First Responder Unit Challenges - Essay Example

FIRST RESPONDER UNIT CHALLENGES Name: Institution: Course: Task: Instructor: Date of submission: Introduction Clearance decontamination can be defined as the last level of contamination that necessitates equipment’s as well as personnel’s decontamination to a level that can allow disposal, employment, maintenance as well as transportation at no restrictions (Pilo, 2014). Clearance decontamination is necessary for chemistry departments whereby it is done on the equipment, facilities, as well as personnel’s in the environment (Rantakokko, 2011). Decontamination is done as a process of increasing survival chances for this personnel from hazard chemicals. Also, decontamination of equipment reduces accidents and inaccuracy in research experiments (Rasaratnam, 2013). To the question which requires handling the challenges faced by first responder unit in performing clearance decontamination is tackled in the essay whereby these challenges are identified (McGrath, 2014). The solution to these challenges faced by the first responder unit in clearance of decontamination is also sought for. The first responder unit can be said to be the unit that is responsible for carrying out decontamination (Knaack, 2016). Its construction is made in a way that id decontaminates personnel from contaminations from bio hazards materials, radioactive materials as well as the hazardous chemicals that are used in research and learning (Mays). Also, there are challenges that are faced by the first responder unit in clearance of nuclear-contaminated equipment and personnel. These radiation chemicals are brought about by nuclear accidents in the chemistry organizations (Waalewijn, 2011). A large percentage of individuals have been disadvantaged due to the failure of the first responder unit. Therefore, the challenges facing the First Responder Unit are highlighted in the essay basing the argument on chemistry research and learning organizations as well as the firms whose activities involve the use of chemicals (Rayes, 2012). Clearance decontamination. Decontamination is an activity that is encouraged by the health organizations to all personnel’s and equipment used in the chemistry research departments. Therefore, the first responder unit is used in the clearance of decontamination. Several steps are involved in the process. The contaminated equipment and personnel are decontaminated first from the contaminating materials. After decontamination, a clearance is done on them to ensure that the equipment and personnel also have been decontaminated can be used at no restrictions (Berry, 2011). In the performance of experiments, hazardous materials are used in the chemistry laboratories. Also, radioactive and biohazards materials are used too in the chemistry research areas as well as in practical that are performed by chemistry students as they learn. Lack of the required equipment to clean the materials used of the chemicals is a common occurrence. Therefore, the first responder unit was made as a solution to clearing the cases of contamination (Aoyama, 2015). The contaminations that occur among the personnel and equipment used create a danger in the chemistry institutions and organizations whose activities involve used of chemicals. Therefore, some of these chemicals used are found to be harmful when in contact with personnel body (Kim. 2016). Therefore, as a way of ensuring safety to these practitioners, decontamination was found necessary. The decontamination did on this personnel from the research or practical rooms are to allow them to have freedom of movement, interaction with others as well as have chances of employment to other organizations. Therefore, this personnel who are employed to control the functionality of the first responder unit are at the great risk of having safety for their lives (Berg, 2011). During decontamination, these employees operating the first responder unit, if not well trained, may pose a challenge on the functionality of the unit. This is a compartment that has sensitive and fragile parts. Once tampered with wrongly, its functionality is also affected and its repair and maintenance are costly (Kane, 2013). Therefore, when the employees tamper with the First Responder Unit incorrectly, the unit functionality gets affected. As a result, its decontamination is not done to its accuracy, therefore, the personnel who are directed to decontamination end up not being decontaminated to perfection as expected. The First Responder Unit, therefore, loses the trust that it decontaminates accurately the apparatus and personnel as well (Humphreys, 2010). Also, decontamination of apparatus by the First Responder Unit is also a task that is carried out in the decontamination chamber. It is carried out on apparatus to decontaminate them from hazardous chemicals that were put into them during the practical. Therefore, for the same use of these apparatus, proper cleaning which is seconded by decontamination in the First Responder Unit is necessary. For successful decontamination of these apparatus in the unit can only be achieved through ensuring the decontamination has been done to the latter. Therefore, in decontamination, the unit workers are expected to be very keen due to the complexity of some apparatus that may result to some parts not being decontaminated successfully. The reagents used in decontamination are supposed to be used in the right proportion to avoid contamination in place of decontamination (Killeen, 2016). Fresh decontaminates are supposed to be used as a way of eradicating the challenges that are associated with decontamination of the apparatus or personnel. Therefore, in decontamination of personnel and apparatus using the First Responder Unit should be done using