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