Occupational Safety and Health

Goal

This course is designed for local public health agencies and professionals who may be involved in public health disasters. The goals of the course are to:

• Increase awareness of the importance of using PPE in public health emergencies and crises.
• Reinforce appropriate PPE in different crisis situations and biohazards.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this course is local public health employees/ agencies and “on site” professionals who may be involved in public health emergencies such as flooding, disease outbreak,  hurricanes and floods, debris cleanup, mass fatalities, or any other related public health emergencies.

Length

The length of time for participants to take this course is estimated to be one hour.

Capabilities Identified:

• Capability 14: Responder Safety and Health
• Function 1: Identify responder safety and health risks
• Function 2: Identify safety and personal protective needs
• Function 3: Coordinate with partners to facilitate risk-specific safety and health training.
• Function 4: Monitor responder safety and health actions

Competencies Identified:

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness.
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources that identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency.
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for realigning response actions as crisis events evolve.

• 4.2 Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats.
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters.
• 4.2.2 Categorize potential threats and emergencies.
• 4.2.3 Promote taking protective actions in response to current and changing threats.
• 4.2.4 Describe the relationship among protective measures, behaviors, and reduction of worker risk of injury or illness.
• 4.2.5 Describe the hierarchy of control measures.
• 4.2.6 Describe how the selection of control measures may evolve as conditions change.
• 4.2.8 Discuss public health worker’s roles and responsibilities in designing, implementing and evaluating engineering, administrative, work practice and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) control measures.
• 4.2.9 Organize a system for reporting injuries, illnesses, and potential emergency harmful exposures to protect workers.
• 4.2.10 Apply decontamination procedures as necessary during the emergency or disaster response
• 4.2.11 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency.
• 4.2.13 Exhibit personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters.
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of assigned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in an emergency.
• 4.2.15 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• 4.2.16 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Adopted Oct 21,2021 Version)

Domain 1: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills

1.8.5 Identifies public health programs and organizations with authority to address specific community health needs (e.g., lead in housing, water fluoridation, bike lanes, emergency preparedness, infectious disease outbreaks)

Course Content

There are four sections in this course:

Section 1: Incident, Hazards, and PPE
Section 2: Donning and Doffing PPE
Section 3: Importance of Personal Protective Equipment
Activity: PPE Challenge!

There are review questions at the end of  Sections 1 through 3. These review questions provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a Posttest at the end of the course.

Learning Objectives

Section 1: Incidents, Hazards, and PPE

After completing this section, participants will be able to:

• Identify different types and levels of PPE.
• Match the hazards, risks, and the recommended PPE.
• Describe the limitations of PPE in protecting yourself and others from injury.
• Explain the appropriate use of PPE and other protocols (standard precautions, expanded precautions, and hand hygiene) in protecting yourself and others from infectious disease.

Section 2: Donning and Doffing PPE

After completing this section, participants will be able to:

• Describe how to properly don, adjust,  wear, and doff the most common types of PPE.
• Explain how to maintain PPE properly.

Section 3: Importance of PPE

After completing this section, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of PPE.
• Describe lessons learned when personal protective equipment (PPE) is not used.

Activity - PPE Challenge!

After completing this section, participants will be able to:

• Select the appropriate PPE for the given incidents.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. In order to successfully complete this course, you MUST score 70% or higher on the Posttest.

If you do not receive 70% on the posttest, you may review the material and re-take it. The posttest will become available for a re-take 2 days after your first attempt.

Modality/Format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Technical Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Speakers

Course Redesign and Redevelopment (June 2023)

Subject Matter Expert & Narrator

• Douglas Rierson

Instructional Designers & Developers

• Christine McQuillan 
• Dena Fife
• Alyssa Azhari 

Audio/Video Production

• Melissa Richlen

LMS Coordinator

• Tim Beachy

Course Creation and/or Update

June 2023

Acknowledgements

The following organizations collaborated on the development of this course: Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH); University of Iowa College of Public Health, Institute for Public Health Practice (IPHP).

Need Assistance?

If you need technical help, please Contact Us

Course Overview

Goal/Intended Audience

This course is intended for health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level.

Prerequisite

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers is a prerequisite for this course.

