First responders exposure

Attempt to identify agent or weapon, type of dissemination (aerosol/liquid/vapor/solid), and characteristics of the agent and threats posed. Search the area for secondary explosive devices or booby-traps designed to kill or maim first responders. Limit the number of personnel and exposure time on scene. 

Eventually first responder personnel on scene will have to answer the basic question Do you have an attack or not Unlike exposure to chemical agents, exposure to biological agents does not require immediate removal of victims clothing and gross decontamination. With biological agents, inhalation is the most common route of entry to a victim s contamination. 

Decontamination immediately after exposure is the only way to present damage, with symptomatic management of lesion/blisters thereafter. All victims and first responders shall be decontaminated when leaving the Hot Zone. Clothes should be removed if at all possible, and no one should be transported to a hospital until he of she has been thoroughly decontaminated. Care in a hospital is strictly supportive. First responders have to ensure that every one contaminated goes through an efficient decontamination procedure. 

First Responder, Operations Level Individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to control the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. 

Unless an incident occurs at a nuclear facility, it is possible that the first responders will not recognize the radiological aspects of the event. Because it is not likely that all responding individuals will have received training normally required of workers who are routinely occupationally exposed, it is necessary to establish a mechanism to ensure that the workers are not likely to receive an unacceptable level of exposures, while at the same time allowing them to perform critical missions during the early phase of a disaster. 

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