Two of our trainings this month have focused on Haz-Mat situations.

On 4/8/19 Craig Enke organized a training for us utilizing the Dubuque County Emergency Responders Training Center to simulate an unknown hazardous materials call. We had lots of discussions on what exact tasks our department can do. With a Haz-Mat call we would also call for Dubuque Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team. They were kind enough to train with us last week. We got to see much of their different equipment and decontamination processes. Thank you to the firefighters from various departments that trained with us that night at the training center.

On 4/15/19 Corey Lawler covered hazards related to an anhydrous ammonia call. The most common times for an anhydrous call for us would be Spring and Fall. With the East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers plant near us just across the Mississippi River, it's good to remember wind direction and evacuation! We may be responsible for helping residents evacuate or informing them to shelter in place depending on the situation.

Decontamination is key! Before you even step foot near the ambulance you need to do a thorough decontamination. The hospitals will likely do an additional decontamination when the ambulance arrives.

Thank you to everyone involved in our recent Haz-Mat trainings.