4. Response in Toxicoligcal Disaster Situations

OBJECTIVES

  • Identify the basic goals of toxicological disaster preparedness.
  • Delineate the priorities of disaster scene staging and patient management in the event of an incident involving hazardous materials.
  • Define a hazardous material.
  • List the factors to be considered in the planning of and response to a toxicological disaster.

Toxicological Disaster Preparedness

As in any type of disaster, in events involving a hazardous material, prior preparedness is critical to minimize the effects on victims, rescuers, and other emergency personnel. In addition, it is essential to take the measures needed to avoid toxic contamination in non-exposed sectors of the community.

Bear in mind that various toxins can be involved in disasters and their effects vary. Rapid
identification is critical to take appropriate measures in a timely manner.

The first goal in the management of any type of disaster is to enhance safety of the medical and rescue personnel while saving the greatest number of lives possible.

Although community education regarding disasters l is always an important issue of prior preparedness, in toxicological disasters this holds even more importance. In Box 2 are listed the basic goals of toxicological disaster preparedness.

BOX 2. Goals of toxicological disaster preparedness

  • Prepare for a wide range of disasters
  • Know the signs and symptoms consistent with toxic syndromes or have resources readily available for rapid identification of these syndromes
  • Acquire skills and practice on how to properly treat injuries associated with toxic exposures
  • Prepare to respond rationally, effectively recognizing and minimizing dangers affecting rescuers personal safety
  • Provide anticipatory and prospective community education regarding the appropriate levels of community concern and response to each type of toxicological disaster