Firefighters suit up for HAZMAT training in Iraq

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Shannon Collins
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  A convoy winds through the streets of Iraq, when a technician in the lead vehicle sees an unexploded ordnance device near the road. As he moves closer, he notices the smell of chlorine gas. It's time to take protective measures.

For firefighters from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Flight, this situation has happened at least twice over the last six months.

To prepare for possible chemical attacks, 12 Air Force and two Army firefighters set up and trained with a hazardous-material, or HAZMAT, decontamination line here June 5.

"Chlorine gas and other chemicals could be used against our forces in this area of responsibility," said Army Spc. Michael Harms, one of the firefighters. "We have had to decontaminate vehicles and Soldiers who have been struck by chemically infused improvised explosive devices. Without training, we would be lost in the woods with no bread crumbs."

With the Airmen deploying from six bases and the Army firefighters from the 60th Ordnance Company from Fort Carson, Colo., the goal of the training was learning a unified way of performing the decontamination line.

"Different bases react to similar situations differently and have different equipment, so we bring all that training together so we can be on the same page," said Master Sgt. Sean O'Marra, 332nd ECES. "We also inventoried the equipment to make sure we have everything we need so we can respond if necessary."

The key to the unified training was compromise.

"Both branches do things differently, but our outstanding leadership and co-workers find a compromise that fits everyone's needs. I enjoy the cohesion," said Specialist Harms.

Senior Airman Justin Talbot, another of the firefighters, echoed his sentiment.

"It's good that the Army works side-by-side with us, and they are well-trained," said Airman Talbot. "It also lets us expand our knowledge by learning how others do business on the fire scene as well." 

A  HAZMAT decontamination line is a process that removes hazardous materials or substances from contaminated personnel. Hazardous materials may enter the body through injection, ingestion, inhalation or absorption, said Airman 1st Class Jace Correa, a 322nd ECES firefighter.

While working with these materials, emergency responders have different levels of clothing protection. These levels range from A through D. Level A provides the highest level of protection for the skin and respiratory system. When in a Level A suit, the firefighter is encapsulated with a self-contained breathing apparatus. The Level B suit provides splash protection against products that could irritate or be absorbed through the skin, said Airman Correa.

Level C includes coveralls or splash suits providing a lesser level of protection than Level B and are typically worn with a respirator or gas mask only. Firefighters use bunker gear. Level D protection also exists, but does not include a HAZMAT suit, as it only requires specific work clothing and eye protection.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site states that chlorine can be turned into a liquid so it can be shipped and stored. When liquid chlorine is released, it quickly turns into a gas that stays close to the ground and spreads rapidly.

Chlorine gas can be recognized by its pungent, irritating odor, which is like the odor of bleach. The strong smell may provide an adequate warning to people that they have been exposed.

The extent of poisoning caused by chlorine depends on the amount of chlorine a person is exposed to, how the person was exposed, and length of time of the exposure. When chlorine gas comes into contact with moist tissues such as the eyes, throat and lungs, an acid is produced that can damage these tissues, the Web site said.

The firefighters train with each level of suit to prepare themselves for any type of chemical hazard, such as chlorine.

"If you're confused, and you don't know your equipment, it could take up to 30 minutes to an hour to figure our how to put all the pieces together," said Sergeant O'Marra. "Through training, our goal, the standard we set, is 10 minutes to have it all set up. Our equipment is mobile so we can go to any site on base and set it up in 10 minutes and be ready to go."

The safety of the Airmen and Soldiers deployed to Balad is what keeps Airman Correa and his firefighter brethren going.

"The main goal of the firefighters here at Balad is the safety of everyone on base," he said. "I'm not worried about a potential HAZMAT contamination. I knew what I was signing up for, and I'm prepared to act upon it when the time comes."

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