Clandestine Lab Response Policy

Purpose:

The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines to ensure the safety at clandestine drug lab investigations and seizures when assisting law enforcement agencies. Because of the chemicals involved, response to a clandestine drug lab is always a hazardous material incident. Remember it’s a crime scene, the primary responsibility for controlling the incident, however, belongs to law enforcement, not the EMS or Fire department.

Definitions

1. Clandestine Drug Lab

a. Illegal, covert operations, which manufacture controlled substance using chemicals and other materials.

2. Defensive Actions

a. Actions which first responders can safely take without coming into direct contact with a hazardous material.

3. Exposed

a. When a chemical, an infectious material, or other agent enters or is in direct contact with the body.

4. Offensive Action

a. Actions, which put first responders into direct, contact with hazardous materials.

Procedure:

In order to operate safely during clandestine drug labs emergency situations, the following special precaution must be followed and rigidly enforced.

EMS Department Responsibilities:

The EMS departments’ role shall be to provide support in the form of:

1. Emergency Medical Services

2. Medical Screening/Rehabilitation of participants involved.

Note: All actions must be DEFENSIVE and when requested for standby to assist law enforcement agencies all EMS department companies shall stage one quarter mile from the incident until scene is declared safe by law enforcement.

Note: All communication regarding clandestine drug labs shall be through secure methods. Do not use cell phone or radio.

Company Officer Responsibilities:

During an emergency a clandestine drug lab is suspected or discovered the following shall be preformed:

1. Immediate withdrawal shall be ordered.

2. Notify law enforcement of situation.

3. Request a Haz Mat response.

Note: Do not attempt offensive action. This includes patient care in the declared hot or warm zone. The incident commander will make the determination for any other operations preformed based on each situation.

Safety Considerations:

1. At all times members shall practice avoidance techniques for clandestine drug labs.

2. Decontamination shall be established at all hazardous material incidents.

3. Decontamination procedures will be according to departmental procedures for all personnel and equipment exposed.

4. Any exposures to hazardous material shall be reported to the incident commander or designee and documented on the department exposure form.

5. No electrical devices shall be used on the scene due to explosion hazards.

Termination:

1. Expedite patient care or transport after a complete decontamination is done.

2. Conduct team debriefing as soon as possible

3. Return to service.