MEDICAL RESPONSE STRATEGY Responders’ equipment and means of protection Healthcare facility personnel Equipment to use according to the level of contamination of the victims There are two possible cases: 1. Medical management of a non-decontaminated victim (self-presentation or Absolute Urgency – AU not decontaminated on the site of the event): the personnel dons appropriate PPE (non-woven coverall, + FFP3 mask or, failing this, FFP2 mask + active dosimeter). 2. Medical management of victims decontaminated on the site of the event: the personnel dons the usual work clothing. A check for residual contamination may be envisaged; this is the role of the Radiation Protection Expert (RPE). SEE SHEET 30 PROPER DRESSING PROCEDURE Getting dressed properly means above all being able to get undressed properly and cleanly. Mastering the PPE dressing and undressing techniques is vital for the teams concerned. It is part of the initial and continuous training (at least once a year). If the dressing/undressing procedure is not practised regularly, and given the inevitable stress in a radiological emergency situation, supervision by experienced personnel (supervisor) must be envisaged. Respiratory protection • Available deviceS: from the complete mask with ABEK 2 P3 NBC cartridge to the disposable half-mask. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommends P3 filtration effectiveness for dust and aerosols. • Disposable FFP3 mask or, failing this, FFP2. • Medical (surgical) masks: these masks provide very limited protection. Gloves: 2 pairs per person • Three selection criteria: protection, dexterity, ergonomics. • The gloves must be suited to the size of the hand and fingers and guarantee good sealing. • Double pair of gloves required: change the outer pair of gloves if they get soiled. • RN risks: favour nitrile or, failing this, latex surgical gloves (good protection and dexterity) with long cuffs. • Chemical risks: if there is any doubt concerning an associated chemical agent, it is recommended to use butyl gloves with under gloves. Nitrile surgical gloves and latex gloves do not provide protection against certain substances, on the contrary. Shoes: 3 possible solutions • Rubber boots. • Butyl boots or overboots: recommended if there are associated chemical risks. • Light protective overboots in non-woven material, with non-slip soles. It is advised as a minimum to wear high-topped shoes or disposable clogs (for healthcare facilities), with protective overboots in all cases. Other equipment • Safety goggles. • Surgical caps, if the coveralls do not have a hood. 08 SHEET 06 CASE 1 CASE 2 MEDICAL RESPONSE IN NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY 25
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