Bringing order out of chaos: effective strategies for medical response to mass chemical exposure.
An accident or a deliberate terrorism attack releasing hazardous chemicals will create chaos, confusion, and seeming unpredictability that complicates the emergency response. Clinicians are challenged to urgently treat patients needing care, even before a chemical is confirmed. Emergency response planning that focuses on preparing for predictable challenges to the health care system and applies basic toxicologic principles to clinical decision-making can bring a sense of order to the chaos and provide medical care that will be best for the most victims of an incident.
Kirk
Mark A
MA
Blue Ridge Poison Center, Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0774, USA. mak4z@virginia.edu
Deaton
Michael L
ML
D051337:Chemical Terrorism; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods; D004190:Disasters; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans
D015386:Hazardous Substances