Florida Air National Guard cross trains with base fire department

The course consisted of 40 hours of classroom training, a two-part computer-based exam, followed by a hands-on evaluated drill. During the simulation, members suited up in Level A vapor protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus. Each team was prepped and briefed as to what chemical was present and what procedure to follow prior to entering the simulation. Each member was decontaminated in a wash down tent after being in the proximity of the chemical.

With the safety parameters set at only 20 minutes in the suits, the first two-man team assessed and collected data on the possible contaminate under the watchful eye of evaluators from the 125TH Hazmat Response Team and NAS Jax Fire Department.

NSA Jax Fire Department Capt. Jamie Sherer, instructs members of the Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing during a gas contaminate drill Aug. 14. The scenario was conducted to certify the 125th members in Hazmat analysis and containment.

Behind the scenes, additional members of the 125th pooled through Hazmat identification publications to positively identify the chemicals. By eliminating certain chemicals, the identity of the sample can be easily determined.

Once the identity was revealed, a different team contained the simulated airborne toxin and investigated a possible liquid spill. Finally, the last containment team assessed and contained a simulated liquid spill.

The two-day certification course took a hands-on approach and taught students how to identify more than 75 hazardous substances.

NAS Jax Fire Depart-ment Hazmat Training Officer Capt. Jamie Sherer was very pleased with the way the 125th conducted the drill. ''It was very satisfying to help train other members of the military,'' Sherer stated. ''I'm confident in their ability to assess and contain a Hazmat situation.''

Both the fire department and Naval Hospital Jax conduct numerous drills throughout the year to keep them prepared for a possible contaminate outbreak.

Tech. Sgt. James McGarry of the Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing Hazmat Response Team (left rear ) and NAS Jax Fire Department Capt. Jamie Sherer (rear right) look on as members of the 125th work to contain a simulated gas contaminate.

''Not only do we keep our assessment team informed of the elements involved, but the hospital must know what chemicals people may be exposed to,'' Sherer said. ''If a person showed up at the hospital with a cough, it might just be a cold. But if six people showed up with the same complaint, there could be a potential Hazmat leak and we need to be prepared.''

Medical personnel are required to be present on a contamination scene because they have decontamination capabilities and quarantine accommodations to prevent the spreading of undesirable elements.

Tech. Sgt. Jefrey Snyder( foreground) and Master Sgt. Robert Pike of the Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing, unravel hose lengths to construct a wash down station for contaminated personnel. The station is used to remove contaminate particles from inspection and repair teams who may have had their Level A vapor suits exposed to Hazmat materials.

The base fire department is on call 24 hours a day and consistently trains for various potential threats, always being prepared for the worst case scenario.