DuPont offers comprehensive training for first responders
DuPont Corporation`s training facility near Martinsville, Virginia, has been training first responders (haz-mat teams, fire, EMS, and state police personnel) since 1970, according to Jo Hoots, public information specialist, Virginia Department of Emergency Services (VDES).
“The facility makes available to students access to equipment they wouldn`t have in most other training facilities in the country,” explains Pete Pearman, DuPont`s fire and emergency response training coordinator. “We offer all kinds of learning situations here, from media relations to team-building to sharing experiences with other students and instructors. The training allows responders and private industry the opportunity to understand each other`s needs, to see both sides of relevant issues.”
Among the site props, which can be modified to fit any training scenario, are a damaged railcar that was brought to the facility for training in assessing damage, grounding and bonding equipment, a rappel tower, about 175 feet of underground tunnels for simulated main shaft rescue training, a high-tech pit, and multimedia classroom equipment. Land, rail, highway, and water transportation incidents can be simulated.
Bobby Clark, VDES haz-mat officer, adds that students are brought through the “crawl, walk, run method of instruction and encouraged to debate and analyze relevant issues U. It offers new ways to share ideas and develop training opportunities. Responders can get to know who they`ll be working with in an incident involving industry.” The VDES conducts its training classes at the facility, using its own instructors. Clark notes that the many props on the site facilitate training at the specialty and technical levels.
The government/private industry partnership is a two-way exchange, Pearman says: “We learn as much from first responders as they learn from us.” Clark agrees. “Getting to know each other before an incident occurs builds trust and prepares us for working together should an emergency arise,” he notes.
For additional information concerning the DuPont training facilities, contact Pearman at (540) 666-5353.
