By Chris Simpson

Calls involving hazardous materials (hazmats) are low-frequency/high-risk events. There are many variables to take into consideration when working on such incidents.

A risk-based analysis should be performed at all incidents to determine the number of personnel and resources needed. An often-overlooked component of the incident is who is doing the rescuing of the technician down range in the event of an emergency. While the topic is underdiscussed, it is an important aspect of the incident. The high-risk/low-frequency events often have the most room for error.

There are different philosophies on who does the rescuing, whether it is the backup team, a rapid intervention team (RIT), or simply a hazmat rescue team. That aside, what is the best method to rescue the person and how effective and efficient is rescuing him in a timely manner?

Time is the enemy and of the essence. Project MAYDAY¹ has shown the average time to get the rescue team to the hot zone is around six minutes. The times can vary based on the rescue team’s position and readiness. Then there is significant additional time in locating, packaging, and removing the patient. From medical training, we know permanent brain damage and death may occur without adequate profusion and oxygen to the brain in from four to six minutes.²

A game-changing drag rescue device is known as the FAST Board. Its application is versatile; however, with the drag blanket it is a great solution to rescuing a down member. In relation to hazmat incidents, the FAST Board can primarily be used to rescue civilians. If a civilian needs to be rescued down range in the hot zone, the rigid platform and easy connection make packaging and moving more efficient and effective in a short period of time. In regard to confined space whether from a tank, hopper, vault, or pipe, there is no changeover from a horizontal drag to a vertical lift. Furthermore, if the entry team is operating belowgrade or above-grade and even on a catwalk or tank car, you need to consider how a victim will be removed. There are many issues such as limited access when carrying and dragging will not work. Having the right piece of equipment to do the job for the limited-accessible spaces is key.

When deep inside a building, belowgrade, abovegrade, or other location down range for a considerable amount of time, air depletion is expected. While operating in such situations, more than likely fatigue will set in, possibly causing a slip, trip, or fall. In addition, a medical emergency such as dehydration, cardiac event, heat stroke, or seizure may occur.

• Hazardous Materials Response
• Hazardous Materials Response vs. Structure Fire Response
• Hazmat Responses Answered with Large and Small Rigs
• Hazardous-Materials Incident Response
• Specialty PPE in Use at Hazardous Materials, ARFF, and Industrial Incidents
• The Challenges of Hazmat Responses
• Lessons Learned from Hazmat Training and Response
• Responding to a

Pierce—Wilber (NE) Fire & Rescue pumper. Saber cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 750-gallon water tank; 25-gallon foam cell; Pierce Husky 3 single-agent foam system. Dealer: Todd Clyne, MacQueen Emergency, Lincoln, NE.

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Marietta’s Fire Station 1 at the back of City Hall needs more space than it currently has. The city has been exploring the station’s expansion, and details are beginning to fall into place, MariettaTimes.com reported.

The fire department is seeking an expansion that would include space on the first floor for oversized bays for fire boats and equipment and space on the second floor for living quarters, restrooms, storage, showers, living room, laundry and kitchen area, the report said.

Initial plans for expansion have been drawn and construction could start next summer, according to the report. The sticking point: how to pay for it. At the November 29 session of council’s Fire and Police Committee, a fire official reported that the estimated construction cost that came with the initial drawings is $2.7 million.

The fire official asked that the city put $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Funds toward the project, the report said. The remainder, he said, could come from a 30-year loan paid from the fire department’s share of a .15% income tax increase passed by voters in 2018. The increase was specifically designated for fire departments and streets, according to the report.

There will be a second part of the architecture and engineering proposal for detailed design, permitting, bidding and construction management. After that, a city official said he would like to see a timetable where there is a request for bid proposals in March, bids opened in May, and a construction start date set for July 1, the report said.

A planned fire station along Maybank Highway will cost $6 million more than originally planned, but the city of Charleston says it’s moving forward with it, Live5News.com reported.

Part of that cost has to do with the soil found on the site, the report said. The city said the soil samples they’ve gotten show they need to add pilings underneath the building’s foundation to support it in case of an earthquake.

Along with the poor soil conditions, the city said extra features added to the proposed building and increased construction costs have all contributed to the higher price tag, according to the report.

The fire station is scheduled to have three bays that would fit two companies, but extra features could be cut to keep costs down, the report said. Construction could start at the end of 2023 or the start of 2024.