Managing CBRN mass casualty incidents at hospitals—Find a simple solution for a complex problem: A pilot study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajdm.0471Keywords:
mass casualty incident, terrorism, decontamination, emergency preparednessAbstract
Objective: Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents are a major challenge for emergency medical services and the involved hospitals, especially if decontamination needs to be performed nearby or even within the hospital campus. The University Hospital Wuerzburg has developed a comprehensive and alternative CBRN response plan. The focus of this study was to proof the practicability of the concept, the duration of the decontamination process, and the temperature management.
Methods: The entire decontamination area can be deployed 24/7 by the hospitals technical staff. Fire and rescue services are responsible for the decontamination process itself. This study was designed as full-scale exercise with 30 participants.
Results: The decontamination area was ready for operation within 30 minutes. The decontamination of the four simulated patients took 5.5 ± 0.6 minutes (mean ± SD). At the end of the decontamination process, the temperature of the undressed upper body of the training patients was 27.25 ± 1°C (81.05 ± 2°F) (mean ± SD) and the water in the shower was about 35°C (95°F).
Conclusion: The presented concept is comprehensive and simple for a best possible care during CBRN incidents at hospitals. It ensures wet decontamination by Special Forces, while the technical requirements are created by the hospital.
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