Community Response Plans
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2. Based upon this chapter what protocols and operating procedure should be added to community response plans?
Protocols’ and Procedures
In every critical emergency, the actions taken are vital. The rescue team should always be ready and on high alert when incidences of radioactive reactions occur. Several measures ought to be considered in order for the EMS to respond appropriately. They include;
i. Explosive protection procedures for radiological dispersion devices should always be observed.
ii. The principles of time distance and shielding must be adhered for proper protection.
iii. The state and local agencies must always be notified in case of a radioactive incident. This will help to minimize causalities among the victims.
iv. In the case of any radioactive incidences, safe zones must first be established, and enforcement of safe entry adhered to.
v. Establishment of a decontamination corridor with medical surveillance for personnel exiting the affected zone.
vi. A security perimeter should be established around the hot zone.
vii. Crime scene preservation procedures must be observed.
3. What roles does hospital prepardness play in this incident? Consider that many victims will self-present at hospital or immediate care centre, which circumvants the traditional EMS system..
Role of Hospitals in Preparedness
During such incidences, hospitals play a critical role. The EMS should expedient delivery of victims to the hospital and attends to them. Information should be gathered by the EMS to enable them to know how to handle the victim. Contaminated victims should be treated using appropriate medical protocols. Proper decontamination procedures should be carried out before the victim enters emergency departments. This will ensure the buildings and occupants in them are safe. The EMS must clearly outline the protocols when there is notification of a terrorist incident involving radioactive materials.
Reference
Gittus, W. C. (Dec 31, 1990). Medical Response to Effects of Ionizing Radiation.
10 years ago