Evaluations over the medical emergency responding to chemical terrorist attack

Abstract

The use of chemical warfare agents intentionally has become a great concern in the arena of the cold war. On the other hand, there has always been a threat on civilian population due to their mass destruction effects, including psychological damage and a great deal of discussion how to respond to it in terms of medical management. It is very important to provide the best lifesaving medical care and triage in a chemical-contaminated area. Mass casualties exposed to chemical agents require immediate medical intervention to save their lives and should be classified in accordance to medical care priorities and available medical sources, including antidotes and sophisticated health facilities. Establishing the decontamination area for chemical casualties where it is located at the suitable place with respect to the wind direction is necessary. To overcome the mass destruction effects of chemical warfare agents following the terrorist attack, we must have the emergency medical response plan involving experienced triage officers and medical care providers to be able to perform medical management in the chemical-contaminated area and health facilities.