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Hazardous materials responses in a mid-sized metropolitan area
Frank G Walter1, Gerry Bates, Elizabeth A Criss
1Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center, Division of Medical Toxicology, Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5057, USA. frank@aemrc.arizona.edu
Prehospital Emergency Care
|April 25, 2003
Summary
Most hazardous materials (hazmat) responses involve few patients needing emergency medical services. Airborne toxicants were the primary exposure, with minimal hospitalizations, highlighting the need for ongoing training.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Public Safety
Background:
- Fire departments frequently respond to hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents.
- Assessing patient care needs during hazmat events is crucial for emergency medical services (EMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify chemicals involved in fire department hazmat responses.
- To analyze the associated EMS patient care requirements.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of hazmat reports, EMS patient encounters, and hospital records.
- Data collected from a mid-sized metropolitan area over three years (1992-1994).
Main Results:
- 468 hazmat incidents involved 62 chemicals, predominantly flammable gases/liquids.
- 32 incidents resulted in 85 patients; 53% required transport.
- Most patients were exposed to airborne toxicants; only two required hospitalization for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Conclusions:
- Hazmat incidents typically involve a small number of patients requiring EMS care.
- Airborne toxicants are the most common exposure, with low hospitalization rates.
- Regular data analysis aids in evaluating emergency plans and identifying training needs for hazmat response personnel.