The role of environmental health personnel in hazardous materials emergency response.
Environmental Health staff, as representatives of the local Health Officer, have a significant role in responding to hazardous materials emergency incidents in California. This paper describes the development of a county hazardous materials emergency response plan which led to the implementation of a hazardous materials emergency response team staffed by Environmental Health professionals. Each emergency incident has its own unique characteristics so Environmental Health staff must be well prepared to be flexible and adapt the responses and recommendations to what is found at the scene. Responsibilities, procedures, equipment and clean-up strategies at the scene are discussed. Planning, preparation, training and coordination are the key elements to respond to these emergencies effectively.
D002140:California; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards*; D004782:Environmental Health; D006801:Humans