Analyze the Incident
Collect hazard information, identify containers and stresses, and predict behavior.
- unknown chemicals
- ERG
- laboratory identifier
- container recognition
Plan the Response
Utilize tools to determine appropriate protective ensembles, decontamination protocols, detection support, firefighter guidance, and more.
- respiratory protection
- detector tools
- fire combustion products
Implement the Response
Select the materials and calculate the necessary amounts required to absorb organics, neutralize a spill, or destroy chemical, biological, and explosive residue materials. Manage cylinder fires and select appropriate extinguishment methods.
- absorption
- pH neutralization
- destruction
Who can access ChemComp
The Chemical Companion (ChemComp) software is designed for emergency response personnel especially those in fire, law enforcement, hazmat/CBRN, emergency medical, and other supporting agencies. It is available to Government entities at the local, state, federal, and international (some, please inquire) levels. You must register using your official email address.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email confirmation and gain access to the software for a period based on license terms issued or paid subscription duration. Continued access requires periodic validation of your official status.
For all other inquiries please see the FAQs section or contact support.
About Chemical Companion
In a Hazmat or CBRN incident, the first 15 minutes often dictates the outcome. The Chemical Companion, also known as the Emergency Response Decision Support System (ERDSS), is an integrated software suite that transforms complex chemical data into actionable tactical decisions. Developed by experts, aggregating data from primary and experimental data sources, and field-tested by operators, ChemComp bridges the gap between raw data and effective, real-world actionable intelligence.
The platform is divided into functional modules that go far beyond standard, static reference guides like the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and the NIOSH Pocket Guide to help guide your response. Key features include:
- Advanced Chemical Database: Chemical Companion houses a vast, searchable repository of thousands of chemicals (over 5000 chemicals covering industrial hazards, chemical warfare agents, explosive, drugs, and precursors), biological agents, and radiological isotopes. It provides comprehensive hazard profiles, physical properties, and exposure guidelines. When structuring proprietary chemical databases—such as mapping out chemical names, synonyms, and chemical/physical properties —the ERDSS architecture is viewed as a benchmark for how to organize complex chemical data for rapid, stress-tested field retrieval.
- Dynamic Calculations: The system automates complex field mathematics to reduce human error. It includes calculators for predicting gas expansion, calculating room volume and ventilation times, determining precise pH neutralization ratios, and estimating the required absorption materials for specific chemical spills.
- Tactical Decision Support Tools: These interactive modules (e.g., laboratory identifier, detector selection and environment, decontamination, PPE selection) guide operators through complex situational triage based on real-time inputs.
- Unknown Identification: Utilize "Symptom-to-Agent" or "Physical Property" wizards to quickly narrow down unidentified substances when every second counts.
History of Innovation
Following the September 11 attacks, when the nation was rapidly trying to address capability gaps in CBRNE response, the Chemical Companion was one of the cutting-edge situational awareness and safety tools showcased to then President George W. Bush and Tom Ridge, the Director of the newly formed Office of Homeland Security.
Since then, the program has evolved from its beginnings as the original digital reference guide for HazMat/CBRN response (operating on a Palm Pilot) to the international standard tactical decision engine leveraging technologies and subject matter experts for creating decision aids for field usage.
The iterative development cycle utilized by the MEPSS LLC team fully integrates subject matter experts and operators into the design loop, ensuring that the resultant tools are operationally relevant and field ready.
Need Deployment Support?
Please review the FAQ's and if there is something further we can assist with then contact us.