Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 41
A special treatment area layout should be established within existing emergency
treatment areas to minimize the spread of any radioactive contamination. The major
features of this layout are depicted in the slide and consist of a single point of egress (via
the “step off pad”) separate from the room entrance that allows monitoring of personnel
or equipment for contamination by radiation survey personnel, and a separate individual
in the treatment area to survey the patient, his/her wounds, and the patient
decontamination process.
The contaminated area (thought of as the “hot zone”) is separated from the remainder of
the department (the clean area or “cold zone”) by a buffer zone (warm zone). Exiting
personnel are monitored for contamination (while still on the step off pad) and
contaminated gloves, shoes, coveralls, or other materials can be placed in receptacles
set aside for them before stepping off the pad. At that point, a whole body survey is
conducted with a radiation meter, taking special note of hands, feet and face.
Other modifications to “standard precautions” that are appropriate for the management
of patients contaminated with radioactive material are reviewed in the next few slides.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 404