James Munger reportedly suffered shrapnel injuries to his right arm including lacerations, and was treated on the scene by USFA co-workers before the Emmitsburg ambulance personnel arrived.
He was taken by ambulance to Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, a regional trauma center.
While connecting a large nitrogen bottle to training devices, the valve became dislodged and released the gas with force. Other workers reportedly heard the explosion, and ran to the fire simulation lab, where they found the injured instructor.
There was damage in the room including the ceiling.
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
