The presentation and management of victims of chemical and biological agents: a survey of knowledge of UK clinicians.
A survey was conducted among acute specialty clinicians in four centres in the UK to determine their levels of knowledge of the presentation and subsequent management of victims following deliberate release of chemical or biological agents. This revealed significant gaps in knowledge and training. Of the 102 respondents, more than half did not understand the decontamination process. More than a third were unsure of the presenting features of nerve agent release. Only a minority knew the recommended treatment and only one in five have participated in relevant exercises.
Wimbush
Stephen
S
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Frenchay Hospital, BS161LE Bristol, UK. wimbush@ukgateway.net
Davies
Gareth
G
Lockey
David
D
D023482:Bioterrorism; D002618:Chemical Warfare; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires