Monday, December 1, 2008 - Vol. VII Issue 12
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PEAC-WMD Profile
I
received the training on the PEAC WMDv5 Decision Support Tool on August 28,
2007, in Houston, TX. The PEAC arrived at my office on August 30, 2007. On
Friday, September 7 (exactly a week and a day later), we had the first HAZMAT
incident to which we deployed the PEAC.
The MABAS 52 Hazmat Team responded under mutual aid to the Grayville, IL Fire
Department. A semi-tractor trailer hauling high-calcium lime caught fire when
its load became wet in a rainstorm. The driver received treatment for first and
second degree burns causing a endothermic reaction.
When I first responded, I found several members of our Team scouring hazardous
materials references trying to identify the substance involved. When I advised
the IC that I had the PEAC, the IC advised me to respond to the scene.
At the scene, there was a lot of confusion as to the exact nature of the
material involved. The fact that one victim received burns caused us to have an
over abundance of caution on how to proceed. When we finally received the
correct information on the product carried on the truck, I was able to use the
PEAC and advise the IC as to its properties, hazards, and appropriate
level of PPE. The IC was initially skeptical of the information because the
PEAC was new and untested. However, EPA and the product manufacturer verified
the information by phone.
We were able to stand down from our full HAZMAT response and rescind the
evacuation order for the surrounding community in Grayville. Needless to say,
we have a new-found respect and confidence in the PEAC WMDv5. It is now a
routine tool in our HAZMAT response. The MABAS 52 Hazmat Team is made
up of volunteers from area fire departments. The Wabash County Health
Department is also a member and fills the roles of Safety/Science Officer
using the PEAC as our primary reference resource. We also have access to
WISER, CAMEO,ALOHA, and MARPLOT on our laptop computer.
The Incident made front page news in "The Navigator and Journal
Register," Volume 13-140, Number 5-37, Wednesday, September 12, 2007.
This grant was so beneficial, we applied for another CEDAP grant this year and
were fortunate enough to win approval for another technological tool for our
HAZMAT Team. In 2009, we should receive a Radiation Detection First Responder
Kit.
Gerald L. Brooks
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Wabash County Health Department