Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
enough for transport to ED for more defini-
tive decon.
J. Transport to ED shall be on the clean stretcher
with a clean transport team.
K. ED HAZMAT team to complete personal
decon at the incident site prior to return to ED.
3. Mental status evaluation, including assessment
of psychological stressors.
4. Medical History
a. Chronic illnesses
b. Recent illnesses
c. Medications, including OTC taken within
past the 72 hours
d. Current symptoms of fever, nausea, diar-
rhea, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, or
recent alcohol consumption.
5. Exclusion criteria
a. Blood pressure: diastolic over 95
b. Pulse: greater that 70% maximum heart
rate (220 age)
Medical Monitoring
The need to perform ongoing medical monitoring
of those healthcare personnel participating in the
decontamination procedure is
MANDATORY.
This
entails a systematic evaluation of all participants,
focusing particular attention to the risk of suffering
adverse reactions from heat, stress or hazardous
materials exposure. This is performed for the
purpose of prevention or early recognition of
such symptoms, and in compliance with federal
regulations.
×
0.7 irregular rhythm not
previously documented
c. Respiratory rate: greater
than 24 per
minute
d. Temperature:
less
than 97 or greater
that 99.5
e. Weight or Size: inability to fit in available
suit without causing undue strain on seams
f. Skin evaluation: open sores, large areas of
rash, or significant sunburn
g. Mental status: any alteration
h. Recent medical history: nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea within the past 72 hours, recent
heat related injury, new prescriptions
started within the past 72 hours.
i. Pregnancy
1. Medical monitoring is performed prior
to
donning PPE in order to:
a. Ascertain baseline vital signs.
b. Identify staff who will be disqualified
from donning PPE and participating in
the decontamination process due to pre-
existing medical conditions.
c. Identify staff who may be at a higher risk
for potential adverse effects while working
in this environment.
2. Pre-entry physicals are required on all indi-
viduals in protective clothing and performing
hazardous material operations. This is to be
completed within one hour prior to entry, when
possible.
All staff must be cleared for participation by the
ED charge physician prior to participation.
6. Entry Medical Monitoring
a. Performed before donning PPE.
b. Based on buddy evaluation by team
member.
c. Observe for changes in gait, speech, or
behavior.
d. Any complaints of chest pain, dizzi-
ness, SOB, weakness, headache, nausea or
vomiting should be reported.
e. Reporting of symptoms requires imme-
diate personnel decon and removal from
the decon site.
Pre-entrance Exam Components
1. Vital signs
a. Blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and
temperature
b. Weight (estimated)
2. Skin evaluation for presence of
a. Rashes
b. Lesions
c. Open wounds
