METH SEMINAR SET FOR STATE FIRST RESPONDERS

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy will offer a new
methamphetamine seminar for state and local firefighters and law
enforcement personnel.

The Methamphetamine Hazards and Awareness Seminar, presented by the
Tennessee National Guard Drug Suppression Task Force, is designed for
Tennessee's law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first
responders who are exposed to meth and its highly toxic by-products.

"Methamphetamine labs have become a serious emergency response issue
because of the hazardous nature of the chemicals that are involved in meth
production," said David Hedrick, Fire Service program director.

"Every day, Tennesseans are put at risk because of the health dangers and
the environmental effects of meth labs, and our emergency responders are
the ones on the front lines."

The Academy's first Methamphetamine Hazards and Awareness Seminar will be
held on June 12 and is open to law enforcement and firefighters across
Tennessee.

Hedrick said additional seminars would likely be scheduled because of the
high demand for meth training statewide.

"This seminar is another example of the comprehensive, inexpensive training
the Academy can provide for our emergency personnel across the state,"
Hedrick said.

Toxic gas leaks, chemical fires and explosions often occur during meth
production, putting first responders and the surrounding community at great
risk.

The chemicals used during meth production are volatile and very toxic.

The production of just one pound of methamphetamine creates five to seven
pounds of toxic waste. Contaminated ground resulting from a meth lab is
considered so dangerous that it is treated as a bio-hazardous waste scene.

The cleanup requires specialized training and can cost anywhere from $3,100
to $150,000 depending on the size of the lab.

The environmental dangers and health risks associated with the
manufacturing process are extremely serious, especially to unsuspecting
victims.

Meth labs can be found anywhere and responders often "stumble" upon these
clandestine labs by accident.

Common injuries include respiratory and eye irritation, headache, nausea
and vomiting and shortness of breath.

Severe injuries can occur resulting in disfigurement or death. Providing
the necessary information to first responders is a necessity.

"Tennessee accounts for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine lab
seizures in the southeast portion of the United States," said Instructor
Sgt. Jimmy Tarver, National Guard Operations NCO.

"More lab seizures take place in this state than in most of the surrounding
states combined."

The seminar is intended to help firefighters and law enforcement officials
recognize the signs of meth labs and to take the necessary steps to ensure
not only their safety, but the safety of the citizens from the surrounding
area as well.

In addition to these topics, discussion will include Tennessee's drug
problem and possible solutions, the history of meth, physiological effects
and signs of abuse.

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, located in
northern Bedford County, is a premier educational facility that offers the
latest in training technology, state-of-the-art equipment and a full
spectrum of educational courses to emergency service first responders and
to codes enforcement personnel.

The seminar is provided at a low cost of $10 per participant.

"The Academy offers low cost training to all first responders because we
know the budget constraints of our local communities and volunteer squads,"
said Hedrick.

"This kind of training is crucial to maintaining public safety in our
communities and ultimately may save lives."

The National Guard's Task Force methamphetamine trailer will be available
on site for tours as well.