Chemical Incidents Research Articles

The Utilization of Hospital-Based Decontamination Facility for Chemical Incidents

Introduction:The constraints of performing prehospital decontamination in mass casualty incidents involving the release of chemical agents at disaster sites in modern cities are notable. Compounding this are highly built-up urban areas with significantly high population density and traffic congestion. This places the burden of performing such decontamination on nearby healthcare facilities. Based on this need, public hospitals in Singapore have been equipped with decontamination facilities. We present a review of the utilization of this facility at our institution.Method:A retrospective review of the utilization of the hospital decontamination station (HDS) was carried out, noting its frequency, purpose, and outcomes.Results:Since its construction, the HDS has been deployed successfully many times a year for both routine training and disaster preparedness exercises. Despite the lockdown measures due to Covid-19, with concomitant reduction in social and economic activity, the HDS was activated five times for decontamination of chemical contaminated casualties. It is fortunate that, although HDS training activities were curtailed during this period, emergency department (ED) staff were still able to function effectively using prior experience, donning chemical protective suits, and performing decontamination. The semi-automated HDS facilitated rapid deployment which contributed to ease of use of this resource for timely decontamination of casualties with good outcomes.Conclusion:Chemical incidents resulting in contaminated casualties are uncommon events. Nonetheless hospitals must be prepared to deal with this situation in a timely manner. The rapidly deployable HDS has become an important resource and an operationally ready solution for dealing with chemical contaminated casualties presenting at short notice to the ED. Regular training and deployment exercises utilizing the HDS provide staff familiarity critical to overall readiness for chemical incidents. This strategy provides a reliable countermeasure in an all-hazards approach to disaster preparedness at the hospital.

Emergency Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Preparedness and Willingness to Work during Disasters and Public Health Emergencies

Introduction:This study evaluates the perceptions of preparedness and willingness to work during disasters and public health emergencies among 213 healthcare workers from 10 ministries of health hospitals in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, which is exposed to the risk of disasters such as flash floods in wadis, fires, sandstorms, armed conflicts at the border and ongoing waves of COVID-19 pandemic.Method:This study employed a quantitative research design by using a survey (Fight or Flight).Results:The results showed that participants' willingness to work unconditionally during disasters and emergencies varied based on the type of condition: natural disasters (61.97%), seasonal influenza pandemic (52.58%), smallpox pandemic (47.89%), SARS/COVID-19 pandemic (43.56%), special flu pandemic (36.15%), mass shooting (37.56%), chemical incident and bombing threats (31.92%), biological events (28.17%), Ebola outbreaks (27.7%), and nuclear incident (24.88%).Conclusion:Among several factors that determine healthcare workers’ willingness to work during disasters and public health emergencies, appropriate knowledge and skills to confidently manage an incident and the assurance of their families’ safety are two decisive factors. Although we could only find a significant correlation between education and willingness to work during emergencies, previous reports have confirmed a significant correlation between education, age, and years of experience and the perception of hazards and fear and consequently willingness to work under threatening circumstances. While unsuccessful management of disasters and emergencies may be the result of organizational shortcomings and resource scarcity, healthcare workers’ lack of knowledge, skills, and confidence and emotional distractions due to uncertainty about their own safety and that of their families may also play a significant role. Besides educational initiatives, which increase staff members’ confidence through knowledge acquisition and skill improvement, other measures, which guarantee their families’ safety and well-being during an emergency, should be established and implemented.

Evaluating the Knowledge, Readiness, and Satisfaction Level of Emergency Medical Service Personnel after an Online Chemical Mass Casualty Response Training Program

Introduction:Compared to trauma-based injuries, chemical injuries can inflict widespread and persistent injuries to exposed victims. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are vulnerable to chemical injuries. Specialized training is required, including zone setup, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination, and antidote use, beyond simple advanced trauma life support. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the educational effectiveness of the online chemical-mass casualty incident response education module (C-MCIREM) for EMS personnel.Method:This study is a retrospective pre-and post-test comparison. Subjects were EMS personnel who enrolled in the C-MCIREM program at the EMS Korea online conference between August 27, 2021 and September 5, 2021. Subjects provided demographic data and completed pre-course and post-course knowledge tests and self-assessments of readiness, as well as a satisfaction survey after the course. For readiness and satisfaction surveys, an 11-point Likert scale was used. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used to compare the two samples.Results:A total of 322 respondents were enrolled. Two-hundred (62.1%) responded that they were most motivated to take the course because of curiosity about the subject. The median pre-course knowledge score was 57/100 (47, 66) and the post-knowledge score was 80/100 (66, 91) (p<0.001). Participants stated they felt their readiness to provide triage, treatment, transport, decontamination, to select correct antidotes, and to use correct PPE (all p<0.001) increased. 90.4% stated they were satisfied with the course. Participants were overall satisfied with the use of the online format (7.71/10 SD 2.05), and were willing to recommend the training to other EMS providers (7.63/10 SD 2.1).Conclusion:The online C-MCIREM program showed high satisfaction with a significant increase in knowledge and self-assessed readiness to respond to a chemical mass casualty incident.

