Best practices for decontamination with special populations

Emergency plans are generally created for individuals who can hear, speak, and understand English, and who have the ability to walk, run, or drive as directed. However, there are large segments of the population who cannot do one or more of these. They are more vulnerable when disaster occurs.

Sinai Health System conducted a Hazardous Material drill on August 1, 2007. Participant composition reflected our patient population. It included:

• People who are Deaf and whose primary language is American Sign Language

• Individuals with physical disabilities whose primary language is English.

• People (with or without a disability) whose primary language is Spanish and who have limited or no English.

Trained Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters were included as part of the decontamination team, as were occupational and physical therapists who specialize in the rehabilitation of people with physical disabilities.

Following the drill, participants engaged in hour-long focus groups with other members of their “population”. These groups were conducted in the participants' primary languages. Additionally, a focus group was held with the decontamination staff.

Findings included:

• Simple adaptations vastly improve the quality of service offered.

• With the proper equipment and training, decontamination times are not significantly longer for people with mobility limitations.

• We can enhance service delivery by including users' perspectives.

Based on the information gleaned in post-drill focus groups, this presentation offers suggestions for best practices for future decontamination situations. These enhancements have a Universal Benefit, making existing plans more suitable for ALL individuals.