SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - State and federal officials say nearly 500 New Mexico emergency responders have completed special training to ensure safe transports to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad.

State Environment Secretary David Martin says the training is critical to the success of the WIPP program.

The training was done over the course of the past year. It focused on the emergency response awareness and implementation of procedures for dealing with patients who might be contaminated with hazardous or radioactive materials.

Those who were trained include nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, emergency room technicians and hospital pharmacists.

Firefighters and police officers were also trained.

WIPP is the final disposal destination for stored and newly generated transuranic waste from sites around the country. The waste includes such things as clothing, tools and other debris.

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