the right decontaminant for the contamination at hand. This decontamination reduces the cases of accidents due to the usage of contaminated apparatus. In decontamination, several challenges are involved in the process by the first responder unit. The challenged affect both the equipment or materials used and the personnel controlling the process. The first responder unit is serviced by individuals for its functionality. Therefore, this personnel is at risks of facing challenges as they perform their duty (clearance decontamination of equipment and personnel). In clearance decontamination, we have all areas that are contaminated with hazardous chemicals and radioactive chemicals (Rayes, 2012). Transportation challenges Personnel working at the First Responder Unit face a challenge in transporting the instruments in the unit from one place to the other for various reasons. The challenge is as a result of fragility as well as the sensitivity of the parts of the unit. Therefore, a simple mishandling of the unit results to need for replacement of the complete unit. It is due to the appearance and composition of the unit that does not allow replacement of instruments. Besides, it is a challenge to get the right spare part for the replacement and repair of the unit. Therefore, transportation of the Unit becomes a problem on all transport means. If transported on roads, risks of its damage are high as well as on the train. Therefore, proper as well as keen transportation is necessary to be considered in the transportation of the unit (Kim, 2016). Poor road system also becomes a problem that is facing the First Responder Unit as many people are also lacking the customer care contacts to call for help After a successful transportation of the unit, experts are the only people along sides the manufacturer of the unit is allowed to service it. The servicing only includes fixing each part correctly and placing firm the instruments thus making them uneasy to move their position which may result in slight dislocation of the parts. Also on the challenges in transportation, contamination can easily occur during transportation of the decontaminated apparatus back to their units. It is a challenge that is the common occurrence in all chemistry related institutions. Therefore, during clearance decontamination, we find that a solution to the problem is found. We have all the causatives to the contamination being burnished as others get burned. Besides, the employees in the unit are also decontaminated thus reducing chances of being affected by the contaminations that could have caught them in the process of decontaminating other apparatus and personnel also (Waalewijn, 2011). The other challenge that is associated with transportation of the First responder unit is breakage of instruments’ parts. It can be brought about by improper handling and transportation or use of poor transport method. Therefore, a better method of transportation should be sought as the apparatus are being secured from possible damages or breakages. Also, during clearance decontamination of the First Responder Unit, we have the de-contaminants facing a challenge too. They could dwell away from the First Responder Unit thus when urgently needed at the unit are forced to take quick actions to rescue a life. Therefore, in clearance decomposition, we find that the materials are decontaminated and receive a clearance on the same for security services. The transport challenge facing the First Responder Unit could be brought about by the absence of extra driver whereby the First Responder Unit needs to take care of a situation and no one is there to transport the unit to the area of alarm. This problem could only be solved whereby all the employees working with the First Responder Unit are supposed to be trained to do with the handling of the machine as well. This will help reduce transport related issues and challenges that were faced by the staff after the First Responder Unit services are done (Rantakokko, 2011). Employment Employment of people to work at the First Responder Unit is not done frequently. Once a skilled employee, who is hard to find, is found, no new employees are allowed in the unit. The new employments put the unit at risks of damage thus the result of their discouragement by the management. Therefore, the employment rates are very low due to the few changes for employment that are available in either First Responder Unit. It is because the unit has fewer tasks that First Responder unit. The unit is used in the decontamination of all apparatus thus decontamination is the used apparatus for the safety of the environment. If the employments were not there, then new skills could never be introduced in the research centers and educational institutions. Due to the minimal chances of employment in the unit, we have the organization taking the applicants to be employed at the research centers as well as the educational organizations that use the First Responder Unit for clearance decontamination (Mays, 2013). The employment challenge can hardly be solved out since its solutions can only be found at specific restrictions. The employment of new members entails the employee to work in chemistry fields and undergo decontamination as a way of training the as well as preparing them for the work (Rasaratnam, 2013). Therefore, the best employments are not a common occurrence here. The prohibition is meant for reducing the risks that are involved with having new employees in the organization therefore, it means that the First Responder Unit should not be attended to by the new employee. The employee to work with it are the experienced employees, who have been in the unit for a good long while thus being aware of all the slight changes that can be noted in the units. They