A multi-agency training simulation Tuesday at Waiakea High School evaluated and improved the responses to potential incidents involving hazardous materials.
The Hawaii Police Department Special Response Team, personnel from the Hawaii County Fire Department HAZMAT unit, Hawaii County Civil Defense, Hilo Benioff Medical Center and the Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, or 93rd CST, spent the day running through a fake scenario as a tactical exercise for all the county’s first responder agencies.
In the morning, HPD practiced different responses for when an incident also involves hazardous gas, adding an extra level of danger to a precarious situation.
HFD HAZMAT Capt. James Pacheco gave the unit tools and different methods for dispersing the gas while the team became used to working in gas masks.
The 93rd CST discussed different methods of decontamination with first responders and gave advice about response measures.
The specialized unit of the Hawaii National Guard has built a working relationship with state and county first responders and has coordinated training simulations across the state every year.
The 93rd CST’s mission is to prepare first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials and CBERN, an acronym for chemical, biological, explosive, radiological and nuclear agents and substances.
Personnel will continue hosting similar hazmat and active-shooter training simulations in Maui today, Oahu on Thursday and Kauai on Friday.