Crisis at Chick Creek

A Fremont County weed-spraying tanker truck was rolled south of Chick Creek on Highway 20 when its driver over-corrected after drifting to the right last Thursday. The truck came to rest upright after spilling its liquid contents. An Island Park ambulance was called to attend to the driver who remained in the truck’s cab through the accident.

Paramedics arrived at the scene and were unable to locate a hazardous chemical placard on the truck while assessing the situation. They were advised by a county employee that the liquid soaking the entire scene was a mild weed spray and presented no danger. Acting upon that advice, they retrieved the driver using a backboard. By the time the ambulance crew left with the patient for the Rexburg hospital, both they and their gear had become soaked with the weed spray.

The emergency vehicle arrived at the hospital and transferred the patient to the waiting staff. Two members of the ambulance crew were subsequently treated for respiratory distress. Their clothing and gear were surrendered and destroyed.

Liz Davy of the Forest Service advised that soil samples have been taken at the scene and were submitted for testing. The EPA will be notified and a decision will be made about what steps will be taken to restore the area.

Fremont County should have had more effective procedures in place to deal with their truck’s hazardous spill. The contents of the truck should have been specifically marked with a placard. The employees at the scene should have been aware of the dangerous nature of the chemicals and advised arriving emergency personnel accordingly. The responding ambulance crew should have Hazmat suits available to them, maintaining their safety while providing assistance to the injured.

Hopefully this incident will be used to improve future responses in the caldera. The safety of our emergency personnel and citizens requires Fremont County’s full attention.