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Healthcare workers are often the first to identify a sentinel patient in what turns out to be a full-blown disease outbreak, (Reigart and Roberts 1999) disaster, or terrorist attack.
Several actions are important to take to reduce morbidity and mortality in cholinesterase poisoning cases.
- Notification of appropriate public health agencies.
- Determination if the patient’s history suggests that others may also have been exposed.
- If information suggests the possibility of a multi-casualty or terrorist event, prompt notification of other emergency response agencies in the area (e.g., area hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, private physician offices, emergency management offices, fire departments, police, EMS providers, hazmat teams and poison centers) so they can have advance notice and be prepared to handle a hazardous materials emergency.
Saving of clothing, body fluids, and belongings in a safe, secured area in case needed for evidence (preserve the chain of evidence). This should be done in a way that also protects against secondary exposure. |