Caring for patients at a Hazmat Incident Flashcards
What is the primary role of hazmat team members in prehospital emergency care?
To initiate emergency care for patients exposed to hazardous materials.
Hazmat team members are trained to handle hazardous situations while ensuring safety.
What type of care is practical to provide in the hazard zone and decontamination area?
Only the simplest assessment and essential care.
This is due to dangers, time constraints, and bulky protective gear.
What types of injuries should your care address at a hazmat incident?
- Trauma from related mechanisms (e.g., vehicle crash, fire, explosion)
- Injury from exposure to hazardous substances
What is the most common cause of serious injuries and deaths from hazardous materials?
Airway and breathing problems.
What should be done if a patient appears to be in respiratory distress?
Give oxygen at 12 to 15 L/min with a nonrebreathing mask.
What monitoring should be done for patients at a hazmat incident?
Monitor the patient’s breathing at all times.
What should you do if signs of respiratory distress are increasing?
Provide assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device and high-flow oxygen.
How should you treat injuries sustained by patients at hazmat incidents?
In the same way as you would treat any injury.
What is the focus of treatment for a patient’s exposure to toxic substances?
Supportive care and initiating prompt transport to the hospital.
Who orders antidotes or special treatments in the field?
Medical control.
What happens if special treatment includes medications or intravenous fluids?
Paramedics or advanced personnel will be sent to assist in the treatment area.
Fill in the blank: No bandages or splints are applied until the patient has been _______.
moved to the treatment area.
True or False: Different people may respond the same way to contact with the same hazardous material.
False.
