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.
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MAP posted-by: Derek