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Updated: 8:52 PM Feb 9, 2010
Kanawha County Officials Say Plants Must Provide Emergency Info
Kanawha County emergency officials say responders called to chemical plants will no longer enter the facilities unless they know what they're facing.
Posted: 8:52 PM Feb 9, 2010Reporter: Carrie Jones Email Address: carrie.jones@wsaz.com |
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5 Comments 
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Kanawha County emergency officials say first responders called to chemical plants will no longer enter the facilities unless they know what they're facing.
A new protocol has been put in place in response to an accident on Jan. 23 at DuPont's plant in Belle. A worker was exposed to Phosgene and later died.
Joe Lynch, Director of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, says that emergency workers didn't even know if a chemical was involved in the medical emergency until they got on scene. The only information Metro 911 dispatchers were given was that a worker was hurt and they needed an ambulance.
"We're concerned for our workers safety no matter what," said Lynch. "You don't go into a scene unless it's safe."
That's been advice that emergency responders have played by for decades, but now the county is making it an official rule or response. Chemical plants will have to answer a few questions before an ambulance will be allowed to pass through the gates.
"Is there a chemical involved? Are people hurt? Where's the patient? If you give us that information we are going to have an immediate response," said Lynch.
If they don't get that information, an ambulance will head to the scene and wait nearby until they are given the all clear.
Wayne Harmon has 22 years of paramedic experience. He says he's relieved Kanawha County is taking official action to make sure emergency workers stay safe.
"We have always been taught to stand back, and if it's dangerous leave the scene. It's always been as an educational thing. We never had a policy to back that up," said Harmon. "It gives me relief now."
The KCEAA has sent a letter breaking down their new protocol to the Dupont Plant in Belle and the Bayer CropScience Plant in Institute.
Latest Comments
Bill, dont run your mouth if you dont know the full story. I worked for KCEAA for 5 years and know the ins and outs of the business. Even if the patient is in the facility medical center, the information still needs to be given as to whether or not the patient has been decontaminated. If not this can be hazardous to the EMS crew and those in the medical facility. This information is vital to not just the EMS crew but anyone else who may come into contact with the patient, I.E. hospitol staff, patients, and guests. This is a critical protocol that has needed to be put into action for a long time. Joe and the rest of the administration at KCEAA deserve a bit pat on the back for taking action on this matter now before it is too late.
There IS a federal law that requires full disclosure of all chemicals at a plant or storage location. Its called the Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) under SARA Title III. They MUST disclose this info to first responders under federal law. Heck, if they won't call the EPA they are the enforcement for this law.
Bill you are stupid......if you have ever been to the dupont plant you would know that the hospital is inside the gates of the plant, therefore near the "DANGER" and i know if i'm called to a chemical plant, i will not enter until someone gets off their high horse and tells me what is going on.....
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