Kirk MA, Deaton ML. Bringing Order Out of Chaos: Effective Strategies for Medical Response to Mass Chemical Exposure.
Emerg Med Clin North Am 2007;
25:527-48; abstract xi. [PMID:
17482031 DOI:
10.1016/j.emc.2007.02.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
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.
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