The derailment last month of a train carrying hazardous materials has brought many things to light, especially that many firefighters lack training to deal to handle the issue.
U.S. Senators on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee also learned during recent testimony that those emergency personnel also may have life-long issues after their exposure to the toxic soup, according to CNN
None of the firefighters who responded to the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine had access to information about what chemicals were in those 11 overturned cars.
Ohio Western Reserve Fire Chief David Comstock told the lawmakers that the issues went far beyond not being able to use an app to glean information. The cars were "bunched up" and not in their normal order.
He said there has to be a better more efficient way to let firefighters know exactly what they're dealing with.
The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) agreed.
“People deserve to know what chemicals are moving through their communities and how to stay safe in an emergency, That includes responders who risk their lives for each of us every single day. They deserve to be prepared,” Jennifer Homendy told the panel.
Comstock explained that technology in some vehicles sends information to 9-1-1 dispatchers who relay it to responders.
“So en route to a motor vehicle accident, I know the car has flipped three times, airbags gone out, and it has information about that car – whether it’s an electric car, things I have to worry about,” he said adding that no details were sent to firefighters headed to the derailment.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also told the group he is worried about the health of those who answered the call that night. t.
“They all need to be assessed. There needs to be established a baseline, and they need to be assured that in five years or 10 years, there’s still a place where they could go. We look to the railroad to establish that fund,” DeWine testified.
Gear worn by fire and rescue personnel was contaminated, the chief said.
"...I had three firefighters who were exposed. Their gear is contaminated. I can’t use it... That means I have three firefighters who are out of service for six months who can’t respond to auto accidents or structure fires,” he said explaining the time it takes to replace it.
The basic turnout gear isn’t designed to stand up to hazardous materials like the chemicals on the Norfolk Southern train. It requires hazmat suits, which can cost $15,000 each.
“It’s unrealistic for the federal government to provide that to every department, but we do need to look at a regional approach so we can call in those teams that can supplement what we’re trying to do."
