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Hazardous materials preparedness in the emergency department
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. cone@allegheny.edu
Prehospital Emergency Care
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Emergency departments (EDs) show varied preparedness for chemical contamination incidents. Many hospitals lack written plans and adequate equipment for safely treating chemically contaminated patients, indicating a need for improvement in hazmat readiness.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) are critical in managing chemical contamination events.
- Assessing ED preparedness is vital for patient safety and effective response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preparedness of EDs in the Philadelphia metropolitan region for chemical decontamination and treatment.
- To identify gaps in planning, equipment, and procedures for handling chemically contaminated patients.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to safety officers of 58 acute-care hospitals.
- The survey included 16 questions on decontamination and treatment capabilities.
- Follow-up included repeat mailings and telephone contact to maximize response rate.
Main Results:
- 66% of hospitals returned usable surveys; 63% had written decontamination plans.
- Only 50% had hospital-wide disaster plans including chemical decontamination.
- Many EDs lacked specific treatment areas, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and confirmed field decontamination procedures.
Conclusions:
- Hospital hazmat preparedness varies significantly across the region.
- A substantial number of EDs are not fully equipped or prepared to manage chemical exposures.
- There is an observed reluctance among some facilities to document or discuss their hazardous materials response capabilities.