Capabilities identified:

• Capability 2: Community Recovery
• Function 1: Identify and monitor public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health system recovery needs.
• Function 2: Coordinate community public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health system recovery operations.
• Function 3: Implement corrective actions to mitigate damages from future incidents.

• Capability 6: Information Sharing
• Function 1: Identify stakeholders to be incorporated into information flow.

• Capability 7: Mass Care
• Function 3: Coordinate public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health services.

• Capability 14: Responder Safety and Health
• Function 2: Identify safety and personal protective needs.

Competencies identified:

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions.
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems.
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk.
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk.
• 1.1.7 Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solubility.
• 1.1.8 Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations.
• 1.1.9 Implement action to solve the problem(s) in a timely fashion.

• 1.2 Manage behaviors associated with emotional responses in self and others.
• 1.2.2 Applies techniques for maintaining awareness of possible signs of personal stress, burn-out, and vicarious trauma.
• 1.2.7 Use self care principles and practices to mitigate potential adverse effects.
• 1.2.8 Demonstrate the ability to develop a helping relationship in support of the emotional health of others.
• 1.2.12 Assess individuals requiring immediate care from those who need no care or delayed care.

• 1.3: Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners.
• 1.3.3 Develop collaborative emergency response plans and/or policies with appropriate internal and external emergency response partners.
• 1.3.4 Apply communication strategies to effectively communicate with internal and external response partners.

• 1.4: Maintain situational awareness.
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.4 Detect cues that the situation may be rapidly changing.
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for realigning response actions as crisis events evolve.
• 1.4.17 Distinguish between existing and future needs in response environments.

• 1.6: Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.2 Apply appropriate public health authority to minimize adverse outcomes (e.g., persons, property, etc.)
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3: Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command.
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down).
• 2.3.5 Communicate relevant information with to personnel in a timely fashion.

• 2. 5 Manage the recording and /or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities.

• 4.2: Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats.
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters.
• 4.2.12 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency.
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters.
• 4.2.16 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned PPE.
• 4.2.17 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of PPE.

• 4.3: Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command.
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response.
• 4.3.5 Report unresolved physical and/or mental health threats through the chain of command.

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals identified:

Domain 1: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills

1.8.5 Identifies public health programs and organizations with authority to address specific community health needs (e.g., lead in housing, water fluoridation, bike lanes, emergency preparedness, infectious disease outbreaks)

Course Content

There are four modules in this course:

1. Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
2. Reference Materials
3. Personal Protective Equipment for First Receivers
4. Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each module. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the module. In addition, some modules contain practice exercises.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe toxicity and relative toxicity.
• Define common terms (i.e. IDLH, TLV-C) used to measure toxicity and exposure limits.
• List the four major routes of entry of toxic chemicals and describe factors that affect absorption for each.
• Describe measures to avoid secondary contamination.
• Use reference materials to obtain information about a toxic chemical in order to treat patients and maintain safety of self and others.
• List the steps for donning and doffing PPE.
• List the steps for assembling and disassembling a decontamination shower.
• Utilize manufacturer instructions for the proper care and maintenance of PPE.
• Recognize circumstances under which you can or cannot rely on your PPE for protection.
• List the steps for decontaminating ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. In order to successfully complete this course, you MUST score 70% or higher on the Posttest.

If you do not receive 70% on the posttest, you may review the material and re-take it. The posttest will become available for a re-take 2 days after your first attempt.

Modality/Format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Technical Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Speakers

Course Redesign and Redevelopment (May 2023)

Subject Matter Expert & Narrator

• Douglas Rierson

Instructional Designers & Developers

• Christine McQuillan
• Dena Fife
• Alyssa Azhari

Audio/Video Production

• Melissa Richlen

LMS Coordinator

• Tim Beachy

Course Creation and/or Update

May 2023

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Headphones or Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Acknowledgements

The following organizations collaborated on the development of this course: Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH); University of Iowa College of Public Health, Institute for Public Health Practice (IPHP).

Need Assistance?

If you need technical help, please Contact Us

Goal

The presence of hazardous materials in an Emergency Department is a risk to everyone - hospital personnel, patients and other people within the hospital. During HAZMAT incidents, hospital personnel should have two main goals:

1. to protect both themselves and others from exposure to the hazardous material
2. to provide the same level of care for the contaminated patient as any other patient

This course is intended to help you respond to incidents involving hazardous materials in a way that meets these two goals.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient.

