Surveillance on Hazardous Materials Preparedness in the Emergency Department in Korea: Personal Protection Equipment

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the preparedness of personal protective equipment (PPE) against hazardous material (Hazmat) contamination in emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Among 443 EDs, 118 emergency centers (16 regional centers, 4 specialized centers, 98 local centers) were surveyed either by returned usable surveys or facsimile or telephone communication. The 27 survey questions addressed the ability of EDs to safely decontaminate and treat contaminated patients. RESULTS: Among 118 EDs (100%), 7 EDs (5.9%) have a written plan for decontamination and treatment of Hazmat contaminated patients in the ED, and 36 (30.5%) have a hospital-wide disaster plan that includes contingencies for decontamination and treatment of Hazmat contaminated patients. 11 EDs (9.3%) conducted any Hazmat drill within recent two years. 8 EDs (6.8%) have a specific treatment area for contaminated patients. A stock space of PPE is maintained in 11 EDs (9.3%) and 6 EDs (5.1%) have a responder decontamination shower. While 11 EDs store PPE, most of these involve only gowns, gloves, and surgical masks; only 10 EDs provide any type of respiratory protection. There was no ED fully equipped level A PEE but only 21 EDs have partially equipped. The levels of PPE were level D in 7 EDs (5.9%) according to the guidelines of EPA/OSHA Personal Protection Equipment Levels CONCLUSION: Emergency department preparedness against Hazmat exposure in Korea varies tremendously. A significant proportion of hospitals lack written plan and equipment to allow EDs to safely and effectively handle the Hazmat contaminated patient. This has the meaning of one of preliminary data that was national-wide surveyed in Korea.