Evaluating the Educational Effectiveness of Hospital Healthcare Providers after Chemical Mass Casualty Response Training Program

Introduction:Chemical exposures can cause direct and indirect injuries to responding medical personnel. Therefore, hospital healthcare providers should be provided with disaster response training that includes identification of chemical hazards, establishment of the hazard zone, personal protective equipment use, decontamination, and chemical injury antidote use. This study evaluates the educational effectiveness of the chemical-mass casualty incident response education module (C-MCIREM) for hospital healthcare providers.Method:This was a retrospective quasi-experimental study. Subjects were hospital providers who enrolled in the C-MCIREM program between May 1, 2021, and July 26, 2022. Subjects were hospital providers from Bucheon, Mokpo, Iksan, Jeonju, and Dae-gu cities in South Korea. Subjects completed pre, post, and three-month knowledge retention and self-assessments of readiness tests, as well as evaluations on tabletop exercises (TTX), and a satisfaction survey (11-point Likert) after the course. The instructors scored teamwork measures via standardized evaluations on TTX throughout the course. The K-paired Sample Friedman test was used to compare samples.Results:127 respondents were enrolled. The median knowledge score rose from 51/100 (39, 66) to 85.5/100 (73.75, 90) with a median retention score of 74/100 (64, 88) (p<0.001). Participants felt their readiness to respond increased in all facets (all p<0.001) on the post and retention test for the MCI situation. All three hospital teams showed significant increases in teamwork between the median of the 1st and 4th TTX as 27/100 (23.5, 29) and 69/100 (66.75, 69.5) (p<0.05). Participants were overall satisfied (9.1/10 SD 1.13) and would recommend the training to others (9.15/10 SD 1.2).Conclusion:C-MCIREM participants had high satisfaction with a significant increase and persistence in knowledge, improved teamwork, and self-assessed readiness to respond to a chemical mass casualty incident.

Preparedness for chemical, radiologic and nuclear incidents among a sample of emergency physicians' and general practitioners'—a qualitative study

PurposeThis study describes preparedness of emergency physicians and general practitioners following chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents.Design/methodology/approachFive emergency physicians and six general practitioners were interviewed individually, and data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe study results showed that physicians' preparedness for chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents is linked to one main category: to be an expert and to seek expertise and two categories: preparations before receiving CRN patients, and physical examination and treatment of CRN patients with subcategories.Research limitations/implicationsThe results have implications for further research on the complexity of generalist vs specialist competence and knowledge when responding to chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents.Originality/valueThis study provides insights regarding chemical, radiological and nuclear preparedness among physicians at emergency departments and primary healthcare centres.

Prediction of time in industrial chemical accidents: A survival analysis.

Chemical accidents have imposed casualties and high economic and social consequences to Iranian industries and society. This study investigated the effect of risk factors involved in occurrences of the chemical accidents and predicted the time of occurrences in Iranian chemical factories. A cross-sectional study was implemented in 574 chemical facilities with more than 25 employees from 2018 to 2020. Collecting data instruments were 2 checklists with 15 and 25 three-point Likert scale questions, respectively. Chi square and Monte Carlo tests assessed the relationships between independent risk factors and dependent hazardous chemical accidents. Cox semi-parametric and log-normal parametric models were used to predict the upcoming time of chemical accidents based on the impacts of risk factors understudy. Data analyses were performed using Stata and R software. The results showed that safety data sheets, labeling, fire extinguishing system, safe chemicals storage, separation, loading, transportation and training were statistically significant with occurrences of the chemical accidents (P-value < 0.05). Loading and transportation were mostly related to chemical incidents and reduced significantly the expected time of chemical events (P-value = 0.028). Establishing a comprehensive chemical accidents dataset and strict governmental supervision on chemical safety regulations are suggested to decrease the chemical accidents at regional and local levels in chemical plants.

