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STEP 1: Site Management & ControlDetermine a safe approach to go in and take charge of the impacted site. Evacuate any remaining persons and cordon off the perimeter of the hazard zone. Create a secure staging area for rescuers and other responders who have been alerted to the situation. STEP 2: Identifying the ProblemUnderstand what materials are onsite and look for any breaches to containment. Determine where the hazard is emanating from and if it can be controlled. Predict what could occur next based on the nature of the materials, their location, and proximity to workers or the general public. STEP 3: Hazard & Risk EvaluationEvaluate the ongoing risk of the spill or leakage including the potential for fire or explosion. Assess any physical symptoms being experienced by individuals who were at the location when the hazard first emerged. This can tell you a lot about the material involved. For example, headaches could be evidence of carbon monoxide. Coupled with a sweet odor, the culprit could be benzene or hydrocarbons. Burning eyes and throat indicate acids of some kind, while a euphoric feeling can point to ketones. STEP 4: Protective Clothing & EquipmentCloser investigation of any hazardous materials breach requires the use of proper protective gear and equipment. This can include everything from a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus to a full coverage HAZMAT suit. Monitoring equipment should also be deployed to gauge air quality, radioactivity levels and other environmental quality measures. Thermal imaging cameras and infrared thermometers can also be helpful in scanning a larger area for contaminants. STEP 5: Information Management & Resource CoordinationInformation sharing is critical, both within the organization and with external sources including news media. All available resources should also be mobilized to help keep the hazard area protected from entry by outside parties. Depending on the type of hazard, this area could span up to a 1/3-mile radius. Meanwhile, response teams will need to be directed to the site and given all available information to take the proper actions. STEP 6: Implementing Response ObjectivesContinue to evolve your plan of action based on the knowledge you have gained to this point, and the type of resources available to you. Implement your plan in accordance with local emergency response plans and standard operating procedures for your workplace. Ensure that all measures are being taken to ensure safety while also getting the hazardous materials under control. STEP 7: DecontaminationThe speed and intensity of your decontamination efforts will depend on the severity of the situation. If the hazard is not life threatening, you can take the time to set up a formal decon station. If, however, lives are in peril, do not wait to begin decon efforts. Cut any clothing away from the affected persons and hose them down immediately, doing your best to contain hazardous run-off from the water. STEP 8: Terminating the IncidentThis final step has four components: (1) Incident Debriefing to be conducted immediately after the emergency has passed, before responders leave the scene; (2) Post-Incident Analysis which provides a formal review of the event; (3) Incident Critique which evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the overall response; and (4) Reporting and Documentation. Learn MoreLearn to identify and analyze potential workplace hazards, infractions and risks through a bachelor of science in occupational safety online. At Eastern Kentucky University, you will gain a graduate-level education by industry-experienced educators and fire and safety professionals who are committed to teaching and preparing you for continued success. Sources:Cram.com, “Hazmat Technician” You are here: Home > The Golden First Minutes — Initial Response to a Chemical Hazardous Materials Incident
I. Introduction and Overview1. Introduction1.1 PurposeThis information has been developed by the National Library of Medicine, Division of Specialized Information Services to provide practical guidance for initial response to a chemical hazardous materials incident. This information is applicable to both planning / preparedness and operations. This information aligns with guidance being developed for medical response to Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs. 1.2 OrganizationThis information is organized and published in five parts:
1.3 Scope of Incidents and ResponseThis information focuses on initial response to chemical hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents during the first minutes of the event, when the first arriving responders must manage the incident with limited support from professional HAZMAT responders and Incident Commanders. 1.4 Intended Audience/ UsersThis guidance is intended for use by first responders (including fire, law enforcement and medical responders) who may not be trained for HAZMAT response beyond the Awareness level. The information may also be useful to emergency planning and preparedness professionals. 2. OverviewIn emergency medicine, the golden hour refers to a time period lasting for one hour or less following traumatic injury being sustained by a casualty or medical emergency, during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death. In a chemical HAZMAT incident, the decisions made and actions taken in the first few minutes of a response will often establish the character of the overall response – and ultimately its success or failure. This is even more true for mass casualty incidents resulting from mass exposures to toxic materials. And the urgency is even greater in the event of a chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident, such as a Chemical Warfare Agent release. This critical period could be considered “The Golden First Minutes” of a HAZMAT event. These key decisions and actions will often be made and taken by first arriving response personnel – those who are already at the scene or are initially dispatched. These responders may be firefighters, law enforcement officers or emergency medical personnel, often with limited training for responding to and managing HAZMAT incidents. They will have responsibility for recognizing the type and scale of the incident, activating the response system and managing the event until relieved. This series provides practical advice for response during the golden first minutes of a chemical HAZMAT event. 