Public Health Preparedness Capabilities

• Capability 1: Community Preparedness
• Function 1: Determine risks to the health jurisdiction

• Capability 2: Community Recovery
• Function 1: Identify and monitor public health, medical, and mental/behavioral health system recovery needs.

Public Health Preparedness and Response Core Competencies

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions.
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems.
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk.
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk.
• 1.1.17 Refer problems that fall outside his or her scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command.

• 1.3: Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners.
• 1.3.1 Compare the roles of relevant internal and external emergency response partners (including, but not limited to, agencies, organizations, authorities, elected leaders and stakeholders).

• 1.4: Maintain situational awareness.
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency in terms of the creation of situational awareness.

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command.
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down).

• 2. 4 Collect data according to protocol.
• 2.4.1 Use standardized protocol to collect data.
• 2.4.2 Identify key local resources of data.

• 2. 5 Manage the recording and /or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities.
• 3.3.6 Prioritize critical emergency preparedness responsibilities in one’s own program.

• 4.2: Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats.
• 4.2.2 Categorize potential threats and emergencies.
• 4.2.3 Promote taking protective actions in response to current and changing threats
• 4.2.12 12. Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency.

• 4.3: Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command.
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response.

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Adopted Oct 21,2021 Version)

Domain 1: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills

1.8.5 Identifies public health programs and organizations with authority to address specific community health needs (e.g., lead in housing, water fluoridation, bike lanes, emergency preparedness, infectious disease outbreaks)

Course Content

There are four sections in this course:

1. First Receivers and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
2. Recognizing Hazardous Substances in The Emergency Department
3. Understanding Your Role in The Response Plan 
4. Recognizing Common Hazardous Substances 

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the course. 

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between a "first responder" and a "first receiver".
• Describe how a HAZMAT incident evolves, and what a hospital emergency department can expect.
• Recognize the presence of a hazardous material in the emergency department.
• List the essential components of a HAZMAT response plan.
• Analyze your facility's HAZMAT policies/procedures and your role.
• List important issues to consider when dealing with contaminated patients.
• List the facts an emergency department needs to know about a HAZMAT incident in order to implement a response plan.
• Identify which hazardous substances are most prevalent in Iowa and in your community.
• Describe the following about the most prevalent hazardous substances: general signs and symptoms of exposure, and where they are typically found.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. In order to successfully complete this course, you MUST score 70% or higher on the Posttest.

If you do not receive 70% on the posttest, you may review the material and re-take it. The posttest will become available for a re-take 2 days after your first attempt.

Modality/Format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Technical Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Speakers

Course Redesign and Redevelopment (January 2023)

Subject Matter Expert & Narrator

• Douglas Rierson

Instructional Designers & Developers

• Christine McQuillan (Storyline)
• Dena Fife
• Alyssa Azhari (Moodle)

Audio/Video Production

• Melissa Richlen

LMS Coordinator

• Tim Beachy

Course Creation and/or Update

May 2023

Acknowledgements

The following organizations collaborated on the development of this course: Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH); University of Iowa College of Public Health, Institute for Public Health Practice (IPHP).

Need Assistance?

If you need technical help, please Contact Us

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding The Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

Health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• List four locations HAZMAT incidents occur
• Use the APIE process during a HAZMAT incident
• Utilize the Emergency Response Guidebook during a HAZMAT incident
• Recognize various containers that may contain hazardous materials and list the types of materials most likely contained in them
• Recognize and interpret DOT labels and placards used to mark hazardous materials in transit
• Recognize and interpret NFPA labels used to mark hazardous materials in fixed sites

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1A1. Describes factors affecting the health of a community (e.g., equity, income, education, environment)
• 1A12. Contributes to assessments of community health status and factors influencing health in a community (e.g., quality, availability, accessibility, and use of health services; access to affordable housing)

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Speakers or headphones

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Content creation and/or update

May 2023

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Importance of PPE
• Section 2: Incidents, Hazards, and PPE
• Section 3: Donning and Doffing PPE
• Section 4: Activity – PPE Challenge!

There are review questions at the end of Sections 1 through 3. These review questions provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a Post-Test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

local public health employees/ agencies and “on site” professionals who may be involved in public health emergencies such as flooding, disease outbreak, hurricanes and floods, debris cleanup, mass fatalities, or any other related public health emergencies.

