Date:Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:22:26 -0400
From: patricklambert**At_Symbol_Here**ROGERS.COM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Mass Decon
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Dear Ms
Potts,
We have had
to deal with this very same issue here in Canada. A group I work with in
the CDN Federal Government spent some time reviewing mass decon of civilians
prior to our recent Winter Olympics. The questions you pose are very familiar.
The USDHS
developed a mass decon guidance document as was mentioned in the replies by
others. In general, most military groups have attempted to addressmass
decon. That being said, their objectives are often a bit differentthat
those of mass decon for civilians. Here are a few of the points we
noted.
Our
experience was that mass decon will likely be undertaken by local 1st responder
and not federal agency. Mass decon of the civilian population is quite different
than our experience with mass decon of military staff and assets. In our
discussions with the fire departments from many of our major cities, we note
that each one has developed their own mass decon operational
plan. Certainly there were similarities however there were also significant
variations. Each fire department or hazmat team have their own procedures and
interoperability with their local complimentary services such as EMS and Police.
This is what accounted for the most significant variations between cities.
Unlike military personnel, one can not order a civilian through mass decon.
So the fire departments have had to consider how to address this
issue. Most have some arrangements with the local law enforcement and even
they can not order a citizen through decon unless a public health event has
been declared. That brings in local EMS and the local public health officials.
They will play a large part in determining who and how civilians are marshalled
through mass decon. The vanity or privacy issue was not trivial to overcome.
Similar with security surrounding concerns for a civilians personal
belongings. Another issue I recall was local public health dealing
with was how to document and track the masses whether the go through decon or
not.
Respectfully,
Patrick
Lambert
Head, Field
Work and Response
Environment
Canada
Our
department just received a mobile mass decontamination trailer. I work ata
city health department and we respond to any HAZMAT or WMD emergencies in
North East Texas. Besides the users manual there really are no set guidelines
for how to mass decontaminate a crowd. Has anyone every used a mass
decon trailer or been in a situation where a mass decon has takenplace?
We are going to set up a scenario in a few months to test it out but until then I
would appreciate any ideas or helpful information on mass decontamination. Thanks!
Amber
Potts
Health Department
Garland, Texas
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:21:11 +0000
From:
rmizzo**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] USA Today Article on University Lab
Safety
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU