Safety

First responders armed with nerve agent kits

Emergency Management Alert, August 13, 2004

Knoxville first responders will be equipped by the end of August with nerve agent kits that slow victims' symptoms, WATE reports.

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, exposure to nerve agents such as sarin may result in convulsions, paralysis, and respiratory failure that could lead to death.

The city purchased the $28 kits using federal grant money. "We're in a threat area because of all the dams that's associated with Tennessee Valley Authority power sources throughout the entire Southeastern United States are utilized there," said Ron Patterson, with the Knox County Health Department.

Firefighters will begin training with the kits this week. However, all city first responders including the local hospital will also receive training, Patterson said.

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