are responsible for any damage or contamination of apparatus therefore since these personnel handle it with a lot of care from accidents and damages Maintenance The First Responder Unit is frequently used in decontamination of personnel as well as apparatus used in the practical that involve the use of the chemical. The decontamination is at times done to neutralize acidic or basic hazardous materials and chemical to reduce the possible risks that could be involved. The frequent decontamination opens chances for the unit to face challenges. Due to that, it needs frequent repair and maintenance as it is being used. Its maintenance is very expensive. The expenses are due to the highly paid labor to the experts given the task as well as the placements that may be needed. The first responder unit challenge on maintenance becomes hectic when there is no sufficient fee for the maintenance. The unit could be attended by vehicles, airplanes, or helicopter. Their maintenance and purchase price could be unaffordable for each institution to be independent in terms of the facilities that are eased in the decontamination of chemistry equipment and personnel. Also, the vehicles once carrying dangerous materials are kept away from people since explosion can easily occur at the vehicles as they are parked or while at motion still. The practitioners there could be untrained fully to offer all services that the First Responder Unit is meant for. Thus causing much damage that could be costly to maintain and repair as well. Therefore, proper handling of the apparatus and materials at the First Responder Unit (Pilo, 2014). Also, the services that are offered should be charged an extra fee along sides the fee meant for the service that is to be subdivided to the practitioner, the organization, and the feeling of the transport. The extra fee is to cater any maintenance cost that could be required to be done to the First Responder Unit for facilitation of a continuous service to the clients and customers. Frequent check out should always be done in the radiation chemicals that are brought about by nuclear accidents in the chemistry organizations and decontamination performed on them. A large percentage of individuals have been disadvantaged due to the failure of the first responder unit. Therefore, the challenges facing the First Responder Unit are highlighted in the essay basing the argument on chemistry research and learning organizations as well as the firms whose activities involve the use of chemicals (McGrath, 2014). Disposal On the First Responder Unit, there are no areas for disposal of the used chemicals and material as well as the dirt and rejects. Therefore, unlike the organizations that have an incinerator for disposal of the wastes, the First Responder Unit faces it as a challenge on where to dispose some of their wastes. Therefore, they are forced to carry it up and dispose of it once they get to an organization that can allow them to use the incinerator for disposal and combustion of the waste matter. Also, some First Responder Unit has put bins in them for easier disposal of waste before disposal. Improper disposal risks the lives of many. It opens a loophole for contamination greatly since everyone is exposed to catching the contaminations if they get into contact with it. Therefore, the disposal should be keenly made after clearance decontamination has been made, the disposable materials like scalpels, needles among others should also be disposed of correctly. Their effects on the environment and people could be great in the near future where they can cause accidents to people as well as are a source of environmental pollution (Waalewijn, 2011). Therefore, proper disposal which involves combustion of the inflammable is the incinerator to reduce promotion of globalism as well as reduce further contaminations to personnel’s and animals as well as affecting plants. Their combustion should be done in fume chambered procedure. This is combustion should be done under the fume chamber as a way of reducing the decomposition of the hazardous materials to the atmosphere. Also, the disposal of every chemical materials should never undergo burying as a way of disposing of it. It is due to the repercussions that result. The repercussions that may face the world besides, some factors restrict the functionality of the First Responder Unit. The recyclable materials should be recycled, it will help reduce environmental pollution, and all the related issue that crop up in the society as well as eradication the deterioration of the nation through the use of the required decontaminant in the process. This will help reduce accidents that are currently happening in the environment (Knaack, 2016). Conclusion. In conclusion to the essay, we define First Responder Unit as the people whose job is to do decontamination since they have all the equipment’s a scientist would have before the start of any of these organization, also, we have the First Responder Unit having untrained or the employees having minimal apparatus to cater for the needs of all organizations that used chemicals thus requiring to undergo clearance decontamination. In clearance process, we realize that First Responder Unit has qualified administrators who either do the decontamination clearance using the First Responder Unit. The other challenge that is associated with transportation of the First responder unit is breakage of instruments' parts. It can be brought about by improper handling and transportation or use of poor transport method. Therefore, a better method of transportation should be sought as the apparatus are being secured from possible damages or breakages. After decontamination, a clearance is done on them to ensure that the equipment and personnel also have