AST June 2018 Magazine Volume 24 | Page 53

Volume 24 Did you know a GC-MS can be used to identify narcotics and the opioid sub-class? June 2018 Edition See Grant in FLIR Primed Vid- eo below for a brief overview of what a GC-MS can do: • Like the types of chemicals it can identify • How it complements other detection technologies in the responder tool kit, and • The field applications it sup- ports • FLIR is leveraging their vast knowledge, expertise and connections to bring free educational videos to first re- sponders online. This quick video explains overall concepts on how to stay prepared. In-Field Sample Collection, Decon, and Chemical Identification with FLIR Griffin G510 WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR RE- SPONDERS AT A CHEMICAL SCENE? • Safety. Responders must rely first on their brain and then on the tools in their kit to keep them- selves and the public safe. • Chemical scenes can be chaotic and white pow- ders present one of the biggest challenges responders face. Unknowns can be incredibly dangerous. (Courtesy of FLIR Systems and YouTube) • Having the right tools in the tool kit and under- standing the capabilities of each one is critical “On-Scene Checklist: “Chemical Response to mission success. Tools from Colorimetric Tests to GC-MS” • This information takes a look at the various chemical detection and identification tools re- A CLOSER LOOK: CHEMICAL RESPONSE TOOLS sponders can use to stay safe. 51