Chemical Spill Brings Hazmat Response
 
By MVFA Webmaste
September 11, 2017
 

On Monday 9/11/17 at 8:23am, Mohegan Fire, Mohegan EMS, and Cortlandt Paramedics were dispatched to the area of Brandeis Ave in the Mohegan Lake section of Cortlandt for subjects exposed to acid from a garbage truck. Upon arrival, units found the incident to be on Cardoza Ave with 2 subjects exposed to muriatic acid. The acid was placed in regular garbage pickup and when the garbage was crushed in the garbage truck hopper, the hidden 1 gallon liquid acid bottle squirted onto the 2 subjects and into the street, plus spilled inside the hopper. The 2 subjests immediately used a close by household garden hose to begin decontaminating themselves t. Both subjects were transported by Mohegan EMS 69B3 and Cortlandt 35Medic1 advanced life support to the Westchester Medical Center for treatment. Due to the chemical spill, Car 2263 requested the Westchester County Hazardous Materials Response Team and Westchester County Health Dept to the scene. Once the Hazmat Team (Car 2001, 2003, County Car 4, Hazmat 1) arrived on scene, Hazmat Technicians took samples of the liquid acid to determine at exact acidity levels. Hazmat Team members then began using a neutralizing product to begin to neutralize the acid spill in the hopper and on the street. The acid was also found to be slightly reacting to the petroleum in the blacktop on the street. Once the acid was fully neutralized, Mohegan FD assisted in cleanup by flushing the area with water, under the direction of the Hazmat Team and Health Dept. Also assisting on scene were Westchester County Dept of Emergency Services Battalion 17, and New York State Police. All units cleared the scene by 11:45am. This incident serves as a reminder that chemicals must be properly disposed of and not to be thrown away with regular garbage, due to the seriousness and potential injuries it might cause.

 
Units: Car 2263, 2269, Engine 252, Engine 256, Utility 11 (acting Rescue 32, Utility 18, 69B3
 
Mutual Aid: Westchester County Dept of Emergency Services: Car 2001, 2003, County Car 4, Hazmat 1, Battalion 17; Westchester County Health Dept Spill Response; New York State Police