Learning Objectives:

Section 1: Importance of PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of PPE
• Describe lessons learned when personal protective equipment (PPE) is not used

Section 2: Incidents, Hazards, and PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify different types and levels of PPE
• Match the hazards, risks, and the recommended PPE
• Describe the limitations of PPE in protecting yourself and others from injury
• Explain the appropriate use of PPE and other protocols (standard precautions, expanded precautions, and hand hygiene) in protecting yourself and others from infectious disease

Section 3: Donning and Doffing PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe how to properly don, adjust, wear and doff the most common types of PPE
• Explain how to maintain PPE properly

Section 4: Activity – PPE Challenge! 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Select the appropriate PPE for the given incidents

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

Community Dimensions of Practice Skills, Public Health Sciences Skills

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

October 22, 2013

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
• Section 2: Reference Materials
• Section 3: Personal Protective Equipment for First Recivers
• Section 4: Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Describe toxicity and relative toxicity
• Define common terms (i.e IDLH, TLV-C) used to measure toxicity and exposure limits
• List the four major routes of entry of toxic chemicals and describe factors that affect absorption for each
• Describe measures to avoid secondary contamination
• Use reference materials to obtain information about a toxic chemical in order to treat patients and maintain safety of self and others
• List the steps for donning and doffing PPE
• List the steps for assembling and disassembling a decontamination shower
• Utilize manufacturer instructions for the proper care and maintenance of PPE
• Recognize circumstances under which you can or cannot rely on your PPE for protection
• List the steps for decontaminating ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.7 Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solubility
• 1.1.8 Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations
• 1.1.9 Implement action to solve the problem(s) in a timely fashion

• 1.2 Manage behaviors associated with emotional responses in self and others
• 1.2.2 Applies techniques for maintaining awareness of possible signs of personal stress, burn-out, and vicarious trauma
• 1.2.7 Use self care principles and practices to mitigate potential adverse effects
• 1.2.8 Demonstrate the ability to develop a helping relationship in support of the emotional health of others
• 1.2.12 Assess individuals requiring immediate care from those who need no care or delayed care

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.3 Develop collaborative emergency response plans and/or policies with appropriate internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.4 Apply communication strategies to effectively communicate with internal and external response partners

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response
• 1.4.4 Detect cues that the situation may be rapidly changing
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for regulating responses actions as crisis events evolve
• 1.4.17 Distinguish between existing and future needs in response environments

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority
• 1.6.2 Apply appropriate public health authority to minimize adverse outcomes (e.g., person, property, etc.)
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law

Domain 2: Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• 2.3 Report Information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down)
• 2.3.5 Communicate relevant information with to personnel in a timely fashion

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination

Domain 3: Communication Skills

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but no limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training)
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities

Domain 4: Cultural Competency Skills

• 4.2 Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.12 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.16 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned PPE
• 4.2.17 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of PPE

• 4.3 Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response
• 4.3.5 Report unresolved physical and/or mental health threats through the chain of command

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Headphones or Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Content creation and/or update

May 19, 2015

Course Summary

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding the Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between a “first responder” and a “first receiver”
• Describe how a HAZMAT incident evolves, and what a hospital emergency department can expect
• Recognize the presence of a hazardous material in the emergency department
• List the essential components of a HAZMAT response plan
• Understand your facility’s HAZMAT policies/procedures and your role
• List important issues to consider when dealing with contaminated patients
• List the facts an emergency department needs to know about a HAZMAT incident in order to implement a response plan
• Identify which hazardous substances are most prevalent in Iowa and in your community
• Describe the following about the most prevalent hazardous substances: general signs and symptoms of exposure, and where they are typically found

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.17Refer problems that fall outside his or her scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.1 Compare the roles of relevant internal and external emergency response partners (including, but not limited to, agencies, organizations, authorities, elected leaders and stakeholders).

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency in terms of creation of situational awareness.

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.3 Acess the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization defined command structure (i.e.$nbsp;report up, communicate down).

• 2.4 Collect Data according to protocol.
• 2.4.1 Use standardized protocol to collect data.
• 2.4.2 Identify key local resources of data.

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.6 Prioritize critical emergency preparedness responsibilities in one’s own program.

