With chemical warfare becoming an imminent threat, medical systems need to be prepared to treat the resultant mass casualties. Medical preparedness should not be limited to the triage and logistics of mass casualties and first-line treatment, but should include knowledge and training covering the whole medical spectrum. In view of the unique characteristics of chemical warfare casualties the us...

evidence acquisition this systematic review proposes a new triage system for patients exposed to nerve agents. information regarding clinical signs and symptoms of intoxication with nerve agents, primary treatments, and classification of patients were extracted from the literature. all related articles were reviewed. subsequently, specialists from different disciplines were invited to discuss a...

Iraq has used chemical warfare agents in recent Iran-Iraq conflict ( 1980-88) . There are few studies regarding late complications of chemical warfare and there is no report concerning late cutaneous complications. The present study is concerned with the late clinical manifestation of cutaneous complications in chemical warfare casualties in comparison to non – chemical injured soldiers. Upon t...

UNLABELLED Current treatment protocols for chemical warfare casualties assume no IV access during the early treatment stages. Time constraints in mass casualty scenarios, impaired manual dexterity of medical personnel wearing protective gear, and victims' complex clinical presentations render standard IV access techniques impractical. A newly developed spring-driven, trigger-operated intraosseo...

CONTEXT The main objectives of triage are securing patient safety during the process of emergency diagnosis and treatment, and reduction of waiting time for medical services and transport. To date, there is no triage system for nerve agent victims. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This systematic review proposes a new triage system for patients exposed to nerve agents. Information regarding clinical sign...

Kerr Eby was initially a member of the Ambulance Corps in the U.S. Army in World War I, then transferred to the Engineers, and went to the front lines in France. His painting depicts a group of soldiers blinded during a gas attack. Whereas the neuropsychiatric casualties of other forms of warfare may present as individuals, the casualties of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare are most of...

INTRODUCTION THE CHEMICAL THREAT AND ENEMY CAPABILITY THE STATUS OF CHEMICAL PROLIFERATION Chemical Warfare Capabilities of Nations International Agreements and Verification Terrorism MILITARY CHEMICAL AGENTS TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS Chemical Agent Delivery Systems Physical Properties of Chemical Agents Strategic Concerns in the Use of Toxins Choice of Agent and Delivery S...