NCJ Number
190535
Date Published
January 1992
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This guide for emergency medical services (EMS) was designed to introduce EMS personnel to the concepts, terminology, and necessary considerations affecting the management of incidents of chemical contamination. It offers uniform guidance for emergency care of chemically contaminated patients and the basics in the advance planning and implementation of emergency medical services (EMS) strategies. The guide illustrates characteristics of hazardous materials incidence mandating modifications to traditional emergency responses and actions to be taken to respond effectively.
Abstract
Volume I on managing hazardous materials incidents is a guide intended to help emergency medical services personnel plan for incidents involving hazardous materials and improve their ability to respond appropriately to these incidents. The guide provides an understanding of decontamination procedures and personal protective equipment not received through routine training. The guide can be used to assess capabilities with respect to potential community hazards and develop response plans. It is stressed that worker safety and training are key factors in effective management of medical emergencies. The guide is divided into three sections. The first section on emergency medical services' response to hazardous materials incidents outlines general principles for hazard recognition, chemical exposure, and personal protective equipment. The second section on response and patient management includes guidelines for preparation and response to potential hazardous materials incidents. The final section on systems approach to planning details the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) guidelines for emergency preparedness and hazardous materials and waste programs. Government and private planning activities are also outlined. Volume II of the two-volume set provides essential planning and guideline information for the management of contaminated patients for hospital emergency department personnel.