Expanding Your Product Knowledge Base

The Responder Knowledge Base (RKB) is a Web-based clearinghouse of information on products and services sponsored by FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate. This database is intended to give first responder agencies a place to find specialized equipment and resources.

     The database is a compilation of information on all manner of equipment and training programs for first responders. Most entries are organized into two essential lists-the Authorized Equipment List (AEL) from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants & Training and the Standardized Equipment List (SEL) from the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability.

     The RKB website is designed to house these lists in a searchable form and provide a network of information about each item. There are three main ways to use the website to find equipment:

• Search the database by keyword to bring up related entries.
• Browse all available entries through an expandable outline.
• Explore each of its two main lists by category.

     Once an item is found using any method, click on "Knowledge Links" to locate similar items. This function is useful for hard-to-find items. It's possible to get a close match using keywords and then drill down through related links to find an item.

     The ability to drill down through related items is especially useful, even when unsure which item to use. For instance, entering "gas" into the keyword search brings up several items related to hazmat responses. Picking an item to start with and clicking through the related links will get you to several other hazmat items and certifications.

     The RKB is a good resource for grant funding information. Items on the Authorized Equipment List are eligible for purchase using grant funding. The database mentions qualified grants in each entry and provides links to specific grant programs. The links take you to entries on available grants with application information and other specifics. Each grant page includes contact information to get more details or to apply for the grant.

     The Standardized Equipment List has items that are recommended by the InterAgency Board. This board seeks to improve standardization across local, state and federal agencies. Many of the entries are found on both lists, but those on the SEL are not necessarily eligible for purchase using grant funds.

     Besides grant funding help and online access to these important lists, the RKB provides information on specific equipment that may be hard to find elsewhere. If third-party equipment certifications are available, the RKB links to the certification information. For example, typing "hepa" into the keyword search returns 98 results. Icons indicate whether the product has a third-party certification.

     Clicking on "Disposable Particulate Respirator" brings up a page with a picture of the item and specifics about the equipment and its manufacturer. Links to the right of the page include one to a NIOSH certification page, which provides a link to get you back, as well as links to the related statutory standards. If you go that far, you will find links to several additional products that meet the standard.

     Much of the equipment includes access to a "User Opinion" of the products. Clicking on a user opinion link brings up a message page where field personnel with experience using specific equipment have volunteered to be contacted. The RKB doesn't give out contact information, but provides a secure way to contact these volunteers. It's up to the volunteers to respond to the requests for information.

     The Responder Knowledge Base is a way for agencies to find information on equipment and training needed to fulfill their missions. The RKB does not sell items, but provides manufacturer contact information. The database also provides links to other services that give information on best practices and lessons learned, particularly in the arena of terrorism response.

     There is a definite learning curve to using this vast database, and the extreme amount of information can be cumbersome. Don't sit down at the computer to window-shop. Surfing through the RKB is like surfing through eBay-it's easy to get lost unless you know what you want.

     Additional information provided by the RKB can help an agency fund its purchases or steer it away from bad buys. Overall, it's a good service that managers and purchasing agents will come to rely on in the future.

     The RKB website is located at: www.rkb.us.

Rod Brouhard is a paramedic for American Medical Response in Modesto, CA, and former director of the EMS program at Modesto Junior College.