First responders HAZMAT training

An emergency response incident that involves the release of any chemicals or toxic materials will typically be referred to as a HAZMAT incident. The response to a HAZMAT incident is somewhat standardized across the country, and specialized HAZMAT teams are called in to address these situations. HAZMAT teams are typically affiliated with the fire services and will possess a majority of the locality s chemical detection equipment. Emergency medical responders arriving on the scene must first be capable of determining that a HAZMAT incident has occurred. These first responders are the individuals responsible for determining whether the HAZMAT team should be called for assistance. Responders may have different levels of training and preparedness for HAZMAT response (see Table 25.2). 

Minimally, all hospital personnel (e.g., nurses, physicians, security, and triage) who have a designated role in a HAZMAT response must be trained to the first responder awareness level (Levitin Siegelson, 2002). Staff must be comfortable with knowing how to locate and use personal protective equipment and with the decontamination process (see chapter 26, Mass Casualty Decontamination, for further discussion). 

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