Guidance for the operational response to Chemical Incidents
The Primary Response Incident Scene Management (PRISM) series was written to provide authoritative, evidence-based guidance on mass patient disrobe and decontamination during a chemical incident. The PRISM documentation comprises three volumes:
Presents a review of best practices, collates available evidence and identifies areas that require further investigation. The document is relevant to senior incident responders (e.g., Incident Commanders) and those responsible for emergency planning and civil contingencies, as it describes the supporting technical information that underpins the rationale for each stage of disrobe and decontamination and highlights potential issues or challenges.
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The second volume provides an overview of the processes involved in mass patient disrobe and decontamination and the rationale that underpins each process. The document does not include supporting technical information or potential challenges. Volume 2 has particular application in the training and exercising of first responders and officials involved with domestic preparedness and emergency management.
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The salient features of mass patient disrobe and decontamination are presented in Volume 3, which aims to provide all Federal, State, Tribal and local first responders with a simple, readily accessible guide to critical aspects of the incident response processes.
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The underpinning basis of the PRISM guidance documentation is scientific evidence accrued from a six-year program of research sponsored by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the aim of which is to ensure that all patients exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals receive the most effective treatment possible at the earliest opportunity.
