PPE & CBR in the ED: practical solutions to a hidden problem.

Abstract

Actual incidents involving Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) incidents involving hospitals are rare. Difficulties in understanding the generic Victorian Department of Health (DPR) equipment and initial training in the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics combined with low expectation of actual incidents has led to poorly handled responses in recent years with significent consequences for staff, patients and hospitals. This presentation outlines how staff at the Ballarat Health Services Emergency Department (ED) prepared for CBR incidents including development of a Displan (Disaster Planning Portfolio); site specifice CBR/Personal Protective Equipment(PPR) education sessions and protocols; PPE flip cards inserted into every PPE kit, and live CBR exercises.