Our most recent issue of The Exchange highlights lessons learned (from the responder and practitioner perspectives), recent experiences abroad, and updates to federal initiatives that align with the four focus areas listed under Objective 2 of ASPR’s National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) Implementation Plan. Jon Greene, ASPR’s Director of Emergency Management and Medical Operations, authored the foreword for this issue, highlighting the NHSS and the importance of including chemical threats in all hazards planning. Additional articles include insights from the following:
- Susan Cibulsky, PhD (ASPR) and Dr. Mark Sutter (DHS) share lessons learned from the 2018 Novichok poisoning incident, including patient symptomology and the various treatments that were used.
- Susan Gorman, PharmD and Susan Cibulsky, PhD (both from ASPR) highlight emerging threats and tools that can help communities prepare for and respond to related incidents.
- Dr. Stephen Grant (Lexington, South Carolina Medical Center) describes how an emergency department managed the surge of patients exposed to tons of chlorine released as a result of a deadly train derailment.
- Fire Chief Bruce Evans (Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, Colorado) shares his experiences as a then firefighter-paramedic who responded to a massive leak of liquefied chlorine gas in 1991 and how the fire and emergency medical response to chemical incidents has changed over the years.
- Dr. John L. Hick summarizes the articles in this issue and highlights key considerations for healthcare planners and practitioners.
We hope the information contained in this issue can help you and your communities better prepare for and respond to chemical threats. |