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Importance of PPE
• Section 2: Incidents, Hazards, and PPE
• Section 3: Donning and Doffing PPE
• Section 4: Activity – PPE Challenge!

There are review questions at the end of Sections 1 through 3. These review questions provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a Post-Test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

local public health employees/ agencies and “on site” professionals who may be involved in public health emergencies such as flooding, disease outbreak, hurricanes and floods, debris cleanup, mass fatalities, or any other related public health emergencies.

Learning Objectives:

Section 1: Importance of PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of PPE
• Describe lessons learned when personal protective equipment (PPE) is not used

Section 2: Incidents, Hazards, and PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify different types and levels of PPE
• Match the hazards, risks, and the recommended PPE
• Describe the limitations of PPE in protecting yourself and others from injury
• Explain the appropriate use of PPE and other protocols (standard precautions, expanded precautions, and hand hygiene) in protecting yourself and others from infectious disease

Section 3: Donning and Doffing PPE 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe how to properly don, adjust, wear and doff the most common types of PPE
• Explain how to maintain PPE properly

Section 4: Activity – PPE Challenge! 
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

• Select the appropriate PPE for the given incidents

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

Community Dimensions of Practice Skills, Public Health Sciences Skills

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

October 22, 2013

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
• Section 2: Reference Materials
• Section 3: Personal Protective Equipment for First Recivers
• Section 4: Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Describe toxicity and relative toxicity
• Define common terms (i.e IDLH, TLV-C) used to measure toxicity and exposure limits
• List the four major routes of entry of toxic chemicals and describe factors that affect absorption for each
• Describe measures to avoid secondary contamination
• Use reference materials to obtain information about a toxic chemical in order to treat patients and maintain safety of self and others
• List the steps for donning and doffing PPE
• List the steps for assembling and disassembling a decontamination shower
• Utilize manufacturer instructions for the proper care and maintenance of PPE
• Recognize circumstances under which you can or cannot rely on your PPE for protection
• List the steps for decontaminating ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.7 Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solubility
• 1.1.8 Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations
• 1.1.9 Implement action to solve the problem(s) in a timely fashion

• 1.2 Manage behaviors associated with emotional responses in self and others
• 1.2.2 Applies techniques for maintaining awareness of possible signs of personal stress, burn-out, and vicarious trauma
• 1.2.7 Use self care principles and practices to mitigate potential adverse effects
• 1.2.8 Demonstrate the ability to develop a helping relationship in support of the emotional health of others
• 1.2.12 Assess individuals requiring immediate care from those who need no care or delayed care

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.3 Develop collaborative emergency response plans and/or policies with appropriate internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.4 Apply communication strategies to effectively communicate with internal and external response partners

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response
• 1.4.4 Detect cues that the situation may be rapidly changing
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for regulating responses actions as crisis events evolve
• 1.4.17 Distinguish between existing and future needs in response environments

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority
• 1.6.2 Apply appropriate public health authority to minimize adverse outcomes (e.g., person, property, etc.)
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law

Domain 2: Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• 2.3 Report Information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down)
• 2.3.5 Communicate relevant information with to personnel in a timely fashion

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination

Domain 3: Communication Skills

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but no limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training)
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities

Domain 4: Cultural Competency Skills

• 4.2 Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.12 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.16 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned PPE
• 4.2.17 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of PPE

• 4.3 Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response
• 4.3.5 Report unresolved physical and/or mental health threats through the chain of command

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Headphones or Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Content creation and/or update

May 19, 2015

Course Summary

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding the Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between a “first responder” and a “first receiver”
• Describe how a HAZMAT incident evolves, and what a hospital emergency department can expect
• Recognize the presence of a hazardous material in the emergency department
• List the essential components of a HAZMAT response plan
• Understand your facility’s HAZMAT policies/procedures and your role
• List important issues to consider when dealing with contaminated patients
• List the facts an emergency department needs to know about a HAZMAT incident in order to implement a response plan
• Identify which hazardous substances are most prevalent in Iowa and in your community
• Describe the following about the most prevalent hazardous substances: general signs and symptoms of exposure, and where they are typically found

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.17Refer problems that fall outside his or her scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.1 Compare the roles of relevant internal and external emergency response partners (including, but not limited to, agencies, organizations, authorities, elected leaders and stakeholders).

