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Collins S, James T, Carter H, Symons C, Southworth F, Foxall K, Marczylo T, Amlôt R. Mass Casualty Decontamination for Chemical Incidents: Research Outcomes and Future Priorities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3079. [PMID: 33802722 PMCID: PMC8002470 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Planning for major incidents involving the release of hazardous chemicals has been informed by a multi-disciplinary research agenda which has sought to inform all aspects of emergency response, but with a focus in recent years on mass casualty decontamination. In vitro and human volunteer studies have established the relative effectiveness of different decontamination protocols for a range of chemical agents. In parallel, a programme of research has focused on communicating with and managing large numbers of contaminated casualties at the scene of an incident. We present an accessible overview of the evidence underpinning current casualty decontamination strategies. We highlight where research outcomes can directly inform response planning, including the critical importance of beginning the decontamination process as soon as possible, the benefits of early removal of contaminated clothing, the evidence under-pinning dry and wet decontamination and how effective communication is essential to any decontamination response. We identify a range of priority areas for future research including establishing the significance of the 'wash-in' effect and developing effective strategies for the decontamination of hair. We also highlight several areas of future methodological development, such as the need for novel chemical simulants. Whilst considerable progress has been made towards incorporating research outcomes into operational policy and practice, we outline how this developing evidence-base might be used to inform future iterations of mass casualty decontamination guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Collins
- Chemicals and Environmental Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot OX11 0RQ, UK;
| | - Thomas James
- Chemicals and Environmental Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot OX11 0RQ, UK;
| | - Holly Carter
- COVID-19 Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Public Health England, Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK; (H.C.); (C.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Charles Symons
- COVID-19 Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Public Health England, Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK; (H.C.); (C.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Felicity Southworth
- Behavioural Science, Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, Porton SP4 0JG, UK;
| | - Kerry Foxall
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot OX11 0RQ, UK; (K.F.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Marczylo
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot OX11 0RQ, UK; (K.F.); (T.M.)
| | - Richard Amlôt
- COVID-19 Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Public Health England, Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK; (H.C.); (C.S.); (R.A.)
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Dutra CCD, Rocha HS. Religious Support as a Contribution to Face the Effects of Social Isolation in Mental Health During the Pandemic of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:99-111. [PMID: 33405093 PMCID: PMC7786321 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic has required measures to contain the contagion, including social isolation. However, this and other factors have caused mental health problems, both in patients and health professionals and in family members or asymptomatic population. Religious support can be an ally for this type of confrontation. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, spiritual/religious care has been restricted and insufficient. When accessible to patients and frontline professionals, they are offered by virtual means, almost always by recorded media and made available in bulk. This essay argues, based on references in the areas of psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, biosafety, and military, that the face-to-face and personalized relationship between religious leaders, patients, health professionals, family members, and faith communities is as essential as possible for the dignified treatment victims, referral to spiritual needs and resilience of society, in addition to contributing to the improvement of the immune response of all. Practical examples are cited in the areas of military chaplaincy and hospital civilian chaplaincy. The essay also proposes the adoption of protocols already published by WHO and other safety measures such as the use of robotics and the recruitment/training of mass chaplains. In addition to contributing to the improvement of COVID-19 pandemic coping processes, the study also contributes to improving the delivery of spiritual/religious care as an ally to physical and mental, individual, and collective health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláunei C D Dutra
- Aerospace Sciences Postgraduate Program, Universidade da Força Aérea, Av. Marechal Fontenelle, 1000 - Campo dos Afonsos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21740-002, Brazil
| | - Henrique S Rocha
- Aerospace Sciences Postgraduate Program, Universidade da Força Aérea, Av. Marechal Fontenelle, 1000 - Campo dos Afonsos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21740-002, Brazil.
