Toxic trauma

This book provides practical guidance for health professionals in the event of having to manage individual or mass chemical casualties as part of their work in a hospital or pre-hospital emergency service. The text considers the nature and basic science of the hazards faced as well as the practical management of persons exposed to chemicals and toxins. Individual chapters cover the development and classification of chemical toxic agents, how exposure can occur and how medical responders should be involved in its management. There is also consideration of the nature of toxic trauma and the pathophysiological processes involved, together with a systematic approach to early and continuing management supported by specific examples of incidents. This guide will be a useful resource for consultants and registrars in emergency medicine, clinical toxicology, internal medicine, anaesthesia and intensive care as well as paramedical HAZMAT responders involved in both the management of mass chemical casualties and ensuring safe operating procedures within potentially contaminated areas to prevent secondary casualties from a chemical release.--