A disaster politicised: The hazardous chemical incident in East Palestine, Ohio

The recent derailment of a freight train in the U.S. state of Ohio unleashed hazardous chemicals - and poisonous divisions in American politics.

Epidemiological Trends of Acute Chemical Poisoning among Children over a Recent Three-Year Period in Saudi Arabia.

Acute intoxication from chemicals is a major medical emergency that can result in illness and mortality. This retrospective study aims to evaluate acute chemical poisoning incidents among children in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2021. A total of 3009 children were recorded as being chemically intoxicated. The SPSS/PC statistics package was used for the statistical analysis. The acute chemical poisoning incidents that occurred in the age groups were <1 year: 237 (7.8%), 1-5 years: 2301 (76.4%), 6-12 years: 214 (7.1%), and 13-19 years: 257 (8.5%). The mean rate of acute chemical poisoning in the northern region was 40.1%. The most common poisonous agents were organic solvents (20.4%) and disinfection agents (22.7%). Interestingly, there is a significant relationship between the different types of acute chemical poisoning and various factors, including gender, age, the location where acute chemical intoxication occurred, the type of exposure, and whether these were intentional or unintentional events. The data suggest that the northern region of Saudi Arabia has had the highest number of recorded incidents of acute chemical poisoning over the last three years (2019-2021). Individuals between 1-5 years old were the worst hit. Organic solvents and detergents were to blame for the acute unintentional chemical poisonings that took place in homes. Therefore, educating the public about chemical poisoning and reducing children's exposure to toxic chemicals requires educational programs, which may help to reduce chemical poisoning occurrence.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Preparedness of Public Hospitals in Riyadh.

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents are those that involve chemical or biological warfare agents or toxic radiological or nuclear materials. These agents can cause disasters intentionally or accidentally. Hospitals play a crucial role in handling CBRN disasters. This study aimed to assess the CBRN preparedness of government hospitals in Riyadh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across government hospitals in Riyadh. All government hospitals with more than 100 inpatient beds and an emergency department met the inclusion criteria. Hospital preparedness was assessed using an adaptation of the CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive event) Plan Checklist. This adaptation was chosen due to the inclusion of explosive events in hospital disaster readiness, and its structural composition of key clinical guidelines necessary for a comprehensive disaster and readiness plan. Results were described in frequencies across several domains such as foundational considerations and planning which are used to assess plan preparedness using readiness tools, training, and awareness among staff members in accordance to a pre-established emergency plan, placed procedures and their implementation, and modules for preparing for a biological incident, a chemical incident, and a radiological or nuclear incident. Of the 11 eligible hospitals, 10 participated in the study. Furthermore, CBRN considerations were included in the disaster plans of 7 hospitals. Drills had been conducted in collaboration with local agencies in only 2 hospitals. The staff had been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure to class (A) biological agents in less than half of the hospitals. Eight of the hospitals had antidotes and prophylactics to manage chemical incidents, but only half of them had radiation detection instruments. Personal protective equipment was available in all hospitals, but rapid access to stockpiles of medications was available in only half of them. Government hospitals in Riyadh demonstrated insufficient CBRN preparedness as per the CBRNE Plan Checklist. Overall, there was a lack of preemptive planning, application of pre-established policies and procedures, and adequate staff training. Furthermore, several hospitals had insufficient stockpiles of medications and in concrete plans on accessing government stockpiles in the case of an emergency. Therefore, their staffs should be trained to manage CBRN emergencies, and local drills should be conducted to improve their preparedness.

Structural Elements and Requirements in Forming Prehospital Health Response Teams in Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear Incidents (CBRN), a Comparative Review Study.

One of the important indicators of increasing the capacity of the health system and the chances of survival of patients and injured immediately after chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) accidents is rapid access to medical services. Establishing prehospital health response teams is one of the main strategies to improve the capacity and ability to respond to unusual events. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the formation of rapid response teams in the field of health in response to chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear accidents (CBRN EDMRT). In this study, the comparative review method was used. The study period was from November 1, 2021 to March 2022. Forming and deploying rapid health response teams based on an extensive multi-step search and keywords in multiple databases such as PubMed, CINHAL, Blackwell, Iranmedex, SID, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, Scopus Also, the websites of the Ministry of Health and the responsible organizations in different countries and the proposed structure were done by international institutions and sites. After accessing the resources and documents, the process of analysis and comparison of different team structures was performed. After the initial search, the structure and required elements of their teams were extracted. According to published articles and texts, 10 teams from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of Homeland Security, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Australia, the British Public Health Organization, and the Japanese Red Cross were compared. Team requirements, population distribution, type of accident, level of team activity and training, equipment required by the team after the accident, according to which, each country/organization should consider the above factors to design and establish the structure of CBRN EDMRT to take. A study should be conducted to design a comprehensive and evidence-based structure.

