Pubdate: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Clearwater Times Contact: http://www.clearwatertimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448 Author: Jill Hayward Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) FIREFIGHTERS LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH METH LAB HAZARDS Clandestine drug labs and what to do when you come across them were part of an in-depth First Responders training course held recently in Surrey. Barriere Fire Chief Al Kirkwood and Assistant Fire Chief Rob Lennea attended the course, which was coordinated by the RCMP Drug Awareness Service and the Addictive Drug Information Council. "The course was primarily for First Responders," said Kirkwood, "those in the front lines who have to deal with this stuff when they attend a property." Kirkwood stated that with the increase in demand for chemical drugs in British Columbia has come an increase in the number of illegal labs to produce them. This increase in production has led to an increase in the potential harm, not only to the drug users, but also to First Responders. The two-day course in Surrey dispensed practical information to allow those involved to avoid the hazards associated with drugs and drug use. The topics covered included an overview and history of the use of drugs and how they have spread, information about the use, effects and recognition of drugs, how to identify clandestine labs the dangers associated with them and the safety precautions required, identifying booby-traps, and environmental risks. For the Barriere firemen the course provided invaluable information should they be called to attend a house fire where there are illegal drugs or to a fire caused by an individual trying to make drugs. "The more information and training we can acquire, the less chance there is of anyone in our department suffering an injury when we are attending a fire," said Kirkwood. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek