(MCD) Guidelines

Guidelines for Military Mass Casualty Decontamination Operations
During a Domestic HAZMAT/Weapon of Mass Destruction Incident
The tertiary level of decontamination is less defined and compartmentalized than the
primary and secondary levels. Essentially, the tertiary level measures the amount of
contaminant remaining, and should there be any contaminant detected, the casualty,
responder or piece of equipment goes through the secondary decontamination
process again. The tertiary level allows for the unrestricted use of resources and
verifies that the decontamination of a casualty, responder, or piece of equipment is
as complete as possible. Thus, the casualty and responder may be released and the
equipment may be returned to operational use.
Military terms associated with the tertiary decontamination phase are definitive and
clearance decontamination. Sometimes clearance decontamination is included in the
fourth level if operational decontamination is included between immediate and
thorough decontamination (thus, immediate, operational, through, and clearance). 47
Civilian guidance does not readily address tertiary decontamination, although it is
followed in practice at the conclusion of mass and technical decontamination.
Table 4 compares the military and civilian definitions of predominant
decontamination terms from military and civilian guidance and doctrine. 13,15,23,46,47
The table also identifies which decontamination terms are used in these Guidelines.
In the context of this document, mass casualty decontamination is the overarching
process with mass decontamination being a subordinate process.
Table 4: Comparison of Decontamination Terminology from These Guidelines; Field Manuals
3-11.5, 3-11.21, 4-02.7; NFPA 472; and OSHA 3249-08N.
Decontamination Terminology from Key References
Gross Emergency Mass
These Guidelines
Technical Clearance
a
Initial decontamina- Required when a Often established after Designed to remove Designed to elimi-nate
tion to begin removing contingency incident gross decontamina- contaminants from or reduce to a harm-
contaminants from the occurs and may be tion, will optimally use responders in PPE, less level any remain-
casualties, and is needed at any time, a soap and water their equipment, and ing hazard on the
usually performed by when immediate action solution and allow for evidence. A step-by- casualty, equipment,
emergency responders is necessary. the casualties to be step process to and facilities. This fine
through handlines, an
completely disrobed perform a thorough level of decontamina-
emergency decontami-
and decontaminated. decontamination tion usually requires a
nation corridor system
before being allowed large amount of
(EDCS), or a ladder
to enter the cold zone. logistical support and
pipe system (LPS).
Can be used for time, and returns the
casualties in an casualty, equipment,
emergency situation. and facilities to
acceptable or precontamination
levels.
Not defined.
Field Manual 3-11.5
Can occur at any point Rapid reduction of
during a decontamina- agent from the skin of
tion operation. many contaminated
Commonly refers to victims. Performed as
procedures taken for quickly as possible
the rapid reduction of while also practicing
agent from the skin. contamination
avoidance. b
Deliberate decontamination
of responders,
equipment, and
evidence. Can also be
performed on a mass
contaminated
populous if conditions
allow. Emphasis on
neutralization of the
agent. Speed is not a
factor. c
Decontamination of
equipment and
personnel to levels
that allow unrestricted
transportation,
maintenance, employment,
and disposal.
May be required
as part of restoration
operations.
20 Original