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Decontamination

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Nursing Management of Pediatric Disaster

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Abstract

HAZMAT (hazardous materials) events can cause an influx of patients, including children, directly to the hospital. The ability of health care facilities to care for a large number of casualties including children following a HAZMAT event should be part of all hospitals’ plans. It is critical for hospitals to have the capacity to safely care for casualties while maintaining a safe working environment and preventing secondary contamination. Key components of pediatric decontamination are similar to that of an adult; however, the application is more challenging. Processes vary based on children’s ages and developmental level. Special considerations such as keeping families together, processes for unaccompanied minors, and physiological vulnerabilities should be implemented in the decontamination process. Health care facility guidance, integrating children into disaster plans, communication considerations, specialized equipment, and recommended training are presented.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioterrorism, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Katherine Meyer

Authors
  1. Katherine Meyer
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Correspondence to Katherine Meyer .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Surgery/Trauma Program, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Catherine J. Goodhue

  2. School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Nancy Blake

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Meyer, K. (2020). Decontamination. In: Goodhue, C., Blake, N. (eds) Nursing Management of Pediatric Disaster. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43428-1_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43428-1_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-43427-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-43428-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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