Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 5
Control the Situation
• speak in a loud, firm voice; and
• direct casualties as appropriate to the proper safe gathering point, such as
the entrance of the Emergency Washdown, or to the Decontamination
process.
5.3.2 Establish Safe Gathering Points
In the early stages, it is important to try and minimize cross contamination. Try to
separate the potential casualties who were closest to the release site and show
signs of contamination from those who were the furthest from the site of release
and show no signs of contamination.
Figure 8
A Safe Gathering Point
Ensure that hospitals have been notified. It is predicted that as many as 80%
of affected persons will leave the scene and present themselves at the hospitals.
If hospitals have enough notice they may be able to prepare to receive potentially
contaminated patients.
5.3.3 Emergency Washdown (EW)
Emergency Washdown is a procedure first responders use to reduce the effects
of contaminants on victims. When first arriving responders are presented with
exposed casualties, deliberate and expedient action may be required. The intent
of Emergency Washdown is to deal with these casualties using the resources on
hand until additional resources arrive and the Decontamination process is set up.
The immediate implementation of an Emergency Washdown in cases where
exposed casualties are displaying severe signs and symptoms of contamination
will be critical in saving lives.
CBRN First Responder Training Program
47
Basic Level Course