Course info

The course exposes students to the knowledge and management of hazardous materials (hazmat), the distance-time-shield rule, emergency measures for accidents involving hazardous substances and decontamination. The healthcare provider’s emergency procedures and responsibilities in nuclear, radioactive, biological, chemical and explosive incidents will be covered. The course also introduces students to the hazmat equipment used in dealing with hazardous substances; the initial assessment of a hazard scene; coordination with other emergency professionals; personal safety at the scene; dealing with reactions from patient(s)/ family and ensuring scene safety/prevention of any further damage. Vehicle Hazmat and Extrication processes will be discussed. The course also covers microbiological hazards and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Other important topic(s) will include: Introduction of Bio-medical waste (BMW) also known as Healthcare Waste (HCW) and the different treatment options for different categories of BMW/HCW.