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Southworth F, James T, Davidson L, Williams N, Finnie T, Marczylo T, Collins S, Amlôt R. A controlled cross-over study to evaluate the efficacy of improvised dry and wet emergency decontamination protocols for chemical incidents. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239845. [PMID: 33147217 PMCID: PMC7641342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The UK Initial Operational Response (IOR) to chemical incidents includes improvised decontamination procedures, which use readily available materials to rapidly reduce risk to potentially exposed persons. A controlled, cross-over human volunteer study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of improvised dry and wet decontamination procedures on skin, both alone, and in sequence. A simulant contaminant, methyl salicylate (MeS) in vegetable oil with a fluorophore was applied to three locations (shoulder, leg, arm). Participants then received no decontamination (control) or attempted to remove the simulant using one of three improvised protocols (dry decontamination; wet decontamination; combined dry and wet decontamination). Simulant remaining on the skin following decontamination was quantified using both Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSMS) for analysis of MeS and UV imaging to detect fluorophores. Additionally, urine samples were collected for 24 hours following application for analysis of MeS. Significantly less simulant was recovered from skin following each improvised decontamination protocol, compared to the no decontamination control. Further, combined dry and wet decontamination resulted in lower recovery of simulant when compared to either dry or wet decontamination alone. Irrespective of decontamination protocol, significantly more simulant remained on the shoulders compared to either the arms or legs, suggesting that improvised decontamination procedures are less effective for difficult to reach areas of the body. There was no effect of decontamination on excreted MeS in urine over 24 hours. Overall, findings indicate that improvised decontamination is an effective means of rapidly removing contaminants from skin, and combinations of improvised approaches can increase effectiveness in the early stages of decontamination and in the absence of specialist resources at an incident scene. However, the variable control and consistency of improvised decontamination techniques means that further intervention is likely to be needed, particularly for less accessible areas of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Southworth
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas James
- Chemicals and Environmental Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Davidson
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Williams
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Finnie
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Marczylo
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Collins
- Chemicals and Environmental Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Drury J, Carter H, Cocking C, Ntontis E, Tekin Guven S, Amlôt R. Facilitating Collective Psychosocial Resilience in the Public in Emergencies: Twelve Recommendations Based on the Social Identity Approach. Front Public Health 2019; 7:141. [PMID: 31214561 PMCID: PMC6558061 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence demonstrates the centrality of social psychology to the behavior of members of the public as immediate responders in emergencies. Such public behavior is a function of social psychological processes—in particular identities and norms. In addition, what the authorities and relevant professional groups assume about the social psychology of people in emergencies shapes policy and practice in preparedness, response, and recovery. These assumptions therefore have consequences for the public's ability to act as immediate responders. In this Policy and Practice Review, we will do three things. First, we will overview research on the behavior of survivors of emergencies and disasters, drawing out key factors known to explain the extent to which survivors cooperate in these events and contribute to safe collective outcomes. We will demonstrate the utility of the social identity approach as an overarching framework for explaining the major mechanisms of collective supportive behavior among survivors in emergencies. Second, we will critically review recent and current UK government agency guidance on emergency response, focusing particularly on what is stated about the role of survivors in emergencies and disasters. This review will suggest that the “community resilience” agenda has only been partly realized in practice, but that the social identity approach is progressing this. Third, we will derive from the research literature and from dialogue with groups involved in emergencies a set of 12 recommendations for both emergency managers and members of the public affected by emergencies and disasters. These focus on the crucial need to build shared identity and to communicate, and the connection between these two aims. Including our recommendations within emergency guidance and training will facilitate collective psychosocial resilience, which refers to the way a shared identity allows groups of survivors to express and expect solidarity and cohesion, and thereby to coordinate and draw upon collective sources of support. In sum, this evidence-base and the recommendations we derive from it will help professionals involved in emergency management to support public resilient behaviors and will help the public to develop and maintain their own capacity for such resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Drury
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Carter
- Emergency Response Department Science and Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Cocking
- School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Ntontis
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,School of Psychology, Politics, and Sociology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Selin Tekin Guven
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Emergency Response Department Science and Technology, Health Protection Directorate, Public Health England, Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Martín-Rodríguez F. Metabolic fatigue in resuscitators using personal protection equipment against biological hazard. INVESTIGACION Y EDUCACION EN ENFERMERIA 2019; 37:e04. [PMID: 31487441 PMCID: PMC7871487 DOI: 10.17533/udea.iee.v37n2e04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the effects of wearing individual protection equipment against biological hazard when performing a simulated resuscitation. METHODS Uncontrolled quasi-experimental study involving 47 volunteers chosen by random sampling stratified by sex and professional category. We determined vital signs, anthropometric parameters and baseline lactate levels; subsequently, the volunteers put on level D individual protection equipment against biological hazard and performed a simulated resuscitation for 20 minutes. After undressing and 10 minutes of rest, blood was extracted again to determine lactate levels. Metabolic fatigue was defined as a level of lactic acid above 4 mmol/L at the end of the intervention. RESULTS 25.5% of the participants finished the simulation with an unfavorable metabolic tolerance pattern. The variables that predict metabolic fatigue were the level of physical activity and bone mass -in a protective form- and muscle mass. People with a low level of physical activity had ten times the probability of metabolic fatigue compared to those with higher levels of activity (44% versus 4.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Professionals who present a medium or high level of physical activity tolerate resuscitation tasks better with a level D individual biological protection suit in a simulated resuscitation.
