110 likes | 251 Views
Knowledge and Care of Contaminated Patients. HAZMAT. Hazard- a property of any substance, agent, source of energy or situation that can: Give off deadly gases or fumes Irritate skin or lungs Cause fires or explosions Cause physical problems or infection Cause burns
E N D
HAZMAT • Hazard- a property of any substance, agent, source of energy or situation that can: • Give off deadly gases or fumes • Irritate skin or lungs • Cause fires or explosions • Cause physical problems or infection • Cause burns • Lead to mutations or damage at a later time
CBRN • Emergencies and disasters that are caused by natural, unintentional or intentional release of materials: • C- chemical • B- biological • R- radiological • N- nuclear
Patients • With HAZMAT or CBRN incidents, patients may arrive unannounced to any door of the health care facility. • They may possibly bring harmful substances with them on their skin, hair, clothing or personal belongings.
Patients • Avoid physical contact with the patient and their belongings • Exit the area if fumes are present • Immediately notify supervisor and security staff • Allow qualified personnel to isolate and clean the patient • Seek medical attention
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • 1st- place on gown • 2nd- place on face shield, mask/goggles or respirator • 3rd- put on gloves
Gloves • Latex • Protects from biological and hazardous substances • Should be discarded after use • Nitrile • Protects from biological and hazardous substances • May resist degradation by caustics, acids, alcohols and oils • Should be discarded after use
Removing PPE • 1st- gloves • 2nd- gown • 3rd- mask
Decontamination • The process of removing harmful substance that have come in contact with people, surfaces and equipment. • Proper decontamination reduces the contamination to a level where it is less dangerous to the patient and healthcare worker.
Decontamination • Person must be decontaminated if: • Is present at the actual or suspected release site of dangerous chemicals • Has or is presumed to have substance on them • Comes in direct contact with equipment or contaminated items • Is wearing PPE and it tears, leaks or allows for exposure • Needs to leave contaminated “dirty” area for a “clean” area
Athens-Limestone Hospital • Decon tent training is mandatory for employees to attend yearly • Not all employees will be medically cleared for decon suit training • Suit training is held mulitple times a year