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency in terms of creation of situational awareness.

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.3 Acess the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization defined command structure (i.e.$nbsp;report up, communicate down).

• 2.4 Collect Data according to protocol.
• 2.4.1 Use standardized protocol to collect data.
• 2.4.2 Identify key local resources of data.

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.6 Prioritize critical emergency preparedness responsibilities in one’s own program.

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding The Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

Health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• List four locations HAZMAT incidents occur
• Use the APIE process during a HAZMAT incident
• Utilize the Emergency Response Guidebook during a HAZMAT incident
• Recognize various containers that may contain hazardous materials and list the types of materials most likely contained in them
• Recognize and interpret DOT labels and placards used to mark hazardous materials in transit
• Recognize and interpret NFPA labels used to mark hazardous materials in fixed sites

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1A1. Describes factors affecting the health of a community (e.g., equity, income, education, environment)
• 1A12. Contributes to assessments of community health status and factors influencing health in a community (e.g., quality, availability, accessibility, and use of health services; access to affordable housing)

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Content creation and/or update

July 1, 2013

Course Summary

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
• Section 2: Reference Materials
• Section 3: Personal Protective Equipment for First Recivers
• Section 4: Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Describe toxicity and relative toxicity
• Define common terms (i.e IDLH, TLV-C) used to measure toxicity and exposure limits
• List the four major routes of entry of toxic chemicals and describe factors that affect absorption for each
• Describe measures to avoid secondary contamination
• Use reference materials to obtain information about a toxic chemical in order to treat patients and maintain safety of self and others
• List the steps for donning and doffing PPE
• List the steps for assembling and disassembling a decontamination shower
• Utilize manufacturer instructions for the proper care and maintenance of PPE
• Recognize circumstances under which you can or cannot rely on your PPE for protection
• List the steps for decontaminating ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.7 Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solubility
• 1.1.8 Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations
• 1.1.9 Implement action to solve the problem(s) in a timely fashion

• 1.2 Manage behaviors associated with emotional responses in self and others
• 1.2.2 Applies techniques for maintaining awareness of possible signs of personal stress, burn-out, and vicarious trauma
• 1.2.7 Use self care principles and practices to mitigate potential adverse effects
• 1.2.8 Demonstrate the ability to develop a helping relationship in support of the emotional health of others
• 1.2.12 Assess individuals requiring immediate care from those who need no care or delayed care

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.3 Develop collaborative emergency response plans and/or policies with appropriate internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.4 Apply communication strategies to effectively communicate with internal and external response partners

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response
• 1.4.4 Detect cues that the situation may be rapidly changing
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for regulating responses actions as crisis events evolve
• 1.4.17 Distinguish between existing and future needs in response environments

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority
• 1.6.2 Apply appropriate public health authority to minimize adverse outcomes (e.g., person, property, etc.)
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law

Domain 2: Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• 2.3 Report Information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down)
• 2.3.5 Communicate relevant information with to personnel in a timely fashion

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination

Domain 3: Communication Skills

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but no limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training)
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities

Domain 4: Cultural Competency Skills

• 4.2 Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.12 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.16 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned PPE
• 4.2.17 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of PPE

• 4.3 Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response
• 4.3.5 Report unresolved physical and/or mental health threats through the chain of command

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

May 19, 2015

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding the Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between a “first responder” and a “first receiver”
• Describe how a HAZMAT incident evolves, and what a hospital emergency department can expect
• Recognize the presence of a hazardous material in the emergency department
• List the essential components of a HAZMAT response plan
• Understand your facility’s HAZMAT policies/procedures and your role
• List important issues to consider when dealing with contaminated patients
• List the facts an emergency department needs to know about a HAZMAT incident in order to implement a response plan
• Identify which hazardous substances are most prevalent in Iowa and in your community
• Describe the following about the most prevalent hazardous substances: general signs and symptoms of exposure, and where they are typically found

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.17Refer problems that fall outside his or her scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.1 Compare the roles of relevant internal and external emergency response partners (including, but not limited to, agencies, organizations, authorities, elected leaders and stakeholders).

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency in terms of creation of situational awareness.

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.3 Acess the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization defined command structure (i.e.$nbsp;report up, communicate down).

• 2.4 Collect Data according to protocol.
• 2.4.1 Use standardized protocol to collect data.
• 2.4.2 Identify key local resources of data.