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Carter H, Gauntlett L, Rubin GJ, Russell D, Genereux M, Lemyre L, Blain P, Byers M, Amlôt R. Psychosocial and behavioural aspects of early incident response: outcomes from an international workshop. GLOBAL SECURITY: HEALTH, SCIENCE AND POLICY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23779497.2018.1556112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Carter
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
| | - Louis Gauntlett
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
| | - G. James Rubin
- King’s College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Weston Education Centre, London, UK
| | - David Russell
- Centre for Radiation Chemicals & Environmental Hazards, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Melissa Genereux
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Lemyre
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Peter Blain
- Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Byers
- Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Emergency Response Department Science & Technology, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
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Does Gender Influence Physiological Tolerance in Resuscitators When Using Personal Protection Equipment against Biological Hazards? Emerg Med Int 2018; 2018:5890535. [PMID: 30410800 PMCID: PMC6206520 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5890535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Certain professions, such as those related to emergency services, have usually been performed by men, progressively incorporating women into these professions. The main objective of our study was to determine, according to gender, how the use of level D biohazard personal protection equipment (PPE) affects emergency professionals during the performance of resuscitation. Materials and Methods An uncontrolled quasi-experimental study was performed on 96 volunteers selected by means of random sampling stratified by gender. Baseline and final vital signs of the assessment activity were analyzed. This activity involves volunteers performing a simulated resuscitation in a controlled environment whilst wearing personal protective suits in a biohazard situation. Results Analyzing the physiological tolerance pattern parameter by parameter, and according to gender, through a univariate model, we can observe that there is no interaction between tolerance and gender; that is, having good or bad tolerance does not depend on gender. Conclusion. This specialized skilled work can be performed by any properly trained professional.
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Blancher M, Albasini F, Elsensohn F, Zafren K, Hölzl N, McLaughlin K, Wheeler AR, Roy S, Brugger H, Greene M, Paal P. Management of Multi-Casualty Incidents in Mountain Rescue: Evidence-Based Guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:131-140. [PMID: 29446647 PMCID: PMC6014052 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blancher, Marc, François Albasini, Fidel Elsensohn, Ken Zafren, Natalie Hölzl, Kyle McLaughlin, Albert R. Wheeler III, Steven Roy, Hermann Brugger, Mike Greene, and Peter Paal. Management of multi-casualty incidents in mountain rescue: Evidence-based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol. 19:131–140, 2018. Introduction: Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI) occur in mountain areas. Little is known about the incidence and character of such events, and the kind of rescue response. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) set out to provide recommendations for the management of MCI in mountain areas. Materials and Methods: Details of MCI occurring in mountain areas related to mountaineering activities and involving organized mountain rescue were collected. A literature search using (1) PubMed, (2) national mountain rescue registries, and (3) lay press articles on the internet was performed. The results were analyzed with respect to specific aspects of mountain rescue. Results: We identified 198 MCIs that have occurred in mountain areas since 1956: 137 avalanches, 38 ski lift accidents, and 23 other events, including lightning injuries, landslides, volcanic eruptions, lost groups of people, and water-related accidents. Discussion: General knowledge on MCI management is required. Due to specific aspects of triage and management, the approach to MCIs may differ between those in mountain areas and those in urban settings. Conclusions: Mountain rescue teams should be prepared to manage MCIs. Knowledge should be reviewed and training performed regularly. Cooperation between terrestrial rescue services, avalanche safety authorities, and helicopter crews is critical to successful management of MCIs in mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Blancher
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Grenoble-Alps , Grenoble, France .,2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France
| | - François Albasini
- 2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France .,3 Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Jean de Maurienne Hospital , St. Jean de Maurienne, France
| | | | - Ken Zafren
- 4 ICAR MedCom , Roethis, Austria .,5 Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center , Stanford, California.,6 Alaska Mountain Rescue Group , Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Natalie Hölzl
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum Kempten, Germany
| | - Kyle McLaughlin
- 8 Department of Emergency Medicine, Canmore, Canada .,9 Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Canada
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- 10 Department of Emergency Medicine, St John's Medical Center , Jackson, Wyoming.,11 Search and Rescue Medical Director, Grand Teton National Park , Jackson, Wyoming
| | - Steven Roy
- 12 Quebec Secours SAR, Resident Physician Elective in Wilderness Medicine, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Hermann Brugger
- 13 Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mike Greene
- 14 Emergency Medicine Physician, Medical Officer Mountain Rescue England and Wales , Whitehaven, England
| | - Peter Paal
- 15 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University , Salzburg, Austria
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