True or False: Scene control is paramount at all emergencies?
True
What is size-up?
Rapid mental process of evaluating the critical visual indicators of the incident, processing the info based on your training and experience, and ariving at a conclusion that will serve as the basis to form and implement a plan of action
(CHIEF CONCEPTS) The acronym SIN is a good place to start in a hazmat response, what does it stand for?
- S - Safety
- I - Isolate
- N - Notify
When looking at the safety in SIN, what are some things you must do?
- Stay upwind, uphill, and out of the problem
- Obtain a briefing from those involved in the incident before taking action
- Understand the nature of the problem and the factors influencing the release.
- Attempt to identify the release substance
When looking at the isolation in SIN, what are some things you must do?
- Isolate and deny entry to the scene
- First priority is to seperate the people from the problem
- Establish command post in an area where you are protected and have access to communications
- Determine response objectives, choose strategy, and begin to formulate action plan
When looking at the notify in SIN, what are some things you must do?
Decide whether you need to notify anyone else, like specialized responders, police, or other technical experts
What does DECIDE stand for
- Detect hazardous materials
- Estimate likely harm without intervention
- Choose response objectives
- Identify action options
- Do best option
- Evaluate progress
When looking for guidance on protective actionsm or as a starting point for gathering info about a released substance, what should a responder consult?
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
What is a control zone and when is it established?
- Areas at a hazmat incident that are designated as hot, warm, or cold based on safety issues and the degree of the hazard
- Established at a hazmat incident based on chemical and physical properties of the released material, the environmental factors at the time of release and the layout of the scene
If an incident in inside a structure, what is the best place to control access?
The doors
True or False: As the incident commander gets more info about the specifics of the material involved, the control zones may change
True
What is the hot zone in a control zone?
- The area immediately surrounding the release, which is the most contaminated area
- All personnel must wear complete, appropriate PPE and equipment
- All personnel must be fully decontaminated when leaving the hot zone
What is the warm zone in a control zone?
- Where personnel and equipment transition into and out of the hot zone, as well as the decontamination area
What is the cold zone in a control zone?
- Safe area where personnel do not need to wear any special PPE for safe operation
- Contains personnel staging, command post, EMS, and the area for medical monitoring, support and or treatment after decon
What is emergency decontamination?
Process of getting the bulk of contaminants off a person as quickly and completely as possible in order to limit or reduce adverse effects
What are the steps of emergency decontamination?
- Ensure that you have proper PPE
- Stay clear of product and avoid contact if possible
- Direct victim out of hazard zone
- Instruct victim in removing contaminated clothing
- Rinse victim with copious amounts of water
- Provide or obtain medical treatment for the victim
What is the buddy system?
- Required by OSHA, no fewer than 2 responders can enter a contaminated area
- 2 in, 2 out
When considering evacuation, what are some factors an IC should consider?
- Nature and duration of release, nature of evacuees (age, underyling health status, mobility), ability to provide basic services, aand transportation challenges
- Schools, fairgrounds and sports arenas are used as shelters
What is sheltering-in-place?
- Method of safeguarding people by keeping them in an enclosed atmosphere, usually in a structure.
- Remain indoors with windows closed
True or False: In a hazmat incident, all responders must first reccognize and indentify the released substance
True
When doing search and rescue, teams must….
- Be wearing proper PPE
- When removing the victims, bring them to the warm zone for decon and to be turned over to EMS
True or False: Before actions are taken, a written safety plan is completed and a verbal safety briefing is performed
True
What are some things that a safety briefing informs responders of?
- Health hazards
- Incident objectives
- Emergency medical procedures
- Radio frequencies and emergency signals
- Description of the site
- What PPE to be worn
What is the definition and what are the signs and symptoms of and what should be done for those experiencing heat exhaustion?
- Mild form of shock that arises when the circulatory system begins to fail because the body becomes overheated
- Signs and symptoms are: core temperature rises, weakness and sweating. May also become dizzy and have blurred vision
- Remove from heated environment, rehydrate with electrolyte solutions and keep cool
