G-6. Patient Decontamination at a Hospital (Level III or IV)
To the maximum extent possible, hospitals are located away from tactical or logistical targets. Contaminated patients will arrive from forward MTFs and units located within the geographical area of the hospital. Patient decontamination is done by at least 20 nonmedical personnel from units located in the geographical area/base cluster of the hospital. Procedures for patient decontamination at the hospital are the same as for the BAS. However, several patient decontamination stations can be operated simultaneously at the hospital patient decontamination site. Further, all patients arriving at the hospital will be decontaminated and receive full treatment within the capabilities of the hospital.
G-7. Prepare Hypochlorite Solutions for Patient Decontamination
An alternative patient decontamination agent is a hypochlorite solution; however, the hypochlorite solution must be prepared. Two concentrations of the hypochlorite solution are required. A 5 percent hypochlorite solution to decontaminate gloves, aprons, litters, cutting devices, the patient's mask hood, and other nonskin contact areas. The patient's mask, skin, splints, and tourniquets and their wounds are irrigated using a 0.5 (½) percent hypochlorite solution. To prepare the solutions, use calcium hypochlorite (HTH) granules (supplied in 6-ounce jars in the chemical agent patient treatment and chemical agent patient decontamination MES), bulk HTH, or sodium hypochlorite (household bleach). Prepare the required solutions as shown in Table G-1 below.
Table G-1. Preparation of Hypochlorite Solutions for Patient Decontamination
| HTH OUNCES | HTH MRE SPOONFULS | HOUSEHOLD BLEACH | PERCENT IN 5 GALLONS OF WATER |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | [*]5 | 2 QUARTS | 0.5 |
| 48 | 40 | [**] | 5.0 |
[*] THESE MEASUREMENTS ARE USED WHEN BULK HTH IS USED. TO MEASURE THIS PREPARATION, USE THE PLASTIC SPOON SUPPLIED WITH YOUR MEAL, READY-TO-EAT (MRE). THE AMOUNT OF HYPOCHLORITE TO BE USED IS A HEAPING SPOONFUL (THAT IS, ALL THAT THE SPOON WILL HOLD). DO NOT SHAKE ANY GRANULES OFF OF THE SPOON BEFORE ADDING TO THE WATER. | |||
[**] DO NOT DILUTE IN WATER; HOUSEHOLD BLEACH IS 5 TO 6.25 PERCENT SOLUTION; IT IS USED FULL STRENGTH FOR 5 PERCENT APPLICATIONS. | |||
CAUTIONS
1. Do not use the 5 percent hypochlorite solution on the patient's skin. The 5 percent solution can burn the skin.
2. Only wipe the skin when applying the 0.5 percent hypochlorite solution. Vigorous scrubbing may force the agent into the skin.