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.6 Prioritize critical emergency preparedness responsibilities in one’s own program.

Goal/Intended Audience

This course is intended for health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level. Prerequisite: HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers is a prerequisite for this course.

Course Content

There are four modules in this course:

1. Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
2. Reference Materials
3. Personal Protective Equipment for First Receivers
4. Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each module. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the module. In addition, some modules contain practice exercises.

Goal/ Intended Audience

This course is intended for health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient. The presence of hazardous materials in an Emergency Department is a risk to everyone - hospital personnel, patients and other people within the hospital. During HAZMAT incidents, hospital personnel should have two main goals: - To protect both themselves and others from exposure to the hazardous material - To provide the same level of care for the contaminated patient as any other patient This course is intended to help you respond to incidents involving hazardous materials in a way that meets these two goals.

Content Summary

There are four modules in this course:

1. Hospital 'First Receivers' and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
2. Recognizing Hazardous Substances In The Emergency Department
3. Understanding The Hospital's Response Plan & Your Role
4. Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each module. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the module. In addition, some modules contain practice exercises.

Course Summary

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding the Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between a “first responder” and a “first receiver”
• Describe how a HAZMAT incident evolves, and what a hospital emergency department can expect
• Recognize the presence of a hazardous material in the emergency department
• List the essential components of a HAZMAT response plan
• Understand your facility’s HAZMAT policies/procedures and your role
• List important issues to consider when dealing with contaminated patients
• List the facts an emergency department needs to know about a HAZMAT incident in order to implement a response plan
• Identify which hazardous substances are most prevalent in Iowa and in your community
• Describe the following about the most prevalent hazardous substances: general signs and symptoms of exposure, and where they are typically found

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

Competencies identified

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.17Refer problems that fall outside his or her scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.1 Compare the roles of relevant internal and external emergency response partners (including, but not limited to, agencies, organizations, authorities, elected leaders and stakeholders).

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response.
• 1.4.7 Distinguish between critical and non-critical elements of the emergency in terms of creation of situational awareness.

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority.
• 1.6.3 Acess the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization.
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law.

• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 Communicate within the organization defined command structure (i.e.$nbsp;report up, communicate down).

• 2.4 Collect Data according to protocol.
• 2.4.1 Use standardized protocol to collect data.
• 2.4.2 Identify key local resources of data.

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol.
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination.

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization capacities (including, but not limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training).
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation.
• 3.3.6 Prioritize critical emergency preparedness responsibilities in one’s own program.

Course Summary

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Toxicology and Health Safety Basics
• Section 2: Reference Materials
• Section 3: Personal Protective Equipment for First Recivers
• Section 4: Decontamination of Exposed Patients

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

health care workers in a hospital environment who may need to respond to an incident involving a contaminated patient on the operations level

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• Describe toxicity and relative toxicity
• Define common terms (i.e IDLH, TLV-C) used to measure toxicity and exposure limits
• List the four major routes of entry of toxic chemicals and describe factors that affect absorption for each
• Describe measures to avoid secondary contamination
• Use reference materials to obtain information about a toxic chemical in order to treat patients and maintain safety of self and others
• List the steps for donning and doffing PPE
• List the steps for assembling and disassembling a decontamination shower
• Utilize manufacturer instructions for the proper care and maintenance of PPE
• Recognize circumstances under which you can or cannot rely on your PPE for protection
• List the steps for decontaminating ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1.1 Solve problems under emergency conditions
• 1.1.1 Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
• 1.1.2 Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
• 1.1.3 Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
• 1.1.7 Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solubility
• 1.1.8 Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations
• 1.1.9 Implement action to solve the problem(s) in a timely fashion

• 1.2 Manage behaviors associated with emotional responses in self and others
• 1.2.2 Applies techniques for maintaining awareness of possible signs of personal stress, burn-out, and vicarious trauma
• 1.2.7 Use self care principles and practices to mitigate potential adverse effects
• 1.2.8 Demonstrate the ability to develop a helping relationship in support of the emotional health of others
• 1.2.12 Assess individuals requiring immediate care from those who need no care or delayed care

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.3 Develop collaborative emergency response plans and/or policies with appropriate internal and external emergency response partners
• 1.3.4 Apply communication strategies to effectively communicate with internal and external response partners

