Hazardous Materials

["Paul Hudson" <HUDSONPB@ihs.org>]

Time to access the distributed wisdom of the list.

While our policy concerning the possible transport of patients exposed to hazardous materials is well designed and admirably detailed, a fundamental question remains:

How can one accurately determine if a patient has been sufficiently decontaminated to safely transport by rotor wing EMS?

While the classic case of an identified hazardous materials incident seems relatively clear cut (with both the need and the feasibility of helicopter transport called in to question), the more common gasoline or diesel exposure encountered in an MVC poses a risk and is often ignored or missed until the crew is in danger.

We seek your guidance.

Paul Hudson, Flight Paramedic
Life Flight, Des Moines



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