3. Top Level ProcessFigure 1 presents the initial response process for a chemical HAZMAT event. This process will be used as the framework for organizing this information. Figure 1. Initial Response Process for Chemical HAZMAT Incident Recognize the Incident Your first action is to quickly size up the situation and recognize the type and scale of incident you are responding to. If it is a HAZMAT incident, understand the initial scope and degree of hazard. As with any response, as soon as you have sized up the incident, you should activate the response system. If it is a HAZMAT incident, additional specialist resources will likely be needed. If there are exposures and injuries, medical support will be needed – up to a Mass Casualty response. Protect Yourself and Others Your first and immediate priority is to protect yourself and others. Establish an Isolation Zone and move outside it. Alert others in the danger area to do the same. Take only actions that you are equipped and trained to take. DO NOT allow yourself to become a victim! Determine Initial Response Objectives Now you should take a mental step back and remind yourself of the critical objectives that should be addressed in the first minutes. You can’t do everything – time and resources will be severely limited. One of the most important decisions you will make is what to do with the precious time and resources you have – and what you should not attempt. Remember – life safety is always your first priority – for victims, public AND responders. Decide and Take Immediate Actions Once you’ve decided on your priorities, you need to identify the decisions and actions to take that will support your objectives. You’ll need to inventory and apply the resources at your disposal – and request additional resources that you need. Then you must implement the decisions and manage the resulting actions. Manage the Incident Until Relieved There’s always an Incident Commander for an emergency – including chemical HAZMAT emergencies. The first arriving responder is by default the Incident Commander until relieved. You may be the Incident Commander until more senior or experienced personnel arrive. You should control the incident scene and manage and apply resources as they arrive. You should evaluate the changing situation and adapt your decisions and actions as needed. You should communicate with the response system so that the right level of response can be generated as quickly as possible. top of page II. Incident Recognition and Response Activation1. Introduction1.1 Scope of Incidents and ResponseThis information focuses on initial response to chemical hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents during the first minutes of the event, when the first arriving responders must manage the incident with limited support from professional HAZMAT responders and Incident Commanders. 1.2 Intended Audience/ UsersThis guidance is intended for use by first responders (including fire, law enforcement and medical responders) who may not be trained for HAZMAT response beyond the Awareness level. The information may also be useful to emergency planning and preparedness professionals. 2. OverviewIn emergency medicine, the golden hour refers to a time period lasting for one hour or less following traumatic injury being sustained by a casualty or medical emergency, during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death. In a chemical HAZMAT incident, the decisions made and actions taken in the first few minutes of a response will often establish the character of the overall response – and ultimately its success or failure. This is even more true for mass casualty incidents resulting from mass exposures to toxic materials. And the urgency is even greater in the event of a chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident, such as a Chemical Warfare Agent release. This critical period could be considered “The Golden First Minutes” of a HAZMAT event. These key decisions and actions will often be made and taken by first arriving response personnel – those who are already at the scene or are initially dispatched. These responders may be firefighters, law enforcement officers or emergency medical personnel, often with limited training for responding to and managing HAZMAT incidents. They will have responsibility for recognizing the type and scale of the incident, activating the response system and managing the event until relieved. This series provides practical advice for response during the golden first minutes of a HAZMAT event. 3. Top Level ProcessFigure 2 presents the initial response process for a HAZMAT event. This process will be used as the framework for organizing this guidance. Figure 2. Initial Response Process for Chemical HAZMAT Incident The overall process is described in Part1: Introduction and Overview. This volume addresses the first step: incident recognition and response activation. 4. Recognize the IncidentA chemical HAZMAT incident can often be identified by first responders before professional hazardous materials teams or emergency medical personnel arrive on scene – if they know what to look for. Easily-observed event indicators, as well as victim signs and symptoms, should lead to rapid and confident recognition of the event. 4.1 How Event Recognition HappensEvent recognition involves the gathering of key information about an emergency incident (called cues) and then using those cues to trigger recognition of what incident is taking place. The result is situational understanding. – “Oh, I know what’s going on here.” The gathering and processing of event cues can be:
First responders use experience-based recognition much more often than other methods. 4.2 Early and Rapid RecognitionTo have the greatest chance of success, recognition of a HAZMAT incident should be both early and rapid. EARLY: The first arriving responder should briefly but immediately assess the event upon arrival. The recognition process should be continued and repeated by next arriving resources as more information becomes available. Note: The first arriving responder will often be a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical responder. The first arriving responder may be trained at the HAZMAT awareness level or may have no formal HAZMAT training. Note: It is possible that enough cues will be available to the Dispatcher to make the call even before responders arrive on the scene. RAPID: If properly trained, recognizing a HAZMAT incident should take seconds to a minute or two. 4.3 Three Phases of Event Recognition for a HAZMAT IncidentAs shown in Figure 3, there are three levels of recognition for a HAZMAT incident: Chemical HAZMAT Incident: The imminent or actual release of a chemically harmful substance into the environment at levels that require urgent response to contain the release and protect humans and the environment. Chemically hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable / combustible substances and toxic substances. Chemical Mass Exposure Incident (MEI): A chemical HAZMAT incident that produces multiple exposed victims. The event will be similar to but more complex than a Mass Casualty Incident. The victims will often:
