‘Toxic Twins’: Know Your Smoke Seminar and Live Burn Training for Firefighters

SAN JOSE, CA -- RAE Systems Inc. will collaborate with the non-profit Fire Smoke Coalition to deliver the "Know Your Smoke" Symposium for firefighters and first responders this week, Jan. 27-28 at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Los Angeles.

This important seminar provides free training for firefighters and first responders on the dangers of fire smoke and how to proceed in hazardous fire situations safely and effectively.

"Know Your Smoke" is a life-saving event for firefighters and others exposed to fire smoke. The event presents information from leading experts on Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) (the "Toxic Twins") smoke toxicology in a classroom setting, and on the following day, allows attendees -- while wearing their PPE and SCBA protective fire gear -- to experience and measure first-hand with gas monitors the toxic levels of fire smoke.

The Fire Smoke program provides an invaluable resource for education on occupational safety and the dangerous health effects of smoke exposure. Focus areas include fire smoke, air management, atmospheric monitoring, pre-hospital HCN assessment and treatment, as well as the following topics:

•     Fire Smoke: Perceptions, Myths and Misunderstandings

•     Air Management and NFPA 1404

•     Atmospheric Monitoring for HCN/CO - The Toxic Twins

•     Pre-Hospital HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide) Assessment and Antidotal Treatment

There will also be a live burn training on January 28th that will demonstrate proper usage of atmospheric monitoring equipment with a focus on HCN and CO.

"In the past year, Fire Departments in LA county and surrounding areas have experienced a number of threatening fires. Our firefighters and the public have been routinely exposed to fire smoke and the dangerous toxins contained within," said Shawn Longerich, Executive Director of the Fire Smoke Coalition. "With the much needed information to dispel misconceptions about the dangers of fire smoke, firefighters can be better equipped and more informed about making good decisions when it comes to operating under critical conditions."

Smoke-Related Injuries Creates Higher Need for CO, HCN Detection:

•           According to the Center for Disease Control, between 1997 and 2006, there were 30,564 fire deaths and 151,575 fire-related injuries. However, only 1% of those were comprised of burn injuries, and the leading cause of fire death is actually smoke inhalation.

•           The Fire Smoke Coalition also compiled statistics showing that in 2010, there were 671 total deaths in the United States due to smoke inhalation. In the same year, there were 2,037 injuries related to smoke inhalation, 258 of which were reported by firefighters.

•           Effective this year, California law (Senate Bill 183) now requires all home owners to install carbon monoxide detectors aimed at preventing injuries and deaths against the colorless, odorless gas.

According to California firefighters, this will lead to increased calls about CO alerts and alarms that they will need to be prepared for.

Learn More, See More

1. To register to attend the FireSmoke Symposium, click HERE (http://www.firesmoke.org/2012/01/05/la-smoke-symposium-january-2012/)

2. To download a free eBook on wireless fireground management including background on the elements of wireless systems, network optimization approaches, key applications and real-world examples of real-time wireless gas detection for first responders, click HERE (http://learn.raesystems.com/fireground)

3. To learn more about and watch a short video on the FireSmoke Symposium, Click HERE (http://www.firesmokevss.org/)

4. More videos on previous FireSmoke training sessions and use of RAE Systems CO and HCN gas detection monitors are available HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1ZpiRp0-4E) and HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTctFU3IR14&feature=related)

About Fire Smoke Coalition
The Fire Smoke Coalition, a division of the Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition (CPTC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit comprised of firefighters and medical personnel. 

The mission of the Fire Smoke Coalition is to focus the required attention and resources on the deadly and life-long consequences of breathing fire smoke by teaching firefighters and first responders how to Prevent, Protect, Detect, Diagnose, and appropriately treat the exposure if it occurs. Learn more at www.firesmoke.org.

RAE Systems is a global gas sensor and detection manufacturer. They can be reached at www.raesystems.com.