Which NFPA standard clarifies the competencies of EMS personnel during hazardous incidents?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard that outlines the competencies required for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel during hazardous incidents is indeed NFPA 473. This standard specifically addresses the knowledge and skills needed by EMS personnel to operate safely and effectively in environments that may pose health and safety risks, such as those involving hazardous materials.

NFPA 473 emphasizes the importance of training and proficiency in recognizing, avoiding, and managing hazards associated with potentially dangerous situations. It focuses on integrating EMS into the broader incident management, ensuring that personnel are prepared to respond appropriately to various emergencies, including incidents involving hazardous materials.

The other standards listed do cover different aspects of emergency services and hazardous material response but do not specifically target the competencies of EMS personnel. For example, NFPA 472 is focused on the competencies for responders to hazardous materials incidents but more generally addresses all response personnel rather than solely EMS. NFPA 475 provides guidelines for the regulation and management of hazardous waste incidents, and NFPA 471 generally addresses the response to hazardous materials but does not drill down into the EMS-specific competencies that NFPA 473 delineates. Hence, NFPA 473 is the most applicable standard for clarifying EMS personnel competencies during hazardous incidents.