By Olivia Drake, HVFC Information Officer
(October 24, 2023) —On October 16, 2023, members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company participated in hazardous materials and decontamination drill at Station One. In the event a firefighter’s gear becomes exposed to carcinogens, bodily fluids, or chemicals, he or she may need to practice doffing—or the systematic removal of contaminated bunker gear— to avoid hazardous materials contacting the skin.
Chemical exposures in particular pose a more insidious threat in that they may increase the risk of cancer.
Members observed three scenarios: One, how to assist an exposed firefighter with doffing his contaminated bunker gear; two, how to set up a wet decontamination station and clean debris off a firefighter; and three, how to assist an exposed firefighter who is non-ambulatory.
Firefighters wore regular bunker gear and a Level B hazmat suits for the demonstrations.
“Hazmat has become just as much a part of being a firefighter as extinguishing fires,” explained HVFC Captain Josh Meyer. “By showing responders how to safely decontaminate themselves and their equipment after an exposure, we reduce the risk to them and the community they serve.”
Photos by Olivia Drake
