Sergeant
Michael McKenney and Specialist Dennis Ryder from the National
Guard, visited Eli Whitney’s Junior chemistry classes to discuss Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare. Our
students showed their chemical acumen by recognizing the chemical
make up of tear gas, mustard gas (yellow from sulfur), nerve
gas, agent orange, bleach and charcoal (simple carbon) to name
a few chemicals discussed.
Specialist
Ryder then demonstrated the use of special gear to keep you ‘safe’ from noxious and possibly poisonous and deadly chemicals. Most important was an air filter mask that had to be donned in 8 seconds or less – about the length of time the breath could be held in a panic situation. It was pointed out that the soldier would be breathing the same air that was contaminated outside the mask and the air filter would only last for about 8 hours. After the mask is donned a jacket and pants, lined with charcoal, would be worn to protect your skin. Italo, Greg, Estevan, Megan and Virgilio all volunteered to try on the mask, jacket and pants.
Their opinion was that the gear was comfortable
enough to wear for long periods, but very hot, and they wouldn’t want to do too strenuous activities with the gear on. Sgt. McKenney pointed out that a lot of fighting and reconnaissance would go on while wearing the protective outfit, making it a sweaty, uncomfortable and dangerous duty. Matt, a member of the National Guard and a senior at Eli Whitney, spoke about a military exercise where he and a number of other young people entered a room that was then filled with tear gas.
They were expected to show calm and courage and
get their masks on in 8 seconds or less. Matt showed his ability to keep a level head in a difficult situation and got his mask on in the proper amount of time; but they didn’t have the carbon lined pants and jacket and he still remembers how the tear gas made his skin feel like it was burning. We spoke about how epinephrine, also called adrenalin, is given to help fight the effects of chemical poisoning. Sgt. McKenney also diagrammed how decontamination protocol is set up in a safe zone.
Decontamination protocol helps guarantee that contaminated
equipment is disposed of properly, that soldiers are washed and
cleaned of dangerous chemicals, and that medical help is available
as quickly as possible to soldiers that need it. It
was a fun and interesting lesson, and we learned a lot of practical
aspects of Biological and Chemical warfare and what our soldiers
are expected to be able to do in combat.
The 11th Grade Chemistry Class would like to say Thank-you Sgt. McKenney and Specialist Ryder. |
