§ 11-b. Hazardous exposures. If, as a result of services performed in line of duty, a volunteer firefighter is exposed to or comes in contact with any poisons, gases, x-rays, radium, radio-active materials or other potentially harmful substances or matter, the chief engineer or other executive officer of the fire department or fire company of which he or she is a member may authorize the volunteer firefighter to obtain such examinations, tests, treatment and care as are immediately necessary to determine whether he or she is injured. Any such authorization may be granted prior to the giving of a notice of injury under this chapter. In any such case, the volunteer firefighter shall be deemed to have been injured and shall be entitled to treatment and care and disability benefits as provided in this chapter.