HazMat/WMD Awareness Unit 7 slide 1

1
Unit Seven

• Decontamination

2
Can First Responders Do Decon!

• If it can be done safely!
• Contaminated live victims should receive
  immediate emergency decon.

Live Patients Cant Wait for Technical Decon to
Arrive!
3
Four Types of Decon

• Emergency Decon (Gross)
• Mass Decon (Gross)
• Technical Decon
• Hospital Decon

4
Decontamination

• Emergency Decontamination Procedure
• Wet
• Strip
• Flush
• Cover

5
Emergency Gross Decon

• Ambulatory Patients Should Receive Directed
  Self-Decon
• Use tepid, low pressure water
• Remove Clothing - 80 of contaminant is on
  clothing

Wet Strip Flush Cover
6
Emergency Gross Decon

• Avoid overspray splashing
• If corrosives, flush affected area for 15-20
  minutes
• Control Runoff, if possible. If not, then grassy
  area.

Wet Strip Flush Cover
7
Transport

• Always provide Gross Decon before Transport
• Minimize Secondary Respiratory Threat
• DO NOT cover doors and windows
• Open Windows, Vents and Exhaust to Exchange Air

BE SURE TO NOTIFY THE HOSPITAL IN ADVANCE!
8
Emergency vs. Mass Decon

• Mass Decon is Emergency Decon for More People!

9
Main Purposes of Mass Decontamination

• Protect response and medical personnel
• Remove chemical agent from Contaminated victims
• Limit spread of contamination

10
Time is Critical!

• That will cause the least harm
• Use the fastest approach
• And do the most good
• For the majority of the people!

11
Mass Casualty Decon General Principles

• Expect at least a 51 ratio of unaffected to
  affected casualties
• Decontaminate victims as soon as possible
• Disrobing (head to toe) is decontamination, more
  removal is better

12
Mass Casualty Decon General Principles

• Water flushing generally is the best mass decon
  method
• After a known exposure to a chemical agent,
  emergency responders should be decontaminated as
  soon as possible.

13
Decontamination for Contaminated First Responders

• Contaminated clothing and equipment must be
  bagged and tagged