HazMat Emergency Preparedness Training and Tools for Responders

HazMat Emergency Preparedness

Any community might be subject to a disaster, whether natural or of human origin. Community responses to these disasters tend to be more efficient and effective when prior planning takes place. Disaster planning is only as good as the assumptions and information on which it is based. Experience from hundreds of actual disasters shows that planning assumptions often are incorrect. Disaster planning based on incorrect assumptions can create an illusion of preparedness. Disaster plans, when developed, should be tested and revised as necessary.

Resources

ATSDR provides resources to assist communities in preparing for hazardous materials (HazMat) emergencies and disasters. Community planners can obtain ATSDR technical assistance in designing, implementing, and evaluating realistic scenarios. They can use these for testing some or all components of their disaster plans. To learn more about obtaining the content for these trainings, contact ATSDR.

Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents

Toxicological Profiles are a series of peer-reviewed publications details the known adverse health effects of specific chemicals. Each profile describes health effects; chemical and physical properties; manufacture and use; environmental data; sampling methods; and regulatory requirements and guidelines. Information is summarized in easily accessible tables and graphs.

ToxFAQs are two-page summaries of the most commonly asked questions about a specific chemical. These FAQ Sheets, written in layman terms, can be used for risk communication with the general public.

Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) Tools are an ATSDR resource. They are for state and local health departments when responding to large-scale toxic substance spills.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Disasters Planning is an article examining several common assumptions about disasters. It compares them with research findings and discusses the implications for planning.

Additional Resource

Evidence-Based Disaster Lecture Series (Lessons Learned)

Introductory training in disaster planning helps communities define and sharpen their planning assumptions. This lecture series focuses on lessons learned from real-world experiences during actual disasters. For example, planners assume that in a disaster, well-trained professionals will be among the first to respond and care for victims. In reality, untrained bystanders (e.g., coworkers, family members, neighbors) are often the first at the scene offering assistance and transportation. Lessons are emphasized so that planners anticipate how their community is likely to react under real disaster conditions, and plan accordingly.

Training To Manage Stress During Technological Disasters

These courses help prepare communities to deal with various manifestations of psychosocial stress induced by HazMat accidents or terrorist attacks. HazMat events present considerable challenges, even for experienced personnel, because threats come from hazards that are often invisible and unfamiliar. This training is based on evidence-based research findings from technological (non-natural) disasters. They are also based on ATSDR's first-hand experience with communities affected by HazMat sites and releases. Stress management trainings provide skills and strategies for how to identify stress and cope with the emotional issues. They also help with aftermath related to chemical threats. Training can be tailored specifically for first responders, medical personnel, and communities.

A First Responder Course is tailored to the needs of the participants. It can include topics like self-care during an incident, physical and psychological stressors, and normal responder reactions to a technological disaster. Additionally, it can include strategies to help responders and community members deal with the stress of an invisible threat.

A Medical Personnel/Health Department Course, tailored to each department's needs, can include topics such as these:

1. Self-care while providing care to others during a technological disaster.
2. Response and strategies to help the community cope with the stress of an invisible threat.

Analysis of Surveillance Data from HazMat Incidents

ATSDR's Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system 1991-2009 and National Toxic Substance Incidents Program (NTSIP) captured incident data. It also captured data on health outcomes from HazMat accidents and uncontrolled releases in up to 16 states. Analysis of these data can assist disaster planners by providing valuable insights. They look into the kinds of chemical releases likely to occur in their communities. Also, the types of releases most commonly associated with injuries and the types of persons most likely to be injured. Public use datasets are available to conduct analyses on specific chemicals, types of industry, or injuries in the participating states. On the Webpages are also annual reports and journal articles.

Risk Communication Training

This resource provides a framework for developing an effective risk communication plan in a public health crisis. The training addresses the following:

• The role of risk communication in response operations
• Public perception of risks
• Development of specific messages to accomplish identified goals

About ATSDR

A public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ATSDR protects the public's health from toxic substances. Based in Atlanta, ATSDR has 10 regional offices. They coordinate its services with regional, federal, tribal, state, and local agencies, and the public. ATSDR can provide on-site response assistance from its headquarters and its regional offices. ATSDR provides technical assistance to other federal departments, tribal, local, and state agencies on public health issues related to emergency preparedness.

How To Contact ATSDR

For 24/7 HAZMAT assistance, call the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100. Ask to speak with the ATSDR HAZMAT Duty Officer.