Emergency Medical Response
You Are the Emergency Medical Responder
You are an EMR dispatched to the scene of an explosion. On arrival you are staged with other emergency vehicles one block away. You are told that police suspect that a building was targeted by an extremist group and it is uncertain if there were injuries from the blast.
Lesson 46: Disasters, Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Emergency Medical Response
Terrorism
The unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
Emergency Medical Response
Preparation for Disasters and Terrorism
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Framework (NRF) National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)
Emergency Medical Response
National Incident Management System
Comprehensive national framework for managing incidents
Outline of structures for response activities for command and management
Provision of consistent, nationwide response at all levels
Emergency Medical Response
Areas of NIMS
Incident command systems (ICS) Multiagency coordination system (MACS) Unified command, training, identification and
management of resources Mutual aid and assistance Situational awareness Qualifications and certification Collection, tracking and reporting of incident
information Crisis action planning Exercises
Emergency Medical Response
Emergency Support Functions
1. Transportation2. Communications3. Public works and engineering4. Firefighting5. Emergency management6. Mass care, emergency assistance, housing and
human services7. Logistics management and resource support
Emergency Medical Response
Emergency Support Functions (cont’d)
8. Public health and medical services9. Search and rescue10. Oil and hazardous materials response11. Agriculture and natural resources12. Energy13. Public safety and security14. Long-term community recovery15. External affairs
Emergency Medical Response
Three Main Categories of Disasters Natural
Human-caused (terrorist attacks, HAZMAT incidents and MCIs)
Biological
Emergency Medical Response
The EMR’s Role
Leadership if first responder on the scene If you are not the first responder on the scene—
• Assist the leader.• Assume other roles.o Triage patientso Provide medical careo Provide patient reception at staging facilitieso Prepare patients for evacuation
Emergency Medical Response
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Known by the acronym CBRNE: Chemical Biological Radiological/Nuclear Explosives
Emergency Medical Response
Chemical Agents
Nerve agents Blister agents Blood agents Pulmonary agents Incapacitating agents
Emergency Medical Response
Biological Weapons
Class A weapons Class B weapons Class C weapons
Emergency Medical Response
Radiological/Nuclear Agents
Damage due to the following:• Air blast• Heat• Ionizing radiation• Ground shock• Secondary radiation
Emergency Medical Response
Explosives and Incendiary Weapons
High-order explosives: supersonic over-pressurization shock wave
Low-order explosives: subsonic explosion
Emergency Medical Response
Response to CBRNE/WMD Incident Preparation
• Medical direction• Personal preparation• Equipment• Transportation and communication
Equipment and supplies Arrival on the scene Scene safety Providing care
Emergency Medical Response
Nerve Agent Poisoning
Initial effects dependent on dose and route• Inhalation via gas• Absorption through skin • Ingestion from liquids or food
Dose and amount of exposure leads to varying effects
Emergency Medical Response
Care for Nerve Agent Poisoning
Ventilation Antidotes
• Atropine• Pralidoxime chloride
Decontamination Continued monitoring and transport (if ingested) Nerve agent auto-injector kit (for self- or peer-
administration of nerve agent antidote)
Emergency Medical Response
Activity
You and several other EMRs are providing care to patients at the scene involving exposure to a nerve agent. You observe a fellow EMR begin to sweat excessively and cough. He starts complaining of headache and nausea. You also notice a runny nose, watery eyes and pinpoint pupils. You suspect that he is exhibiting signs of nerve agent poisoning.
Emergency Medical Response
You Are the Emergency Medical Responder
There is some question about the cause of the explosion but police strongly suspect that is was a terrorist attack using a WMD, most likely a high-order explosive. While in the staging area you observe a large trash bag near a dumpster in close proximity to staged apparatus.
Emergency Medical Response
Pandemic Flu Three pillars:
• Preparedness and communication• Surveillance and detection• Response and containment
Phases:• Early detection• Treatment with antiviral medications• Infection control measures• Vaccination
Emergency Medical Response
Personal Preparedness
Get a kit Make a plan Be informed
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