Hazardous Materials Incident

An accidental release of hazardous substances is one of the most common disaster-like events hospitals and communities face. If the release results in injuries or contamination, the victims typically receive their initial evaluation and treatment from the closest hospital regardless of the institution’s level of preparedness.

 

The Hazardous Materials Incident Critical Event Annex (CEA) is a planning document that augments the hospital’s existing Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and incorporates the fundamental principles of all-hazards emergency management. 

 

The annex provides for proper recognition, notification and plan activation procedures; staff safety, roles and responsibilities; incident management; decontamination training and area setup; and emergency decontamination procedures.