Hazardous Substance Response Project

Healthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological materials when receiving patients contaminated during a hazardous substance event. Incidents that could result in patient contamination include drug use, accidents and criminal activity. Hospital staff are considered "first receivers" and are at particular risk during mass-casualty incidents, or when contaminated individuals arrive at the emergency department without having received screening and decontamination through Ambulance or Fire Services.

A key Health Emergency Management priority is to develop, refine and deliver an integrated and sustainable, province-wide health system Hazardous Substance Response Program (HSRP). The ultimate aim of the program is to ensure that all health facilities that may receive patients contaminated with hazardous substances have the plans, equipment and training needed to provide care in a safe manner.

The program is underway with the development of BC Guidelines for Decontamination of Patients in Health Facilities.