• 1.4 Maintain situational awareness
• 1.4.3 Use information and resources to identify changes in the situation and/or response
• 1.4.4 Detect cues that the situation may be rapidly changing
• 1.4.9 Develop a method for regulating responses actions as crisis events evolve
• 1.4.17 Distinguish between existing and future needs in response environments

• 1.6 Act within the scope of one’s legal authority
• 1.6.2 Apply appropriate public health authority to minimize adverse outcomes (e.g., person, property, etc.)
• 1.6.3 Access the emergency preparedness and response policies and procedures of one’s own organization
• 1.6.5 Document appropriate information relative to the application of the law

Domain 2: Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• 2.3 Report Information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command
• 2.3.2 communicate within the organization’s defined command structure (i.e. report up, communicate down)
• 2.3.5 Communicate relevant information with to personnel in a timely fashion

• 2.5 Manage the recording and/or transcription of data according to protocol
• 2.5.1 Adhere to relevant ethics guidelines, state and federal laws regarding data collection, management and dissemination

Domain 3: Communication Skills

• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization’s capacities (including, but no limited to programs, plans, policies, laws and workforce training)
• 3.3.3 Adapt skill sets to meet the needs during an emergency response situation
• 3.3.4 Apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities to improve organization’s capacities

Domain 4: Cultural Competency Skills

• 4.2 Employ protective behaviors according to changing conditions, personal limitations, and threats
• 4.2.1 Discuss the need to protect worker health and safety in emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.12 Employ practices to minimize exposures to agents and hazards during an emergency
• 4.2.14 Demonstrate personal hygiene practices that minimize exposure to chemical, biological, or radiological agents that may be present during emergencies and disasters
• 4.2.16 Demonstrate correct donning of chemical protective clothing, respiratory protection, protective eyewear, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and any other assigned PPE
• 4.2.17 Apply the proper methods to maintain, store, decontaminate and dispose of different types of PPE

• 4.3 Report unresolved threats to physical and mental health through the chain of command
• 4.3.1 Discuss the types of physical hazards and resulting injuries one might encounter while performing their role during emergency planning and response
• 4.3.5 Report unresolved physical and/or mental health threats through the chain of command

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

May 19, 2015

There are four sections in this course:

• Section 1: Hospital ‘First Receivers’ and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital
• Section 2: Recognizing Hazardous Substances in the Emergency Department
• Section 3: Understanding The Hospital’s Response Plan & Your Role
• Section 4: Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community

There are review questions at the end of each section. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these sections. There is a post-test at the end of the course. 

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on successful completion of this course. 

Intended Audience

Health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this part, you will be able to:

• List four locations HAZMAT incidents occur
• Use the APIE process during a HAZMAT incident
• Utilize the Emergency Response Guidebook during a HAZMAT incident
• Recognize various containers that may contain hazardous materials and list the types of materials most likely contained in them
• Recognize and interpret DOT labels and placards used to mark hazardous materials in transit
• Recognize and interpret NFPA labels used to mark hazardous materials in fixed sites

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

HAZMAT Awareness for Healthcare Providers

Competencies addressed

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Domain 1: Analytical/Assessment Skills

• 1A1. Describes factors affecting the health of a community (e.g., equity, income, education, environment)
• 1A12. Contributes to assessments of community health status and factors influencing health in a community (e.g., quality, availability, accessibility, and use of health services; access to affordable housing)

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

Technical requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

July 1, 2013

Goal/ Intended Audience The presence of hazardous materials in an Emergency Department is a risk to everyone - hospital personnel, patients and other people within the hospital. During HAZMAT incidents, hospital personnel should have two main goals: 1. to protect both themselves and others from exposure to the hazardous material 2. to provide the same level of care for the contaminated patient as any other patient This course, designed for health care workers in a hospital environment who may potentially have contact with a contaminated patient, is intended to help you respond to incidents involving hazardous materials in a way that meets these two goals. Course Content There are four modules in this course: 1. Hospital 'First Receivers' and Contaminated Patients in the Hospital 2. Recognizing Hazardous Substances In The Emergency Department 3. Understanding The Hospital's Response Plan & Your Role 4. Common Hazardous Substances in Your Community There are review questions at the end of each module. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in the module. In addition, some modules contain practice exercises.