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Local emergency responders train for large-scale chemical attack

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Hazardous materials simulation

Rock County emergency responders held a drill Wednesday testing their ability to handle a large-scale chemical attack.

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JANESVILLE — Rock County emergency responders held a drill Wednesday testing their ability to handle a large-scale chemical attack.

About 60 people from 10 agencies participated in the hazardous materials simulation in Traxler Park, said Shirley Connors, Rock County Emergency Management coordinator.

The Wisconsin National Guard 54th Civil Support Team coordinated the mock incident to train local authorities for chemical attacks, said Maj. Tim Covington, commander of the civil support team.

"Every time you exercise, you learn something," he said. "Every time."

Under the scenario, a perpetrator was upset with the city of Janesville and Rock Aqua Jays for wanting more park space.

For revenge, he sprayed chemicals in Traxler Park the night before a water ski show.

The next day, workers were setting up for the ski show. Suddenly, they became overcome with chemical burns and blisters.

Four victims initially were found in the park, but three more emerged about an hour later.

Emergency responders isolated the area and transported patients to the hospital.

They later brought in the hazardous materials response team, which collected chemical samples from the park and established decontamination areas.

"It just gives them more experience getting in and out of the suits and using our testing equipment," said Kent Shea, Janesville firefighter, paramedic and hazmat technician.

Meanwhile, Janesville police officers investigated a man seen spraying chemicals the previous night. Officers found a makeshift chemical lab in a house, and they also suffered chemical burns, complicating the scenario.

Although the exercise was well planned, emergency responders had no information about what would happen until the events unfolded, said Jim Jensen, Janesville deputy fire chief.

"We really don't know what we're dealing with at this point," he said. "We just know we've got some people that are burned."

The simulation allowed emergency responders to practice in case a real emergency broke out, he said.

"Fortunately, these types of incidents don't happen very often," Jensen said.

Local emergency responders seem to have the resources, knowledge and capability to handle a biological attack, Covington said.

"I would say they're prepared," he said.

Hazardous practice

The following agencies participated in a drill Wednesday that tested their ability to handle a large-scale chemical attack:

-- Janesville Fire Department

-- Janesville Police Department

-- Rock County Level-B Hazmat Team

-- Wisconsin National Guard 54th Civil Support Team

-- American Red Cross

-- Janesville Mercy Hospital

-- Rock County Emergency Management

-- Rock County Health Department

-- Rock County 911 Communications Center

-- Milton Fire Department