PROBLEM/CONDITION Although they are infrequent, acute chemical incidents (i.e., uncontrolled or illegal release or threatened release of hazardous substances lasting <72 hours) with mass casualties or extraordinary levels of damage or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, and economy occur, and thousands of less damaging chemical incidents occur annually. Su...

results the results revealed no statistically significant difference in nurse’s competency mean scores between the lecture and multimedia cds groups. objectives the aim of this study was to assess the effect of two teaching methods (multimedia instructional module versus lecture presentation) on nurse’s competency in biological incidents. materials and methods in this quasi-experimental study, ...

OBJECTIVE In December 2001, an expert consultation convened by WHO identified strengthening national and global chemical incident preparedness and response as a priority. WHO is working towards this objective by developing a surveillance and response system for chemical incidents. This report describes the frequency, nature and geographical location of acute chemical incidents of potential inte...

The risk of mass exposure to toxic substances has increased steadily during the twentieth century due to the expansion of industry and the deliberate development and use of agents of chemical warfare. Although Hong Kong is considered a relatively safe place, hoax anthrax attacks have occurred since 17 October 2001. People who have been seriously injured by hazardous materials have a greater cha...

BACKGROUND Before 1999, there was no national model or standard doctrine for managing casualties from chemical incidents in the UK. A Department of Health (DoH) initiative to prepare the National Health Service (NHS) for chemical incidents was launched in the same year. This led to the distribution of an NHS standard chemical personal protective equipment suit (CPPE) together with a new single ...

In response to the attack of 11 September 2001 on the USA, World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Office for Europe took immediate steps in order to be able to assist countries in case of a terrorist attack. Among other things, WHO organised a series of different consultations with international organisations, government representatives and experts in order to assess the state of preparednes...