OTTAWA (RURAL ROOTS CANADA) –  Fertilizer Canada is growing its comprehensive first responder communications and training package for first responders dealing with anhydrous ammonia.

This after a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with the Paramedic Association of Canada on Thursday.

The package was first developed with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs in 2008 to inform frontline responders about the importance of recognizing anhydrous ammonia and the action required to protect themselves and the community in the event of a spill.

It was distributed to approximately 4,500 firefighters across Canada.

Under the MOC, the Paramedic Association of Canada and Fertilizer Canada have agreed to work together to update the training program to provide all emergency responders with the information and training they need to safely deal with an anhydrous ammonia incident.

The updated program will teach first responders.

– How to identify anhydrous ammonia’s basic properties

– How to respond to an incident,

– How to perform first aid in the event of exposure to anhydrous         ammonia.

– How to establish emergency plans.

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In a statement, Fertilizer Canada President and CEO Garth Whyte says the safety and security of Canada’s First Reponsder is a priority.

“We want to ensure that when our products are handled, First Responders have the required training to deal with any situation involving ammonia,” said Whyte.

A Steering Committee will now be set up made up of First Responders to review training materials and provide comments to ensure the materials accurately represent the role and actions of First Responders during an anhydrous ammonia incident.

Chris Hood, President of the Paramedic Association of Canada, says this collaboration will help them stay safe.

“We are ensuring that our men and women who arrive on the scene everyday have the information and necessary training they require to safely deal with anhydrous ammonia,” says Hood.