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Fall Edition 2009
Sherry Brooks | 10/18/2009
In this edition, we feature expanded coverage in the area of Hazmat. It is such a vital area of the Fire Rescue EMS world, and we’re pleased to bring it to you. We welcome Glen Clapp, president of the North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders (NCAHMR), and his expertise on all things hazmat. In this issue, Clapp covers the Annual Hazmat Competition, along with some amazing pictures from Michael Porowski. Read his feature article on the challenge of chlorine railcar enhanced fittings. Read More...
Relevant Tags: From the Editor,fire, hazmat, rescue, carolina, ems, fire rescue, rescue ems, about hazmat, hazmat suit
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Is your team protected? Clearing the air on hazmat suit certification standards
Peter A. Kirk, II | 10/18/2009
The proper tools and equipment are imperative for professionals of all kinds to do their jobs safely and effectively. But the obvious differences are many when comparing pencil pushers to those out in the field who engage in changing and uncertain environments. Hazmat professionals form a unique fraternity of men and women that heavily relies on one of their most essential tools -- their hazmat suits -- for safety and protection. Read More...
Relevant Tags: Fire,nfpa, hazmat, certification, standard, suits, suit, nfpa 1991, nfpa 1994, hazmat suits, hazmat suit, certified nfpa, flame resistance, 1991 standard, hazmat professionals, 1991 certification, nfpa sta
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CO, an old enemy we are beginning to defeat
Harris Griff Mason | 10/18/2009
A better understanding of the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO), more available training, new research, evolving equipment and shared experience are giving us the tools to finally relegate Carbon Monoxide poisoning to a manageable danger. That’s the good news. Read More...
Relevant Tags: Fire,exposure, monoxide, carbon, monitors, carbon monoxide, single gas, old enemy, every call, rescue ems, monoxide poisoning
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Hazardous materials assessments
David Hesselmeyer | 10/18/2009
In the last hazardous materials issue of this magazine, I discussed doing assessments of hazardous materials that are traveling through your district on railways and roadways. Part two to a good hazardous materials assessment of your district is taking inventory of the hazardous materials facilities, or those facilities that stock hazardous materials. Read More...
Relevant Tags: Haz Mat,materials, hazardous, information, fire, local, emergency, assessments, preplans, hazardous materials, local emergency, materials assessment, emergency planning, emergency management, rescue ems, fi
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Bio threat detection review
Matt Scullion and Lou Banks | 10/18/2009
There are a variety of technologies and techniques for detecting and identifying biologics, each with its advantages and disadvantages. All of these techniques have been derived from traditional laboratory practices and have evolved at different levels for use in the field by hazmat and first responders. Using a multi-tier approach and capitalizing on multiple technologies can bolster confidence in incident response and management. It is logical that the application of multiple techniques would add to the chances of a better response to an incident, but there is a cost associated that can be measured in training and logistics. Understanding ... Read More...
Relevant Tags: Haz Mat,systems, response, detection, techniques, technology, bio threat, first responders, idaho technology, threat detection, hand held, ems journal, advantages disadvantages, these techniques, rescue ems
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Hazmat: rapid recon and assessment
Stephen Marks | 10/18/2009
Throughout our careers, emergency service instructors have been teaching us to slow down when it comes to our response involving hazardous materials. Over the years, we have heard that message again and again. In fact, we have become very proficient in taking our time when responding into a hazardous materials incident. Certainly our main concern has been for the safety of our personnel. However, is it possible that we now take entirely too long to enter the proverbial Hot Zone? Read More...
Relevant Tags: Haz Mat,recon, assessment, product, rapid, entry, hazmat, recon assessment, rapid recon, entry team, hazardous materials, out gear, immediately withdraw
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Decision-making in CWA response
Chris Wrenn | 10/18/2009
(This is part one in a three-part series on gas detection.) In responses to releases of Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) there may not be one technology or one “answer” that is correct. The responder must take into account all of the clues present to conclude the presence or absence of CWAs and take appropriate action. Understanding what the clues are and how to layer them to make a decision is critical to successful CWA response. Read More...
Relevant Tags: Rescue,cwas, vapor, chemical, agents, gas, detection, vapor pressure, stable persistent, vapor pressures, cwa response, nerve agents, chemical warfare, gas detection, normal temperatures, boiling point
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Hazmat teams from across North Carolina display their skills at ANNUAL HAZMAT CHALLENGE North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders
Glenn Clapp | 10/18/2009
On Aug. 22nd, eight hazardous materials teams from across the State met in Raleigh for fun, fellowship, and competition in the Annual Hazmat Challenge. The Hazmat Challenge is an annual event sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders (NCAHMR) and is held at the North Carolina Firemen’s Association Conference/ South Atlantic Fire Expo. The 2009 Challenge drew a large number of spectators and featured unprecedented sponsor involvement and prizes for the top finishing teams. Read More...
Relevant Tags: NCAHMR,hazmat, fire, carolina, hazardous, challenge, materials, teams, hazardous, materials, north carolina, hazmat challenge, two person, person element, carolina association, materials responders, associ
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