First RespondersFirst RespondersDoes Radiation Change the ResponseDoes Radiation Change the Response

Thomas F. O’ConnellHealth Physics Society Midyear Meeting

AAHP February 12, 2005

New Orleans, LA

Possible First RespondersPossible First Responders

Emergency Medical Services

Law Enforcement

Fire Service

Citizens

Initial NotificationInitial Notification

911 CallDispatchStationDetails

– Location– Event– Dependent on Observer

Guidelines for ResponseGuidelines for Response

Weapons of Mass Destruction– Hazardous Materials with Attitude

National Fire Protection Association

– NFPA 471 Responding to HazMat

– NFPA 472 HazMat Competence

– NFPA 473 EMS HazMat– Consensus Standards

Requirements for ResponseRequirements for Response

OSHA– 1910.38, Emergency Action Plans

– 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response

– 1910.120(q), Emergency response program to hazardous substance releases

EPA 40 CFR 311 Worker Protection– Brings Everyone Under OSHA

Response StructureResponse Structure

Incident Specific Multiple Agencies Short Term or Long Term Accountability Control Function Based Sounds Like Incident Command

Why Use ICSWhy Use ICS

Time Proven System of Management

Standardized Approach

Common Terminology

Modular and Flexible

Cost Effective

All Hazards Concept

Command StaffCommand Staff

Roles and MissionsRoles and Missions

Law Enforcement– Investigation– Security of Scene and Responders

Emergency Medical Services– Medical

Fire Department– Rescue– Fire Suppression

Others

Response IdeologyResponse Ideology

Workforce Protection

Safe Work in an Unsafe Environment

Control Incident Movement

Protect Population

Preserve Property

Sizing Up the IncidentSizing Up the Incident

Establishing the SceneImpact on ServicesPersonal Protective EquipmentTactics and StrategiesOffensive/DefensiveCommunications

Incident Action PlanIncident Action Plan

Every Incident - Verbal or WrittenProvides Direction for:

– Operational Period– Measurable Tactical Operations

Minimum of Four Elements– What do We Want to do?– Who is Responsible for Job?– How to Communicate?– Procedures for Injuries?

Re-Evaluate ConstantlyRe-Evaluate Constantly

Prioritize Critical MissionsChanging Conditions Weather – Now and ProjectedUnavailable AssetsAdditional AssetsExpertsCommunications

Responder QuestionsResponder Questions

Radiation LimitsDose RatesExposureWhen to WorkWhen to Leave

Short Term or Long Term Incidents

Electronic Dosimeter Alarm Point Guidance

 Alarm Set Point Type 

Reading3

 Comments1, 2

 Responder Actions

1st Dose Rate  2 mrem/hr

 

This is a generally accepted value to be used to establish the hot zone (exclusion area) for a response to a transportation accident involving radiation.  

Continue rescue and investigation activities.  Establish exclusion zone.

2nd Dose Rate10000 mrem/hr

(10 Rem/hr)

Recommended value listed in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report Number 138

 Leave the area unless rescue of known victims can be accomplished efficiently and within guidance values for accumulated dose alarms to responders. Accumulated doses greater than 10 Rem must be carefully considered. Seek expert advice.

1st Accumulated Dose 

2500 mrem(2.5 Rem)

This is one-half of the 5000 mrem annual regulatory exposure limit for occupationally exposed radiation workers. 

2nd Accumulated Dose  10000 mrem

(10 Rem)

This is less than one-half the 25000 mrem dose value listed in EPA 400-R-92-001 for lifesaving or protection of large populations. Recommended value listed in National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report Number 138. 

SummarySummary

Established Structure

Trained Responders

Continued Education

Perspective is Important

Integration and Collaboration

Prepare, Respond, Recover