..": 1) Recognize the setting of, or potential for, a chemical exposure, toxicological illness, or biological warfare agent exposure;

2) Render appropriate treatment for nerve agent and general industrial chemical exposures. Recommend decontamination procedures for contaminated patients. Serve as a special toxicological reference at any incident. Assist with pre- and post-incident medical monitoring and determine hazmat team member status (for example, "Cleared for entry," "Restricted from entry," "Send to rehab," and "Treatment and/or transportation required"); and 3) Assist with WMD-specific training to fire department personnel and outside jurisdictions." (Schnepp, 2003)

The requirements for certification as a 'hazmedic' is a 24-hour curriculum training program as well as the following requirements:

1. Three years of experience as an active paramedic.

2. Successful completion (80% or greater on the written final exam) of a department approved hazmedic training program. (Programs range from 16 to 24 hours to several weeks.)

3. Successful completion of an approved hazardous-materials technician program. (There are systems that train to the operations level.)

4. If the hazmedic candidate has been previously certified as a hazmat technician/specialist but has been inactive for more than two years, the candidate shall complete 16 hours of hazardous-materials refresher training prior to being considered...

The EMT field is one that appears to be opening up and one that is becoming recognized in the medical field for its importance in provision of healthcare.
Bibliography

Schnepp, Rob (2003) Hazmedic: An Emerging Frontier in Prehospital Care - fireEMS July 2003. Online available at http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:ukBnrs2xsO8J:ircp.ncemsi.org/LinkClick.aspx%3Ffileticket%3D69lClcOLvs0%253D%26tabid%3D91%26mid%3D437+EMT:+job+descriptions,+journal+articles,+pay+scales&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=14&ie=UTF-8

Banerjee, Shipra (2002) Human Resource Development in Rural Surgery: Developing the Paramedic Training Programme Acad Emerg Med Volume 10, Number 10, 1100-1108, © 2003 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine This Deborah Belgium, Los Angeles Business Journal, issue Nov. 8, 1999, Stress, horror of job mean a high level of burn outs.

Shantz, Mark C. (nd) Effect of Work Related Stress on Firefighter/Paramedic.

Background of a Paramedic (2006) Job Profiles Online at: www.jobprofiles, org/heaparamedic.htm.

Paramedic Job Opportunities and State Certification..