Chapter 42: Hazardous Materials Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering hazardous materials identification, training levels, safety zones, and radiation emergencies for prehospital emergency care.

Hazardous Material

A chemical, compound, material or substance that in any quantity poses a threat or unreasonable risk to life, health, or property if not properly controlled.

TRACEM

An acronym for types of damage from hazardous materials: Thermal, Radiological, Asphyxiation, Chemical, Etiological, and Mechanical.

Shipping Papers

Documents required to be with a vehicle driver that identify the exact substance, quantity, origin, and destination of hazardous materials.

NFPA 704 System

A placard system developed by the National Fire Protection Association used to mark fixed storage containers.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Standardized documents containing sixteen required sections used to communicate the hazards of chemical products.

WISER

Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders; an app or program provided by NIH NLM to assist in identifying substances and appropriate PPE.

First Responder Awareness

The training level usually required for EMTs, focusing on recognizing a hazardous materials emergency and summoning help.

First Responder Operations

The training level for responders who help stop the spread of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials Technician

The training level for personnel who plug, patch, or stop the release of hazardous material.

Hazardous Materials Specialist

The training level focused on site command and support activities.

RAIN

An acronym for awareness-level responsibilities: Recognize, Avoid, Isolate, and Notify.

Decontamination

The process of removing hazardous substances from clothing, equipment, and the vehicle; approximately $60-90\%$ of decontaminants are removed with clothing.

Hot Zone

The safety zone at an incident where contamination is actually present and personnel must wear appropriate protective gear.

Warm Zone

The safety control zone surrounding the contamination zone where lifesaving emergency care is performed and contamination spread is prevented.

Cold Zone

The safe area where normal triage, stabilization, and treatment are performed; rescuers must shed contaminated gear before entering.

Radiation Exposure

Occurs when a patient is in the presence of radioactive material without it touching their clothing or body; the patient does not become radioactive.

Radiation Contamination

Occurs when a patient has direct contact with the source of radioactivity or the material is present on their clothes or skin.

Radiation Sickness

A condition caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation with an onset in hours to weeks; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhage.

Radiation Injury

A local injury caused by exposure to less-penetrating particles, characterized by hair loss, burns, and generalized skin lesions.

Radiation Poisoning

Also known as acute radiation syndrome (ARS), it involves internal exposure to high levels of radiation and can lead to cancer and amnesia.