Hazardous-materials response

The preceding text has provided some of the basics that you should know to safely operate at a hazardous-materials incident. Unlike other types of emergencies, the plethora of dangers that exist at hazmat incidents may cause the rescuer to delay patient care. The key here is safety first--your safety! I can't overemphasize the need to properly protect yourself at these situations. Remember, you can't help the patient if you become one too! With the significant rise, worldwide, in the number of hazardous-materials incidents over the last 10 years, it has become apparent that extensive and continued training is needed to protect the rescuer and ensure quality patient care.