The Effect of Chemical Incidents on First Responders

A massive leak of liquefied chlorine gas created a dangerous cloud over the city of Henderson, NV, in the early morning hours of May 6, 1991. Over 200 people (including firefighters) were examined at a local hospital for respiratory distress caused by inhalation of the chlorine and approximately 30 were admitted for treatment. ASPR TRACIE interviewed Chief Bruce Evans (who was a firefighter-paramedic at the time of the incident), asking him to share his experiences and highlight how the fire and emergency response to chemical incidents has changed over the years.