A hazardous material is defined as any substance, solid, liquid or gas that is capable of harming people, property or the environment. Hazardous material exposure can occur from intentional acts, hazardous material transportation accidents, industrial accidents, natural disasters causing hazardous material release or from individual exposure.

Training

Toxicology Paramedics are trained to recognize and treat a variety of toxicological syndromes ranging from industrial agents to nuclear, biological or chemical weapons and are trained to provide medical treatment at Hazardous Materials incidents.

The Mesa Fire Department Toxicology Paramedics are equipped with additional drugs and reference resources, allowing enhanced therapeutic treatment of toxic exposures in the pre-hospital setting.  Additionally, Mesa Fire Department Toxicology Paramedics respond as part of the regional Metropolitan Medical Response Plan, interface and train with the Mesa Fire Department Hazardous Materials team, providing a valuable resource for the citizens of Mesa as well as the surrounding communities.