Hazmat

One of the most challenging aspects of providing emergency medical care is attending to patients who have been contaminated with hazardous materials. A hazardous material (Hazmat or HAZMAT) is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. Metropolitan fire departments often have a Hazmat team specifically trained to deal with accidents and spills. A Hazmat suit is a fully encapsulating garment worn as protection from hazardous materials or substances.