The National Library of Medicine has created software for handhelds to help first responders when they arrive at a hazardous-material incident, such as a chemical spill. The Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER) provides critical information about hazardous substances, including a substance’s physical characteristics, any related health data, and containment and suppression information. WISER versions for handheld systems that run Palm OS and Pocket PC are available as free downloads. The National Institutes of Health agency plans to make a desktop PC version available this spring and is developing a Web version. To further personalize the application, users can specify their response role, such as hazmat specialist or emergency medical specialist. WISER then organizes information based on its relevance to the responder. Full Story