1-01 Protocal for responses involving unknown substances

Question 1

Can Anthrax be transmitted from person to person contact. Is it Contagious?

Answer 1

1.2
Anthrax is not contagious. There must be substantial contact through an opening in the skin and/or inhaled/ingested in a sufficient quantity to begin the infection. Person to person transmission of anthrax has never been reported.

Question 2

Members of the Department that respond to an incident involving a suspicious package/envelope
shall adhere to the following guidelines: If the package is unopened and there is no indication of a hazard present the unit shall?

Answer 2

2.1.4
If the package is unopened and there is no indication of a hazard present the unit shall:
A. Isolate the area.
B. Notify the Bureau of Communications and request the response of an SOD team for
hazard assessment, if the hazard assessment is negative, the SOD Team will overpack the package.

Question 3

Members of the Department that respond to an incident involving a suspicious package/envelope
shall adhere to the following guidelines: If the package is unopened and believed to present a hazard, the unit shall?

Answer 3

2.1.5
If the package is unopened and believed to present a hazard, the unit shall:
A. Isolate the package.
B. Move any person believed to be contaminated to another isolated area.
C. Notify the Bureau of Communications and request the response of an SOD team for
hazard assessment, if the hazard assessment is positive, the SOD Team will overpack the package.

Question 4

Members of the Department that respond to an incident involving a suspicious package/envelope
shall adhere to the following guidelines: If the package is opened, its contents will assumed to be hazardous and the unit shall?

Answer 4

2.1.6
If the package is opened, its contents will assumed to be hazardous and the unit shall:
A. Isolate the package.
B. Move any person believed to be contaminated to another isolated area.
C. Notify the Bureau of Communications and request the response of an SOD team and a Squad Company for hazard assessment, the SOD Team shall overpack the package and mitigate the incident.

Question 5

The decision to decontaminate civilians or FDNY members will be made by Whom?

Answer 5

2.1 NOTE:
The decision to decontaminate civilians or FDNY members will be made by the Incident Commander in consultation with the NYC Department of Health.

Question 6

If the circumstances of the call lead you to a high index of suspicion that the patient has been exposed to an unknown substance released from a container or package, members shall?

Answer 6

2.3.1 If the patient has a powder or other substance on their skin or clothing, ask the patient to remove their outer clothing.
A. If the patient is unable to undress himself or herself, put on PPE and remove the patient’s outer or exposed clothing.
2.3.2 Provide and protect the patient with a disposable garment or sheet.
2.3.3 The patient’s clothing shall be bagged by the patient (if possible), in a clear plastic bag and left with the competent authority on scene.
NOTE: Do not delay patient care and/or transport. If the patient is Critical or Unstable, transport immediately.
2.3.4 Assess, treat and transport the patient to the appropriate hospital.

Question 7

Is Decon required for the apparatus if the proper precautions have been adhered to?

Answer 7

2.6.2

NO DECON is required for the ambulance and/or apparatus provided proper precautions and procedures have been adhered to.