OPTU Blog
Here we share about company news, current events and more.
How to Protect One’s Self from a Protest
For the past couple of months, fearful protestors have been trying to stop Atlanta from expanding its emergency response training center, you may ask yourself: What is cop city? Atlanta has a plan to build an emergency response training center which would be...
Who Were the Grey Ladies?
Introduction Women have greatly advanced emergency services since Clara Barton created the American Red Cross in 1881. After the Civil War, Barton visited Europe and became inspired by the Swiss global Red Cross Network. When she returned from Europe, she campaigned...
Remembering the Freedom House Ambulance Service
OPTU is using Black History Month to learn and share the stories of Black innovators in our line of work: Emergency Response. The Freedom House Ambulance Service (FHAS) was the first emergency medical service in the United States to be staffed by paramedics with...
Federal Judge Blocks New Jersey Concealed Carry Gun Law
On January 9th, 2023, a federal judge – Judge Renee Marie Bumb – issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against New Jersey Officials. “The Court will grant the motion for temporary restraints”. The National Rifle Association (NRA) filed a lawsuit against the...
What Crimes Happen During the Holiday Season?
The holiday season is a time to celebrate and appreciate time with family and friends. With Black Friday rolling around the corner, some are excited to shop for the holidays. However, the holiday season can be a rough time for others and may lead them into trouble. In...
A Possible Big Change for New Drivers in New Jersey
Did you know that New Jersey is one of the few states in America to allow teenagers to become licensed drivers without logging practice hours. However, this may change if the State Legislature passes S2789/A3793: “requires certain permit holders to complete practice...
Smart Response to Workplace Violence
All private and public sectors number one concern is the safety of all their employees and guests. All employees are mostly at risk of workplace violence. Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening...
Does Online Learning Really Benefit Me?
In the early stages of COVID-19, schools realized for the safety of their students, they moved forward to online eLearning. Employers also move their employees to working online from home as well. This was a huge shift for everyone since it created challenges at...
Indirect Trauma from Mass Shootings
The Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit research group, defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are shot or killed, not including the shooter. There have been about 300 mass shootings in the year 2022 in the United States. The number of...
No Universal Defintion
So far this year, there have been over 300 mass shootings in the United States. But could there be more? Did you know there is no universal definition of what a mass shooting is? It is true. There is no universal definition of what defines a mass shooting. Multiple...
The 5 Biggest Risks for New Drivers
Receiving your driver’s license can mean freedom at last! You don’t need your parents telling you how to drive or what to do while driving. It is time to hit the road and discover your independence! It is important to keep in mind that even though you passed the...
Are Bomb Threats Becoming a Trend Again?
In February 2022, a series of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) received about 36 bomb threats. Since then, the media has been quite about bomb threats until recently. There has been over 50 bomb threats targeting community colleges and...
New Jersey’s New Passing Rule
On March 1st of this year, New Jersey passed the Safe Passing Law. The Safe Passing Law is for all motorists about when and how to pass people sharing the road on foot, on bicycles, on scooters, wheelchairs, etc. The new law requires all drivers to use “due caution”...
Nervous About Getting Pulled Over? You’re Not Alone
Millions of traffic stops are conducted each year all over the country, which makes them the most prevalent way the police have contact with the public. Being in the presence of police can bring someone a mix of emotions. Even President Ulysses S. Grant had mixed...
Smart Response to Workplace Shootings
With workplace violence on the rise, many Americans whose employers are now requiring them to return to work after the pandemic are fearful of being the victim of a violent incident at work. OSHA defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence,...
Active Emergencies Can Cause Tunnel Vision/Hearing
Active emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. It is important to keep in mind that stress levels can be elevated dramatically during these events. Our bodies can have different reactions to the increased stress caused by active emergencies. Everyone...
Don’t Let Bomb Threats at HBCUs Distract from Black History Month
Designated as Black History Month, February is the month we celebrate the impact of African-American culture in the past and present while looking forward with hope to the opportunities of the future. Black History Month is also a time to reflect on the connection...
Improving Personal Safety in Malls
Malls are known to be a consumer’s paradise. Filled with retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment outlets, every mall has its own taste and style that they bring to their community. Malls are meant to make memories with family and friends. Sometimes those...
Let’s Talk About the Travis Scott Concert
Introduction The annual Astroworld music festival, organized by Travis Scott and LiveNation, was held in Houston, TX on November 5, 2021. What was supposed to be a two-day festival was cut short after a wave of concertgoers rushed towards the stage and trampled...
Could Stacey Hayes Have Been Stopped?
Quick Summary of the Incident On October 4th, 2021, a Thomas Jefferson Hospital employee named Stacey Hayes walked into work wearing his standard blue scrubs, blending in with his fellow co-workers. Unlike his fellow co-workers, however, Hayes was also equipped with...