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McMaster Health Physics Training at HAZMAT Central 2023 Conference

Chris Malcolmson presenting his session on “Responding to Nuclear Emergencies,” reviewing radioactive materials and radiation

This summer, the McMaster Health Physics Department was requested to present on Radiation Safety in a conference organized by the Ontario Hazardous Materials Responders Association (OHMRA).

The HAZMAT Central 2023 conference took place in Niagara Falls over the course of June 15th and 16th.

McMaster Health Physicist, Chris Malcolmson, was requested by the Captain of the Hamilton Fire Department and Coordinator of the HazMat Response Team, Phil Fujimoto, to create and direct a course on “Responding to Nuclear Emergencies.”

The conference was attended by various First Responders including Fire, Paramedics, and Police wanting to learn more about Radiation Safety. This was the first HAZMAT Central to be held in approximately two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it made a strong comeback in participation.

Its return was welcomed by everyone in attendance, with Malcolmson noting that “it was a great way to showcase the strong relationship and collaboration between Hamilton First Responders and McMaster University.”

There has been a noticeable increase in the appetite for Radiation Safety training across First Response teams in surrounding regions including Waterloo and Kitchener. This training provides individuals with the tools to confidently recognize radiological hazards, evaluate radiological risk and respond most appropriately.

The training session provided First Response teams with a foundational understanding of radiological hazards and risk, and how to respond to them. Chris says, “It’s important to provide the facts and let emergency responders make informed decisions that weigh all the risks in an emergency scenario. We want first responders to understand and have the proper respect for radiological risk, so that they are able to respond appropriately in any emergency situation.”

The long-standing collaborative relationship between Hamilton First Response and McMaster Health Physics continues to ensure radiological emergency response readiness in the Hamilton region.

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