1. Try to determine agent identity.
2. Break out personal protection equipment, decon supplies, antidotes, etc.
3.
Is chemical hazard certain or very likely?
YES:
•Don personal protective equipment.
•Set up hot line.
4. Clear and secure all areas which could become contaminated.
5. Prepare to or secure hospital entrances and grounds.
6. Notify local emergency management authorities if needed.
7. If chemical is a military agent and Army has not been
informed. call them.
8. If an organophosphate is involved, notify hospital pharmacy that
large amounts of atropine and 2-PAM may be needed.
When
victim arrives
(Note: A contaminated patient may present at an emergency room without
prior warning.)
9. Does chemical hazard exist?
YES: Go to 10.
NO: Handle victim routinely.
10. Hold victim outside until preparations are completed (don personal protective equipment to assist EMT’s as necessary).
11. If patient is grossly contaminated (liquid on skin, positive M-8 paper) OR if there is any suspicion of contamination, decontaminate patient before entry into building.
Initial Treatment and Identification of the Chemical Agent
1. Establish airway if necessary.
2. Give artificial respiration if not breathing.
3. Control bleeding if hemorrhaging.
4. Symptoms of cholinesterase poisoning?
YES: Go to NERVE AGENT PROTOCOL
5. History of chlorine poisoning?
YES: Go to CHLORINE PROTOCOL.
6. Burns that began within minutes of poisoning?
YES: Go to 7.
NO: Go to 8.
7. Thermal burn?
YES: Go to 9.
NO: Go to LEWISITE PROTOCOL
8. Burns or eye irritation beginning 2-12 hours after exposure?
YES: Go to MUSTARD PROTOCOL.
NO: Go to 9.
9. Is phosgene exposure possible?
YES: Go to PHOSGENE PROTOCOL.
10. Check other possible chemical exposures:
PHOSGENE
PROTOCOL
1. Restrict fluids, chest x-ray, blood gases Results
consistent with phosgene poisoning? 2. Dyspnea? YES: OXYGEN, positive end-expiratory pressure 3. Observe closely for at least 6 hours.
4. Severe
dyspnea develops or x-ray or blood
|
MUSTARD
PROTOCOL
1. Airway obstruction?
2. If there are large burns:
3. Treat other symptoms appropriately:
|
LEWISITE
PROTOCOL
1. Survey extent of injury. 2.
Treat affected skin with British Anti-Lewisite 3.
Treat affected eyes with BAL ophthalmic 4. Treat pulmonary/severe effects
5. Severe poisoning?
|
CHLORINE
PROTOCOL
1. Dyspnea?
2.
Treat other problems and reevaluate 3. Respiratory system OK?
4. Is phosgene poisoning possible? YES: Go to PHOSGENE PROTOCOL. 5.
Give supportive therapy; treat other problems |
1.
Severe respiratory distress? YES:
2. Major
secondary symptoms? YES:
|
3.
Repeat atropine as needed until secretions decrease and
breathing easier
Adults: 2 mg IV or IM 4. Repeat
2-PAM C1 as needed 5. Convulsions?
NO: Go to 6. 6.
Reevaluate q 3-5 min. Note: Warn the hospital pharmacy that unusual amounts of atropine and 2-PAM may be needed |