First RespondersFirst RespondersDoes Radiation Change the ResponseDoes Radiation Change the Response
Thomas F. O’ConnellHealth Physics Society Midyear Meeting
AAHP February 12, 2005
New Orleans, LA
Possible First RespondersPossible First Responders
Emergency Medical Services
Law Enforcement
Fire Service
Citizens
Initial NotificationInitial Notification
911 CallDispatchStationDetails
– Location– Event– Dependent on Observer
Guidelines for ResponseGuidelines for Response
Weapons of Mass Destruction– Hazardous Materials with Attitude
National Fire Protection Association
– NFPA 471 Responding to HazMat
– NFPA 472 HazMat Competence
– NFPA 473 EMS HazMat– Consensus Standards
Requirements for ResponseRequirements for Response
OSHA– 1910.38, Emergency Action Plans
– 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
– 1910.120(q), Emergency response program to hazardous substance releases
EPA 40 CFR 311 Worker Protection– Brings Everyone Under OSHA
Response StructureResponse Structure
Incident Specific Multiple Agencies Short Term or Long Term Accountability Control Function Based Sounds Like Incident Command
Why Use ICSWhy Use ICS
Time Proven System of Management
Standardized Approach
Common Terminology
Modular and Flexible
Cost Effective
All Hazards Concept
Command StaffCommand Staff
Roles and MissionsRoles and Missions
Law Enforcement– Investigation– Security of Scene and Responders
Emergency Medical Services– Medical
Fire Department– Rescue– Fire Suppression
Others
Response IdeologyResponse Ideology
Workforce Protection
Safe Work in an Unsafe Environment
Control Incident Movement
Protect Population
Preserve Property
Sizing Up the IncidentSizing Up the Incident
Establishing the SceneImpact on ServicesPersonal Protective EquipmentTactics and StrategiesOffensive/DefensiveCommunications
Incident Action PlanIncident Action Plan
Every Incident - Verbal or WrittenProvides Direction for:
– Operational Period– Measurable Tactical Operations
Minimum of Four Elements– What do We Want to do?– Who is Responsible for Job?– How to Communicate?– Procedures for Injuries?
Re-Evaluate ConstantlyRe-Evaluate Constantly
Prioritize Critical MissionsChanging Conditions Weather – Now and ProjectedUnavailable AssetsAdditional AssetsExpertsCommunications
Responder QuestionsResponder Questions
Radiation LimitsDose RatesExposureWhen to WorkWhen to Leave
Short Term or Long Term Incidents
Electronic Dosimeter Alarm Point Guidance
Alarm Set Point Type
Reading3
Comments1, 2
Responder Actions
1st Dose Rate 2 mrem/hr
This is a generally accepted value to be used to establish the hot zone (exclusion area) for a response to a transportation accident involving radiation.
Continue rescue and investigation activities. Establish exclusion zone.
2nd Dose Rate10000 mrem/hr
(10 Rem/hr)
Recommended value listed in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report Number 138
Leave the area unless rescue of known victims can be accomplished efficiently and within guidance values for accumulated dose alarms to responders. Accumulated doses greater than 10 Rem must be carefully considered. Seek expert advice.
1st Accumulated Dose
2500 mrem(2.5 Rem)
This is one-half of the 5000 mrem annual regulatory exposure limit for occupationally exposed radiation workers.
2nd Accumulated Dose 10000 mrem
(10 Rem)
This is less than one-half the 25000 mrem dose value listed in EPA 400-R-92-001 for lifesaving or protection of large populations. Recommended value listed in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report Number 138.
SummarySummary
Established Structure
Trained Responders
Continued Education
Perspective is Important
Integration and Collaboration
Prepare, Respond, Recover