Participants in New Mexico Tech’s first responder training courses will now have an upgraded experience with the brand new homemade explosives (HME) lab. Building upon lessons learned from the original HME lab, the new space is located right next to the Virtual Preparedness and Explosive Response (ViPER) center. As detailed in a prior article, the ViPER center boasts ample physical space and a large virtual reality platform. An HME lab right next door opens up plenty of opportunities to give students the chance to experience both sites.
Carlos Gallegos, NMT Curriculum Subject Matter Expert, worked on developing the idea to design and build the new lab. Previously an NMT instructor for first responder courses, Carlos would walk course participants through the original HME lab at New Mexico Tech’s explosives range. While in theory, the lab was a great way to test first responders on their knowledge of HME precursors and IED components, Carlos noted there were logistical issues due to both its size and location. The narrow size of the steel conex box meant students had to walk through in a single file line, limiting opportunities for student-instructor interaction. The prior location at the explosives range also limited access and the amount of time that could be spent there.
With the new HME lab’s location next to the ViPER center, course participants who are waiting to participate in VR activities (since VIPER can accommodate 6 students at a time) can experience the HME lab, which simulates what they may come across while on duty. As a custom-built shed that is 16’ wide and includes two separate rooms, the HME lab can fit between 10-12 students at once. Students will have more time to look at the kitchen and garage spaces and apply what they have learned in the classroom to identify potential threats. Each room will feature over-the-counter precursor chemicals commonly used to make explosives as well as IED components such as steel pipes, pressure cookers, timers, switches, and booby traps. Drone components used to deliver IEDs will be included as well.
With this expanded footprint, EMRTC continues to elevate its hands-on training, ensuring first responders don’t just learn about threats in a classroom, but confront them in a realistic, immersive environment.