RE: Hazardous Materials

["Gregory J. Rupert" <gregoryrupert@sprynet.com>]

Hello Paul:

I would think the common sense approach the best. If the patient has
clothing that is satuated, there is vapor levels that would make the patient
unsafe to place in a confined space then the need further decon i.e.
clothing removal (exposure) and flushing the surface. I realize that in some
cases the patient may be critically ill but elevated fuel vapor levels are a
source of ignition particularly when combined with oxygen. This is just one
persons opinion.

P.S. I worked 12 years on the flightline before becoming a nurse. I have
seen the results of fuel vapors in an enclosed space. Can you say BURN UNIT.

Greg Rupert

-----Original Message-----
From: flightmed-admin@flightweb.com
[mailto:flightmed-admin@flightweb.com]On Behalf Of Paul Hudson
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2001 3:35 AM
To: flightmed@flightweb.com
Subject: Hazardous Materials


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



_______________________________________________
Flightmed mailing list


_______________________________________________
Flightmed mailing list