PRR – First Responders- Chemical Emergencies

PREPARE

 

The most crucial thing for a first responder is to be well trained to respond to chemical emergencies. However, it is also important for the first responder to know the following so that the on-scene process is smooth and efficient, minimizing casualties.

  • Develop and maintain an emergency operation plan
  • Know what to expect on scene
    • Type of chemical
    • Scale of incident
    • Quantity of the chemical released
    • Number of potential victims
  • Preparatory checklist
    • Personal protection equipment checklist
    • Equipment checklist
    • Overview of initial actions upon arrival

RESPOND

When a chemical emergency happens, first responders are essential to minimizing damage and casualties. Because their job is so important, it’s is crucial for them to know what to do when a chemical emergency happens. If a first responders is well trained, they can recognize a hazardous material incident within minutes and ultimately decided the outcome of the accident. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has many resources for first responders, including:

– Emergency response cards that detail protective equipment and actions for different types of exposure to each agent. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/AgentListAlpha.html

– Emergency room procedures for chemical hazard incidents. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/demil/articles/initialtreat.htm

– Managing hazardous material incidents. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/index.asp

– Medical management guidelines for unidentified chemicals. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mmg/mmg.asp?id=1138&tid=243

Source: https://emergency.cdc.gov/chemical/responders.asp

RECOVER

After treating the casualties according to the guidelines provided, it is important to assess the long-term effects of the chemical emergency. A tragic event can cause many mental health issues, such as fatigue, insomnia, and dissociation. It is important to do the following:

  • Thoroughly decontaminate yourself and any other first responders involved in the incident
  • Thoroughly decontaminate the incident area
  • Follow up on the casualties, making sure their mental health has not suffered greatly
Skip to toolbar