Decontamination During Decontamination During Human Biological IncidentsHuman Biological Incidents

Presented byPresented by

The Ohio Department of HealthThe Ohio Department of HealthDisaster Preparedness & Response ProgramDisaster Preparedness & Response Program

Our Decontamination FocusOur Decontamination Focus

Nuclear devices/material

Biological weapons

Chemical weapons

Potential List of Biological AgentsPotential List of Biological Agents

Anthrax (bacteria)

Plague (bacteria)

Smallpox (virus)

Ebola/Other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (virus)

Ricin (toxin)

Botulinum (toxin)

About BiologicalsAbout Biologicals

Biological incidents involve bacteria, viruses and bacteria, viruses and

toxinstoxins Detection monitors are currently unavailable Most likely dispersed as aerosols with simple

technologies: Yard sprayers A plane or boat upwind

Might be delivered by oral ingestion

About BiologicalsAbout Biologicals

Routes of entry Deliberate incident is

usually through inhalation & ingestion

Infectious versus communicable

Usually have an incubation period

Decon/Infection ControlDecon/Infection Control

Decon: The process of removing or neutralizing an external hazard from a person, the property or the environment.

Disinfection: Selective elimination of undesirable microorganisms to prevent their transmission (or removal of infectious organisms below necessary level to cause infection).

Sterilization: Complete killing of all organisms.

Decontamination after Biological Release

Material often unnecessary less relevant than

for chemical attack 5.0% bleach more

than adequate 0.1% bleach kills

anthrax spores

People decon rarely

needed less relevant than

for chemical attack soap and water

Key PointsKey Points

Biological decon is different from chemical decon

People can be injured by inappropriate decon:

Physical harm Psychological harm

DecontaminationDecontamination ChecklistChecklist

What are we decontaminating? Which decon are we using - biological or

chemical? Is decontamination possible?Is decontamination possible? Who needs decontamination? What level of protection is needed for those in

area? for the responders?

DeconDecon

Removes but does not necessarily neutralize an agent

Decon cannot kill or render an infectious

disease harmless in a human

Bio Decon Bio Decon

1. Immediately wash exposed skin with soap and water

2. Remove clothes and bag for evidence3. Soap and water shower

Steps 2 and 3 can be done at homeSteps 2 and 3 can be done at home

Why Showering is EnoughWhy Showering is Enough

Agent does not re-aerosolize

Agent must be “device driven” for effectiveness

Intact skin is THE best protection

Agent already captured in lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or open wounds

The Use of Chemicals in The Use of Chemicals in Bio DeconBio Decon

Disinfectants (chemicals) can make agent

harmless with time and contact (e.g. bleach or

hypochlorite solution)

Not recommended for decon of people

Surfaces and equipment - YES

People - NO

Ohio GuidelinesOhio Guidelines

Weapons ofWeapons of

Mass DestructionMass Destruction

BioterrorismBioterrorism

ProtocolProtocol

PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL PERSONNEL AND AGENCIES

BioterrorismBioterrorism

There are a number of things which make this type of incident different from others

Non-traditional responders involved

The incident is a crime scene

Local Dispatch & 911 CentersLocal Dispatch & 911 Centers

Initial dispatch call should include: EMA Fire/EMS Law enforcement Hospitals

Secondary notification should include: FBI Local health department

Agencies InvolvedAgencies Involved

Locally EMA EMS Fire Health Dept Hospital Law Enforcement Poison Control

State & Federal CDC EMA FBI OSP State Dept Of Health USPHS

Medical community response

Epidemiology and public health

response

Calls to 9-1-1 & EMS response

Detection of Covert Biological Detection of Covert Biological AttacksAttacks

Covert Incident Will be Hard Covert Incident Will be Hard to Recognizeto Recognize

Symptoms resemble other sicknesses May not surface for 3 or 4 days Physicians may not be familiar

with symptoms Mortality will be expected Lab analysis must be expedited in any

case

Questions?Questions?

Review Points:Review Points: Biological and chemical

decontamination procedures are different

WATER ONLY, please People can be injured by inappropriate

decon The Ohio Guidelines provide procedures

for dealing with biological incidents