The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is authorized by the Environmental Quality Act to provide an immediate response to any environmental problem or emergency incident that threatens human health or the environment. To fulfill this obligation, LDEQ has a close working relationship with the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) of the Louisiana State Police. The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) is a state government agency created by the Louisiana Legislature in 2004 with the responsibility of developing and maintaining a state care coordination system for patients who suddenly suffer a serious traumatic injury or an urgent illness. The Louisiana Emergency Operations Plan authorizes the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) to manage two of the plan's 15 emergency support functions.
To ensure that these functions are carried out, LDAF has ten people specially trained as first responders who are available 24/7.In addition to responding to hazardous materials, LDEQ first responders are also responsible for responding to natural or man-made disasters. This is critical for Louisiana's security and economic stability. When it comes to emergency response services in Louisiana, it's important to be aware of the resources available and how they can help protect human health and the environment. Knowing who to contact in an emergency can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful outcome.
