and the ability to climb stairs. Modular payloads can be used for CBRNE detection and other missions.

Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021. For more on FLIR Systems’ Unmanned Ground Systems platforms, visit www.flir.com/UIS/UGS.

With only 18 days until the innaugural virtual CBRNe Convergence 2020, make sure you head over to our event platform and register your place now https://www.engagez.net/cbrne

With nearly 600 delegates, from a wide selection of organisations, you are sure to make some great contacts at this year's event, even if it is virtual. The conference platform allows you to upload as much, or as little, as you want about yourself, link your profile to your LinkedIn account, have group and private chats, and even sync your diary via Calendly so you can arrange meetings then and there. You may not be able to collect physical business cards, but you will still be able to make some great contacts. 

We have also been busy building a great virtual exhibiton hall for you and so far have over 45 exhibitors waiting to meet and reat you on their virtual booths. Each booth will be manned by exhibiton personnel and laden with information on their latest products and innovations. 

We are pleased to have joining us as sponsors of this year's event;

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors
          
            

Bronze Sponsors
    

If you have any queries please email

Keewatin Air is now ready to deploy the isolation pod EpiShuttle, for safe transportation of contagious patients. Canada is facing an increasing number of Covid-19 cases, and safe transport is key to handle the pandemic.

The past week Keewatin staff and hospital staff at the Health Sciences Centre’s simulation lab and Stretcher Service of Manitoba have gone through extensive training including trial runs in using the EpiShuttle.

- We now have operational certification from Transport Canada to deploy single-patient isolation and transport units, called EpiShuttles in our Pilatus PC-12 planes. Keewatin, along with Alberta Health Services fixed wing air ambulance has EpiShuttles in operating, says Janet Busse, Executive Director of Medical Operations at Keewatin Air.

With the EpiShuttles in place, the medivac services providers can perform patient monitoring and full intensive care of infected patients during air, sea and land transport.

- Canadian healthcare workers and first responders are making an admirable effort transporting patients while putting their own health on the line. We hope that the EpiShuttle will make their job safer and patient transport easier, Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO of EpiGuard says.

In case of a local outbreak, Keewatin Air can with their EpiShuttles offer fast and safe transport, even from remote locations. The aircraft PC-12, is widely used in the north, where its short takeoff and landing capabilities make it able to service the smallest and remote communities with modest airstrips. This includes missions to Alert which is the most northerly community in Canada and the world at latitude 82 degrees about 800 miles from the North pole.

Keewatin Air is subsidiary of a larger group of airlines owned by Exchange Income Corporation and operates a variety of aircraft within the group, with that Keewatin Air is also working on certificates to do mass evacuations with EpiShuttles in ATRs and Dash 8s as well. In hotspots with Covid-19 outbreaks, patients need transport to places with available ICU capacity. Only when safe transport is in place can Canada utilize the full capacity of the entire health care system and ensure treatment for everyone.

- We found the EpiShuttle to have unparalleled features. The EpiShuttle allows patient monitoring and full intensive care treatment during transport, including emergency procedures like intubation and insertion of central venous catheters. In addition, for Covid-19 patients, the adjustable backrest is extremely important to keep coughing at a minimum. However, it was the fact that the EpiShuttle is re-usable, making it the most cost efficient product on the market, which made us decide on the EpiShuttle, says Janet Busse.

- The EpiShuttle make transport safe, reduce cost and increase operational efficiency of Covid19 patient transport. An ambulance usually requires 2-4 hours of disinfection between every infectious transport, and with an entire aircraft, it can take almost a full day. Disinfection puts transport vessels out of play, and in case of exposure, a whole team can be grounded for days. The pandemic compromise the entire medivac system. That is why it is crucial with airtight single patient isolation and transport, Ellen Cathrine Andersen explains.

The EpiShuttle is in use all over the world, in all continents. Five major Air-Forces have already purchased the EpiShuttle as well as ground ambulance services, private air transport companies and hospitals. The EpiShuttle is NATOs stock listed and CE-marked as a class one medical device.

D7 sanitization product has been recognized by Manufacturing Outlook as a Top 10 Foam Technology Solution Provider for 2020.

What does that mean?

Decon7 has worked tirelessly to create their D7 product in order to ensure workplace sanitization is top-notch so employees and customers aren’t put at risk. 

Because D7 differs in composition and efficiency from other disinfectant products, it is able to penetrate soil loads, envelopes, and bio-barriers, destroying toxins and germs at a molecular level. Traditional disinfection methods have failed to kill those microorganisms efficiently because, typically, only one method is used to disinfect. 

The D7 multimodal disinfection approach constitutes three parts with five distinct components: surfactant chemicals or soap, inorganic salts (like baking soda), hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide booster, and water. This combination can effectively kill up to 99.99999 percent of microbes, which dramatically decreases the chance of disease transmission.  

Read more about our recognition HERE.