A chemical MEI will often exceed the immediately available resources to decontaminate and/or treat victims – or will exceed the specialized expertise needed to respond (e.g., operating in PPE). Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Incident: A chemical MEI resulting from the deliberate release of chemicals intended to cause widespread harm. A chemical WMD incident may involve the release of a toxic industrial chemical or a chemical warfare agent. Chemical warfare agents can produce many more casualties than industrial chemicals and can result in hundreds of victims or even more. Highly urgent medical response may be needed to avoid fatalities, and response may require specialized techniques and medical countermeasures. Classes of chemical warfare agents include:
Figure 3. The three levels of Event Recognition for a Chemical HAZMAT Incident 4.4 Guidance for Rapid and Confident Event RecognitionThe key to event recognition is gather the minimum number of cues that give an initial responder confidence to declare that a Chemical HAZMAT, Chemical MEI or Chemical WMD incident is occurring. This is easier said than done! Tables below list the essential event and patient cues to watch for in the first seconds and minutes after arriving at the incident scene (as well as before arriving – through information from Dispatch and other sources). Each cue is rated for its confidence in identifying the type of incident. Sufficient confidence that an incident is occurring is reached when the responder confirms:
Once this threshold is reached, the responder should declare the incident and notify Dispatch. If time is available and resources are on hand, the first responder may confer and confirm the declaration with a designated authority, such as the Poison Control Center serving the area of the event. Detection of additional cues should give the responder further confidence in the decision and can be reported as confirmation following the initial declaration. The following sections present the keys cues to watch for in each phase of recognizing a Chemical HAZMAT incident. 4.5 Recognition: Chemical HAZMAT IncidentIndicators of a Chemical HAZMAT Incident include event-related, environment-related and victim-related cues. The event- and environment-related cues listed are those that can reasonably be observed by non-HAZMAT personnel at a protective distance away from the scene. The victim-related cues are those that can be observed or obtained from witnesses by a non-medical responder located at a protective distance from the incident. Table 1. Key cues for recognition of a Chemical HAZMAT Incident
4.6 Recognition: Chemical MEILife safety is always the top priority in an emergency response. Once an incident has been recognized as a Chemical HAZMAT Incident, the next stage in recognition is to identify the scope of the human health impact. Basically – can this incident be medically managed with locally available resources, or is it a Mass Casualty / Mass Exposure Incident? Observation or judgment of the number of actual or potential victims is the key to this determination. Table 2. Key cues for recognition of a Chemical MEI
*Use local definition of number of patients for MEI if known. 4.7 Recognition: Chemical WMD IncidentA Chemical WMD Incident is expected to be many times more dangerous and medically urgent than other chemical HAZMAT incidents. Initial responders may be reluctant to declare this level of event because of the implications for response, but they should have the mindset of an abundance of caution. Early recognition and declaration of a Chemical WMD Incident can save literally hundreds of lives. Indicators of a chemical HAZMAT Incident include both event-related and victim-related cues. The event-related cues listed are those that can reasonably be observed by non-HAZMAT personnel at a protective distance away from the scene. The victim-related cues are those that can be observed or obtained from witnesses by a non-medical responder located at a protective distance from the event. Table 3. Key cues for recognition of a Chemical WMD Incident
These cues are rated as moderate because individually they can be associated with non-WMD incidents. But if two or more of these cues are detected, the responder should declare at least a “potential chemical WMD Incident.” More specific medical signs and symptoms exist for each class of Chemical Warfare Agent. Detection of these cues may be beyond the capacity or expertise of an initial responder in the first minutes of an incident. A good quick reference guide to these cues has been published by the Employee Education System for the Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards, Department of Veterans Affairs and can be found online. 5. Declare and Activate Response System5.1 NotificationRecognition of a Chemical HAZMAT, Chemical MEI or Chemical WMD Incident should trigger immediate notification of the emergency response system / network. This will usually be communicated by an initial responder back to Dispatch. Immediate notification is particularly critical in a Chemical MEI or Chemical WMD Incident because rapid activation of large and specialized resources will likely be necessary to save lives. The notification should include a short form of key information about the event, as prescribed by local protocol or SOG. In the absence of a local SOG, a variation of the widely used METHANE protocol can be used:
6. Further Information and Useful Links
top of page What is the first action of a first responder to a hazardous materials spill?Upon a discovery of a spill, the initial responder should take the following actions: Report the emergency. Warn others and activate alarm. Take immediate personal protective measures.
What is the first priority during any hazardous materials incident?Your first and immediate priority is to protect yourself and others. Establish an Isolation Zone and move outside it. Alert others in the danger area to do the same. Take only actions that you are equipped and trained to take.
What is the initial response phase in a hazardous materials incident?For the purposes of the guidebook, the “initial response phase” is that period following arrival at the scene of an incident during which the presence and/or identification of hazardous materials is confirmed, protective actions and area requirement are initiated, and assistance of qualified personnel is requested.
What is the first thing you should do in the event of an emergency involving hazardous materials?The general hazardous material spill response procedures include: RESCUE - Evacuate the spill area. Provide assistance including the use of safety showers and eyewashes. Seek emergency medial assistance once properly decontaminated.
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