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Information for the First Responders

Preparing to Respond

• What to expect on scene, based on:
  • Types of emergencies
  • Scale of incident
  • Quantity released
  • Number of potential victims
• Preparatory checklists
• Preparing for arrival on scene
  • Personal protection checklist
  • Equipment checklist
  • Overview of initial actions upon arrival

Arrival on Scene

• Checklist for initial actions, observations to be made
  • Personal protection checklist
  • Equipment checklist
  • Site/area control procedures, safety perimeters
  • Decontamination procedures

Casualty Triage

• Triage guidelines for chemical casualties
• Triage Algorithms
  • SALT Mass Casualty Triage (United States Government recommendation)
  • START Adult Triage Algorithm (Adults)
  • JumpSTART Pediatric Triage Algorithm (Children)
• Agent-specific Triage
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Hydrogen cyanide
  • Mustard agents
  • Nerve agents
  • Phosgene
  • Other hazardous chemicals

Casualty Assessment

• Assessment, diagnostic procedures
  • Chemical identification
    • Quick identification by signs/symptoms: CHEMM-IST
    • Substance identification: WISER
  • Chemical information
• Potential treatment options
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Hydrogen cyanide
  • Mustard agents
  • Nerve agents
  • Phosgene
  • Other hazardous chemicals
• Decision making support

Casualty Treatment

• Treatment Guidance
  • Acute treatments
    • Ammonia
    • Chlorine
    • Hydrogen cyanide
    • Mustard agents
    • Nerve agents
    • Phosgene
    • Other hazardous chemicals
  • Long-term treatment/guidance
  • Mental health treatment/guidance
  • Guidance for specific populations (seniors, pregnant women, pediatric patients)

Casualty Transport

• Transport instructions

Training

• Training and education
• Understanding chemical exposure and risks
• Practices and drills

Planning

• Planning information
  • Personnel needs
  • Equipment needs

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