Question

What would a healthcare facility do in the case of a chemical spill occurring inside the facility? Check all that apply.

Isolate and clean up the spill.

Make sure the patients do not find out about the spill.

Require staff working around the spill area to wear body suits and ventilators.

Prepare for a large influx of new patients coming from outside the hospital.

Answer 1

Select:
- Isolate and clean up the spill. — Yes. Contain/secure the area, evacuate or shelter nearby patients/staff as needed and arrange cleanup/decontamination by trained personnel/HAZMAT team.
- Require staff working around the spill area to wear body suits and respiratory protection. — Yes, staff must wear appropriate PPE (chemical‑resistant suits and the correct respiratory protection such as SCBA or appropriate respirators), not patient ventilators.

Do NOT select:
- Make sure the patients do not find out about the spill. — No. Patients must be protected and informed as appropriate; hiding it would be unsafe and unethical.
- Prepare for a large influx of new patients coming from outside the hospital. — No for an internal spill. (Preparing for an influx applies when a community release occurs and contaminated victims are arriving from outside.)