Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jun 2004
Source: Tullahoma News (TN)
Copyright: The Tullahoma News 2004
Contact: 
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=49033&BRD=1614&PAG=461&dept_id=161070&
Website: http://www.tullahomanews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2031
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH SEMINAR SET FOR STATE FIRST RESPONDERS

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy will offer a new 
methamphetamine seminar for state and local firefighters and law 
enforcement personnel.

The Methamphetamine Hazards and Awareness Seminar, presented by the 
Tennessee National Guard Drug Suppression Task Force, is designed for 
Tennessee's law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first 
responders who are exposed to meth and its highly toxic by-products.

"Methamphetamine labs have become a serious emergency response issue 
because of the hazardous nature of the chemicals that are involved in meth 
production," said David Hedrick, Fire Service program director.

"Every day, Tennesseans are put at risk because of the health dangers and 
the environmental effects of meth labs, and our emergency responders are 
the ones on the front lines."

The Academy's first Methamphetamine Hazards and Awareness Seminar will be 
held on June 12 and is open to law enforcement and firefighters across 
Tennessee.

Hedrick said additional seminars would likely be scheduled because of the 
high demand for meth training statewide.

"This seminar is another example of the comprehensive, inexpensive training 
the Academy can provide for our emergency personnel across the state," 
Hedrick said.

Toxic gas leaks, chemical fires and explosions often occur during meth 
production, putting first responders and the surrounding community at great 
risk.

The chemicals used during meth production are volatile and very toxic.

The production of just one pound of methamphetamine creates five to seven 
pounds of toxic waste. Contaminated ground resulting from a meth lab is 
considered so dangerous that it is treated as a bio-hazardous waste scene.

The cleanup requires specialized training and can cost anywhere from $3,100 
to $150,000 depending on the size of the lab.

The environmental dangers and health risks associated with the 
manufacturing process are extremely serious, especially to unsuspecting 
victims.

Meth labs can be found anywhere and responders often "stumble" upon these 
clandestine labs by accident.

Common injuries include respiratory and eye irritation, headache, nausea 
and vomiting and shortness of breath.

Severe injuries can occur resulting in disfigurement or death. Providing 
the necessary information to first responders is a necessity.

"Tennessee accounts for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine lab 
seizures in the southeast portion of the United States," said Instructor 
Sgt. Jimmy Tarver, National Guard Operations NCO.

"More lab seizures take place in this state than in most of the surrounding 
states combined."

The seminar is intended to help firefighters and law enforcement officials 
recognize the signs of meth labs and to take the necessary steps to ensure 
not only their safety, but the safety of the citizens from the surrounding 
area as well.

In addition to these topics, discussion will include Tennessee's drug 
problem and possible solutions, the history of meth, physiological effects 
and signs of abuse.

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, located in 
northern Bedford County, is a premier educational facility that offers the 
latest in training technology, state-of-the-art equipment and a full 
spectrum of educational courses to emergency service first responders and 
to codes enforcement personnel.

The seminar is provided at a low cost of $10 per participant.

"The Academy offers low cost training to all first responders because we 
know the budget constraints of our local communities and volunteer squads," 
said Hedrick.

"This kind of training is crucial to maintaining public safety in our 
communities and ultimately may save lives."

The National Guard's Task Force methamphetamine trailer will be available 
on site for tours as well.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D