Time is of the essence when responding to a hazardous material incident. Acting quickly helps to eliminate potential exposure of harmful materials to both the public and environment at large, said Colorado State Patrol HAZMAT technician Travis Randolph.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout the training, we would have to wait for a certified team to show up,\u201d Randolph said. \u201cThe next closest team is in Durango.\u201d<\/p>\n
Randolph worked with the Cortez Fire Protection District last week to recertify the department\u2019s HAZMAT responders.<\/p>\n
\u201cCortez is a major hub of hazardous materials coming into Southwest Colorado,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
On average, close to 1,000 truckers transport their loads through Cortez along U.S. 160 and U.S. 491 every 24 hours. Up to 150 of those trucks carry a HAZMAT load, mostly contain gasoline, diesel or propane.<\/p>\n
The greatest lesson to teach a HAZMAT responder is \u201cstay back and identify,\u201d explained Cortez Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Vandevoorde. He added knowing what gas, liquid or solid hazardous material is on scene and ensuring enough manpower is available to properly clean up a site are crucial.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are hundreds of different types of scenarios that you could run into,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s so easy to get into a situation and become a victim yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
One line of defense for responders is an $800 blue tarp type suit with a plastic shield over the face. The suits can only be worn once.<\/p>\n
Another safety precaution is communication.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to know who you\u2019re working with,\u201d Randolph said. \u201cHand signals and body language are key.\u201d<\/p>\n
A group of about a dozen Montezuma-Cortez High School students also participated in the HAZMAT training last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe students really enjoyed and learned from the opportunity to put on the suits and practice with the HAZMAT props,\u201d said Lori Mott, Colorado\u2019s Career Technical Education Teacher of the Year.<\/p>\n
In addition to being a high school teacher, Mott is also a volunteer firefighter. She loves the physical and mental challenges firefighting affords, which takes her out of her own comfort zone, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never know what kind of call you are going to go on,\u201d Mott explained.<\/p>\n
Mott has taught fire science, first responder and community emergency response courses for the past seven years at the Montezuma-Cortez High School.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe students love the hands on experiences,\u201d she said. \u201cThey get to work with actual fire fighters.\u201d<\/p>\n
The training in high school helps prepare students for a number of potential careers while earning college credit at the same time. Many students who have previously graduated now serve as volunteer fire fighters across Montezuma County.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not only training students for a career, but we\u2019re also teaching them to serve their community,\u201d Mott said.<\/p>\n