been decontaminated can be used with no restrictions. In the performance of experiments, hazardous materials are used in the chemistry laboratories. Also, radioactive and biohazards materials are used too in the chemistry research areas as well as in practices that are performed by chemistry students as they learn. Lack of the required equipment to clean the materials used of the chemicals is a common occurrence. Therefore, the first responder unit was made as a solution to clearing the cases of contamination. During decontamination, these employees operating the first responder unit, if not well trained, may pose a challenge on the functionality of the unit. This is a compartment that is as sensitive and fragile parts. Once tampered with wrongly, its functionality is also affected and its repair and maintenance are costly. Therefore, when the employees tamper with the First Responder Unit incorrectly, the unit functionality gets affected. As a result, its decontamination is not done to its accuracy, therefore, the personnel who are directed to decontamination end up not being decontaminated to perfection as expected. These radiation chemicals are brought about by nuclear accidents in the chemistry organizations. A large percentage of individuals have been disadvantaged due to the failure of the first responder unit whereby they call for its help and it took much time to turn up. The life’s of the complainants who include the decontaminated personnel is at risks. Therefore, the challenges facing the First Responder Unit are highlighted in the essay basing the argument on chemistry research and learning organizations as well as the firms whose activities involve the use of chemicals. Besides, proper disposal which involves combustion of the inflammable is the incinerator to reduce promotion of globalism as well as reduce further contaminations to personnel's and animals as well as affecting plants. Their combustion should be done in fume chambered procedure. This is combustion should be done under the fume chamber as a way of reducing the decomposition of the hazardous materials to the atmosphere. Also, the disposal of every chemical materials should never undergo burying as a way of disposing of it. It is due to the repercussions that result Reference list Aoyama, M., Miyamoto, Y., Fukumoto, M., & Suto, O. (2015). Development of melt refining decontamination technology for low-level radioactive metal waste contaminated with uranium. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 66(2), 608-611. Berg, M. J., Berlinger, W. G., Goldberg, M. J., Spector, R., & Johnson, G. F. (2012). Acceleration of the body clearance of phenobarbital by oral activated charcoal. New England Journal of Medicine, 307(11), 642-644. Berry, H. A. (2011). Gnome site decontamination and decommissioning project radiation contamination clearance report, March 28, 1979-September 23, 1979 (No. DOE/NV/00410-59). Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co., Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA). Humphreys, E. R., & Stones, V. A. (2010). Mixed ligand chelates and plutonium poisoning. Health physics, 39(1), 103-105. Kane, S., Shah, S., Letant, S., Murphy, G., Alfaro, T., Avila, J., & Nichols, T. (2013). Operational evaluation of the rapid viability PCR method for post-decontamination clearance sampling. Journal of Bioterrorism and Biodefense, 4(Special Issue). Killeen, J. P., Chan, T. C., Bueno, C., Griswold, W. G., & Lenert, L. A. (2016). A wireless first responder handheld device for rapid triage, patient assessment, and documentation during mass casualty incidents. In AMIA annual symposium proceedings (Vol. 2006, p. 429). American Medical Informatics Association. Kim, G. N., Kim, I., Kim, S. S., & Choi, J. W. (2016). Removal of uranium from contaminated soil using indoor electrokinetic decontamination. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 309(3), 1175-1181. Knaack, M. (2016). Influence of Decontamination (No. NEA-PRE DEC--2016). Mays, C. W., Taylor, G. N., Lloyd, R. D., McFARLAND, S. S., Fisher, D. R., Calder, S. E., & Boseman, J. (2013). DTPA research at the University of Utah. In Proceedings of the 4. International Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association. Paris, 24-30 April 1977. McGrath, R., & Reid, R. (2014). Waste Management for Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants: An EPRI Decommissioning Program Report-Waste Management for Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants. An EPRI Decommissioning Project Report (No. NEA-RWMC--04-2014). Pilo, F., Fontani, E., & Aquaro, D. (2014). Clearance of BWR steam piping by off line chemical decontamination. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 269, 317-322. Rantakokko, J., Rydell, J., Strömbäck, P., Händel, P., Callmer, J., Törnqvist, D., & Gruden, M. (2011). Accurate and reliable soldier and first responder indoor positioning: multi sensor systems and cooperative localization. IEEE Wireless Communications, 18(2), 10-18. Rasaratnam, B., Kaye, D., Jennings, G., Dudley, F., & Chin-Dusting, J. (2013). The Effect of Selective Intestinal Decontamination on the Hyperdynamic Circulatory State in CirrhosisA Randomized Trial. Annals of internal medicine, 139(3), 186-193. Rayes, N., Seehofer, D., Hansen, S., Boucsein, K., Müller, A. R., Serke, S., & Neuhaus, P. (2012). Early enteral supply of lactobacillus and fiber versus selective bowel decontamination: a controlled trial in liver transplant recipients. Transplantation, 74(1), 123-128. Waalewijn, R. A., de Vos, R., Tijssen, J. G., & Koster, R. W. (2011). Survival models for out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the perspectives of the bystander, the first responder, and the paramedic. Resuscitation, 51(2), 113-122. . Read More

