NCJ Number
190979
Date Published
2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the principles and procedures of mass casualty decontamination.
Abstract
Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing a hazard from the environment, property, or life form. The purpose of decontamination is to prevent further harm and enhance the potential for full clinical recovery of persons or restoration of infrastructure exposed to a hazardous substance. The chapter focuses on mass casualty decontamination, and discusses: (1) the traditional decontamination process used by fire departments and hazardous material response teams; (2) decontamination capabilities of hospitals or health care facilities; (3) military types of decontamination; (4) methodology and principles applied to a mass casualty incident; (5) containment procedures; and (6) site selection, environmental, weather, and responder requirements during the decontamination process. The chapter suggests that organizations having potential requirements to provide decontamination support for a mass casualty incident should focus on existing inherent capabilities. With modifications and enhanced training, a good, thorough decontamination system can be effectively implemented. Figures, notes