Meth Lab Training for First Responders

• NCJ Number: 242269
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-MU-MU-K020
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Award: Operate the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) - National Center

Annotation

This article from TechBeat discusses a course in meth lab training for first responders.

Abstract

The course was developed by the States, Major Cities and Counties (SMCC) Regional Center to provide first responders with information on how to respond to situations involving clandestine methamphetamine labs (meth labs). The course states that meth labs should be considered a Hazmat scene when encountered by emergency personnel and that the proper precautions need to be taken to ensure everyone's safety. The objectives of the training course involve educating first responders on the signs of the meth user; recognizing a clandestine meth lab and alerting law enforcement on finding a suspected lab, including the "shake and bake" ones; using proper protective equipment; decontamination of the meth patient; and following hospital protocols. The course was first presented at the Daniel Boone Firefighters Association Annual Training Conference in Morehead, KY, in May 2012.