Respiratory protection in a disaster or terrorist attack is designed for the specific type of exposure and all respirators should be fitted to the person who will wear them. This means that, in locations where there is a possible expectation of exposure to any type of airborne contaminant, all personnel should have their own, specially fitted respirators available for use. Examples of the different types of respirators are shown in Figure 4. Figure 4: Examples of Various Types of Respirators
absorb the agent. For exposure that is not absorbed by the skin and the airborne contaminant has been identified, Level C PPE is worn. Level D PPE is familiar to healthcare providers and represents basic, full isolation gear. For this level of exposure, the PPE is only worn when there are no known contaminants, but a healthcare provider may be exposed to splashes from body fluids or inhale hazardous chemicals. Examples of the types of dermal protective PPE clothing include those shown in Figure 5. Figure 5: Examples of Personal Protective Equipment
Air-purifying disposable
Level A
Air-purifying half-mask reusable
Level B
Air-purifying full-mask reusable
It powered air-purifying loose fitting
Level C
AIt powered air-purifying hooded
Note: From U SHHS, 2021e PPE clothing used in a disaster is rated by the level of exposure protection needed. The highest level, Level A, totally encompasses the responder and protects against liquid chemical and vapor types of exposures. Level B PPEs are not gas-tight, so they will not protect against vapor-born exposures. Both Levels A and B PPEs are worn when exposure poses dangerous threats to life, but Level B is used only when the skin cannot
Level D
Note: From USHHS: Radiation, 2021d
LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO DISASTERS
The law defines what can be done in a disaster. There is a balance between the rights of individuals and protecting the public. In the case of a disaster, the rights of the public take precedence over the individual or normally accepted standards
of care. The legal system creates the agencies and infrastructures necessary to respond to a disaster. Coordination between local, state, and federal jurisdictions is created by by-laws or statutes. The legal system defines the parameters of the beginning and
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