Emergency Medical Treatment Needs: Chronic and Acute Exposure to Hazardous Materials.

This report identifies gaps in the ability of the medical community to recognize and treat problems resulting from exposure to hazardous materials. A summary of available guidance for medical management following chemical exposures is presented. The guidance focuses on prehospital and in-hospital care. The feasibility or utility is assessed for subclassifying chemicals by toxic effects or by chemical properties. The assessment relates to medical management. One study recommendation is for establishment of a resource and referral center to assimilatereview chemical toxicity data and medical management protocols. The protocols, oriented toward recognizing signs and symptoms, should generally be chemical-specific. Other recommendations concern improved training programs, community needs assessments, and incident feedback. Author