title: Emergency care in acute chemical exposure.
abstract: An acute chemical exposure changes the rules normally followed when responding to emergencies. The time to decide how to handle a hazardous materials emergency is before the event occurs. Planning for hazardous materials specific to each facility is necessary to have the right personal protective equipment, decontamination setup, training, treatment protocols, chemical references, and antidotes. The victim may need to be rescued and decontaminated by equipped and trained hazardous materials responders. Rapid intervention with the appropriate physiological antagonists, decontamination, supportive care, and monitoring for delayed onset of toxic effects are critical to optimum employee care.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hau
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies / Q000451:nursing*; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances