North Big Horn Hospital trains another team for potential hazardous emergency

Another round of hazmat training took several hospital employees a step closer to preparedness in the event of a major emergency incident involving hazardous materials. The training, which takes place at least once a year, was conducted at North Big Horn Hospital on August 5 and 6. One training exercise took place at New Horizons Care Center, the other in and near the emergency room at the hospital.

According to paramedic and EMS coordinator Scott Murphey, the idea is to train non-clinical staff that may be called upon to help in the event of a large-scale emergency. The training is required annually in the state of Wyoming.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Murphey. “It’s imperative to have a core group trained for this type of emergency.”

Murphey, a long-time member of the hospital’s EMS crew, said though the equipment isn’t used often, proper use and preparedness is required at all times. He recalled a major emergency where he used the equipment himself when a worker was contaminated by hazardous chemicals in a nearby oil field.

“Most of the equipment is single use,” he explained. “And it does expire and needs to be replaced every three to five years.”

He said the staff can reuse or use expired equipment for the practice sessions.

He recalled an incident that took place at the co-op many years ago where he and several others felt sick after attending to patients near a hazardous materials fire. 

“We learned a lesson on that one,” Murphey said, noting that the EMS team now keeps hazmat gear onboard emergency vehicles since it’s not always known in advance if it will be needed.

He added the hospital has come a long way since then and is now much more prepared for many types of emergencies, including those involving hazardous materials.

“I’m so proud of our facility and the support we get from leadership to prepare for all emergencies,” said Murphey. “We care about our community, and we strive to be prepared for any need that comes up.”

The emergency room receives between 500 and 600 calls for ambulance service every year. The EMS crew covers a 2,200-square-mile area and is prepared for a wide range of emergency situations, including ones that take place off road and on the water.