Emergency Treatment

A proper Medical Surveillance Program should include details for both emergency treatment and acute non-emergency treatment.

Emergency treatment plans, procedures, and equipment lists should reflect the following:

• Actual and potential chemical, physical, or biologic hazards
• Possible treatment needed for all site personnel, including contractors, visitors, and emergency personnel, like firefighters

Emergency response requires specific training. This includes training a team of site personnel in emergency first aid. This team should include an emergency medical technician (EMT) if possible. Training should include:

• A Red Cross (or an equivalent certified course) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• First aid training that emphasizes treatment for explosion and burn injuries, heat stress, and acute chemical toxicity
• Emergency decontamination procedures in coordination with the Emergency Response Plan (you learned about this in the previous unit, titled "Decontamination").
• Designation of the roles and responsibilities all personnel should assume in an emergency situation

In addition, an on-site first aid station should be available at all times, with the following supplies:

• Provide a standard first-aid kit or equivalent supplies, plus additional items such as emergency/deluge showers, stretchers, portable water, ice, emergency eyewash, decontamination solutions, and fire-extinguishing blankets
• Restock supplies and equipment immediately after each use and check them regularly

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.