In presenting the results of your assessment, indicate the following information.
· Define, quantify, and map the populations at risk or already affected by the release or both.
· Determine the likely health effects of the chemical release.
· Estimate the number of cases and deaths, and expected hospital admissions and outpatient attendances for the affected areas and specific facilities.
· Estimate needs for outside assistance, based on preliminary findings (e.g. qualified technical personnel, drugs, logistics, and communications support).
Give recommendations on:
- appropriate triage and case management;
- environmental control strategies to prevent further spread of chemical contaminants;
- the need for population evacuation and how to proceed: means of information and communication with community and relevant organizations, destination of evacuees, means of transport, and routes of evacuation;
- appropriate care for those evacuated to temporary shelters; and
- collection, identification, and management of dead victims.
Box 4.Sample checklist for rapid health assessment in chemical emergencies The following checklist will be of value in assessing and reporting on chemical emergencies. 1. General information
- country 1.4 population centres closest to the release 2. Morbidity and mortality
- mildly affected 2.2 number of deaths 3. Site of the release 4. Type(s) of release (describe) 5. Size of release
- weight (kilograms or tonnes) 5.2 amount of the leakage from a pipeline or a chemical tank (litres, tonnes or flow rate) 6. Distribution of release
- temperature 6.2 geographical characteristics
- valleys 7. Define the populations at risk
- schools 7.4 Is evacuation needed? If so, where? 8. Identification of the chemicals and their byproducts
- colour 8.2 information on the chemicals released
- correct technical name 8.3 environmental samples collected - what samples were collected 9. Toxicological evaluation
- molecular formula (to be completed later) 9.4 likely toxic effects of released chemicals
- irritation 9.5 likely exposure route
- inhalation 9.6 sources of further information
- data sheets 9.7 possibilities for body burden measurement
- blood samples 9.8 list of laboratories where analyses can be carried out
- names of laboratories, addresses, and phone numbers 10. Appropriate treatment regimens
- maintenance of vital functions 10.3 psychological support(management of stress reaction) 11. Emergency medical care and health service needs and capabilities
- hospitals 11.2 identify available human resources for therapy and first aid
- doctors 11.3 transport capabilities
- ambulances and other cars 12. Environmental health assessment
- analysis of water safety for chemicals 12.2 food supply
- analysis of food contamination 12.3 suitable shelters 13. General response operations
- awareness 13.4 management of fatalities
- rescue operations for the dead |
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