DPT 8.0
NBC “Delta” Planning
Planning Phase
•Acquire necessary equipment
–Purchase PPE and decontamination equipment and provide training
•Stockpile antidotes & other medications
•Make sure facility remains open and viable
PLANNING PHASE (continued)

Acquire necessary equipment.  Purchase PPE and decontamination equipment and train frequently utilizing this equipment to protect the safety of hospital providers.  All training and materials used must conform to OSHA regulations.  Routine protective gear (such as goggles, surgical facemask, gloves, and gown) may not offer sufficient protection in all circumstances (such as in the case of a nerve agent attack).  Levels of PPE will be determined by the local jurisdiction in concert with OSHA regulations.

Stockpile antidotes.  Develop adequate caches of antidotes that are readily available to quickly and accurately treat victims of a chemical attack.  EDs should maintain basic treatment guidelines for the types of NBC events likely to be seen.  Summarizing this information on treatment cards or posters helps to regularly reinforce the information while streamlining the delivery of medical care.

Take measures to ensure your hospital remains viable during a disaster.  Develop a plan to ensure security of the hospital during a terrorist or disaster event.  Emergency backup phone and communication systems need to be in place.  Identifying alternative sites for providing medical care to patients with minor problems will help ensure continual access to healthcare.