The contaminations that occur among the personnel and equipment used create a danger in the chemistry institutions and organizations whose activities involve used of chemicals. Therefore, some of these chemicals used are found to be harmful when in contact with personnel body (Kim. 2016). Therefore, as a way of ensuring safety to these practitioners, decontamination was found necessary. The decontamination did on this personnel from the research or practical rooms are to allow them to have freedom of movement, interaction with others as well as have chances of employment to other organizations.

Therefore, this personnel who are employed to control the functionality of the first responder unit are at the great risk of having safety for their lives (Berg, 2011). During decontamination, these employees operating the first responder unit, if not well trained, may pose a challenge on the functionality of the unit. This is a compartment that has sensitive and fragile parts. Once tampered with wrongly, its functionality is also affected and its repair and maintenance are costly (Kane, 2013).

Therefore, when the employees tamper with the First Responder Unit incorrectly, the unit functionality gets affected. As a result, its decontamination is not done to its accuracy, therefore, the personnel who are directed to decontamination end up not being decontaminated to perfection as expected. The First Responder Unit, therefore, loses the trust that it decontaminates accurately the apparatus and personnel as well (Humphreys, 2010). Also, decontamination of apparatus by the First Responder Unit is also a task that is carried out in the decontamination chamber.

It is carried out on apparatus to decontaminate them from hazardous chemicals that were put into them during the practical. Therefore, for the same use of these apparatus, proper cleaning which is seconded by decontamination in the First Responder Unit is necessary. For successful decontamination of these apparatus in the unit can only be achieved through ensuring the decontamination has been done to the latter. Therefore, in decontamination, the unit workers are expected to be very keen due to the complexity of some apparatus that may result to some parts not being decontaminated successfully.

The reagents used in decontamination are supposed to be used in the right proportion to avoid contamination in place of decontamination (Killeen, 2016). Fresh decontaminates are supposed to be used as a way of eradicating the challenges that are associated with decontamination of the apparatus or personnel. Therefore, in decontamination of personnel and apparatus using the First Responder Unit should be done using the right decontaminant for the contamination at hand. This decontamination reduces the cases of accidents due to the usage of contaminated apparatus.

In decontamination, several challenges are involved in the process by the first responder unit. The challenged affect both the equipment or materials used and the personnel controlling the process. The first responder unit is serviced by individuals for its functionality. Therefore, this personnel is at risks of facing challenges as they perform their duty (clearance decontamination of equipment and personnel). In clearance decontamination, we have all areas that are contaminated with hazardous chemicals and radioactive chemicals (Rayes, 2012).

Transportation challenges Personnel working at the First Responder Unit face a challenge in transporting the instruments in the unit from one place to the other for various reasons. The challenge is as a result of fragility as well as the sensitivity of the parts of the unit. Therefore, a simple mishandling of the unit results to need for replacement of the complete unit. It is due to the appearance and composition of the unit that does not allow replacement of instruments. Besides, it is a challenge to get the right spare part for the replacement and repair of the unit.

Therefore, transportation of the Unit becomes a problem on all transport means.

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