Lake County firefighters have new medications and upgraded equipment to use when they respond to a hazmat situation.

  • New equipment will help firefighters in hazmat situations
  • Medications can be used on citizens and firefighters
  • Lake County got the equipment through a state program

The Hazmat Medic Program was implemented last month. New medications in a hazmat box are now available at three Special Operations Response Team units and can be used on citizens and firefighters.

The county's special response teams can start life-saving treatment immediately if there has been a chemical exposure.

"Hazmat incidents are high risk for us," said Battalion Chief Robert Fickett, with Lake County Fire Rescue. "When we send our guys down range for hazmat calls, they have to wear suits. And if they get chemical exposure, contamination or a breach in the suit, they're exposed to the chemicals. We need to be able to treat them."

Life packs were also upgraded so that firefighters can evaluate if a patient has been exposed to a chemical.

The new equipment was funded through the state's Hazard Mitigation Program.​