Main description:

This book is written not only to provide an in depth understanding of how to diagnose and treat toxic chemical exposures in a prehospital setting but is also written on a level that can be understood by field practitioners and/or first responders. The protocols used in this book conform to the guidelines set forth in the NFPA 470 standard, and the medical guidance developed by FEMA for Type I, II & III Deployable Hazmat Response Teams. It should be noted that the hazardous materials medical protocols in this book have been fully vetted by three poison control toxicologists, multiple emergency physicians, and paramedics.

This book covers such topics as Scene Assessment to help determine the cause of the exposure, Exposure Assessment to determine what physiologic systems are affected, and Toxic Syndromes/Toxidromes to appropriately treat the exposed patient. These toxidromes include:

Corrosive and Irritant Toxidrome
Asphyxiant Toxidrome
Cholinergic Toxidrome
Hydrocarbon and Derivative Toxidrome
Radiologic Toxidrome corrosives, asphyxiants, insecticides/nerve agents, hydrocarbons, infectious agents, and radiation.

In addition, the book presents best practices in medical surveillance and exposure prevention for hazardous materials teams. Readers are presented the science behind a chemical exposure to allow for a complete understanding of both the chemistry and physiology of what is occurring because of the exposure. Much attention is used to focus on the important interface between the on-scene response team and the hospital to ensure consistency and continuity of care from the field into the hospital.