Medical care at the scene of a pipeline emergency will vary depending on the product or products involved and the size and scope of the emergency.  When arriving at the scene, first responders are advised to move people to a safe place, identify anyone in need of medical care and notify the Incident Commander.

The following are things to consider when identifying and responding to medical needs at the scene of a pipeline emergency:

	Assure that injured individuals are moved to a safe area.
	Notify the Incident Commander regarding injuries and request medical assistance from Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics as needed.
	If injured individuals are bleeding or are not breathing, follow agency protocol for providing CPR and first aid at the scene.
	Identify the pipeline product or products involved and refer to the first aid guidance and product-specific hazards listed in Kinder Morgan’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the Emergency Response Guidebook published by the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration.
	Identify medical risks specific to the current pipeline emergency.  For example, natural gas escaping from a pipeline will dissipate, but natural gas escaping within a confined space can be an asphyxiate.
	Determine if injured individuals have burns and provide first aid as appropriate.  Cryogenic burns are a risk if the product is transported at very cold temperatures.  Thermal burns are a risk if there is a fire.  To treat burns, do not remove clothing in the burn area.  Try to cool a thermal burn without using gels or ointments.  Treat for shock and request Emergency Medical Assistance.
	Determine if injured individuals have had eye or skin contact with the pipeline product and provide first aid as appropriate.
	Determine if injured individuals have inhaled vapors or fumes from the pipeline product and remove them from the area. Provide first aid as appropriate.
	Determine if injured individuals have ingested the pipeline product and provide first aid as appropriate.
	Gather information from injured individuals including pre-existing conditions.
	Consult with medical teams on the scene or in route to determine if injured individuals need to be transferred to the hospital for additional medical care.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics and other trained medical professionals arriving on the scene will typically check with the incident commander for information on confirmed medical issues and the location of anyone who is injured or sick.   If additional care is necessary, EMT/paramedics will transfer patients to emergency hospital care.

Download a copy of Kinder Morgan’s MSDS and hazards chart at www.kindermorgan.com/public_awareness/Government/
PotentialHazards.cfm or a copy of the ERG at http://phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg.

Kinder Morgan Material Safety Data Sheets

Kinder Morgan Products and Associated Hazards Chart

PHMSA's Emergency Response Guidelines (ERG)

Emergency Medical Care at the Scene of a Natural Gas Incident (The Responder, 2009 Issue 3)

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