Lessons for railways from project PROACTIVE on CBRNe risks and threats

The rail sector is no stranger to malicious or unintentional Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) incidents. The EU H2020 Project PROACTIVE has developed two sets of recommendations based on a multimethodological approach of questionnaires, workshops and interviews with CBRNe practitioners and security experts. However, these recommendations are geared towards first responders. This paper examines the answers collected from the railway and metro security experts during these research activities to see whether or not the PROACTIVE recommendations are fit for the rail and metro sector. The paper finds that the PROACTIVE recommendations regarding crisis communication and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to be applicable to the public transport sector while the recommendations regarding inter-agency collaboration appear to already be put in place.

방사능 복합재난 대응을 위한 방호장비 시작품 상세설계 품목 선정 과정 분석

A radioactive complex disaster refers to a situation in which large-scale natural and social disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and chemical incidents occur in addition to nuclear power plants accident simultaneously. For the safe evacuation of residents, protective equipment must be prepared appropriately and sufficiently. We presented effectiveness, sufficiency, and versatility as selection criteria for choosing the essential protective equipment. The results of the survey of residents and local public officials suggested that masks, radioactivity meters, protective buses, and air purifiers have high priorities for the preparing equipment. Finally, through consultation with central government officials, masks, measuring instruments, and adsorption filters in protective buses were presented as prototypes. These items can effectively protect the people even in the event of a radioactive complex disaster.

소방대원 『화학사고 현장대응 가이드북』 개발 및 적용

In this paper, we would like to introduce the National Fire Agency(NFA) 『Chemical Incident Response Guide(CIRG-FF)』, a guidebook for responding to special chemical disasters in Korea. In the case of chemical disaster-related guidelines provided by other organizations, information is provided to workers and the public as well as responders to disasters. For this reason, it is somewhat difficult for firefighters to use them. CIRG-FF is composed of response information on historical substances(138 types) of large and small scale chemical accidents that have occurred in Korea over the past 7 years(2014-2020). And, it is composed and produced with a focus on firefighters so that rapid and efficient chemical disaster response can be safely performed, and information such as safety technology for field activities is included. Furthermore, in order to increase the utilization of CIRG-FF, the

Hospital Preparedness Assessment Instruments in Chemical Incidents: A systematic literature review

Background: Chemical incidents are among the most frequent technological disasters that have occurred frequently in recent years. Among the organizations operating in disaster response, hospitals, as the primary unit of care, play the greatest and most critical role. Hence, providing appropriate measures that lead to minimizing the effects of these events is raised as one of the health system's priorities, so this study was carried out with the aim of systematic review on hospital preparedness instruments in chemical incidents Methods: This systematic review was carried out according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines . In this aim, through December 2020, 6 electronic databases were searched in MEDLINE (PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and Cochrane) for the following key words: hospital, preparedness, chemical incidents, instrument. Results: Out of 7794 articles that were screened, 13 articles meet the inclusion criteria for entering the process of final analysis. Most studies were cross-sectional, two were cohort, and three studies were conducted by a qualitative method. The result showed that none of the evaluated checklists and tools included all dimensions required for an appropriate hospital preparedness evaluation in chemical incidents. Conclusion: Based on the results of this investigation, there is no comprehensive tool for assessing hospital preparedness in chemical incidents. The data of this survey can be employed as a guideline for policymakers and managers of medical centers for planning in dealing with chemical incidents.

The educational outcomes of an online pilot workshop in CBRNe emergencies

Background: In the past 20 years, humanity, particularly in the Middle East, has experienced three outbreaks of coronavirus disease, restricting our ordinary activities. In addition to the growing risk of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents, discussing an alternative to the usual refresher or first-time face-to-face disaster preparedness education is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the participants’ educational outcomes following their participation in the “HazMat/CBRNe in the context of mass gatherings” online pilot workshop, which used PowerPoint® presentations, a remotely facilitated tabletop exercise, and videos. Methods and Analysis: This was a retrospective quantitative analysis study based on the participants’ pre- and post-workshop session 1 multiple choice assessment scores and their evaluation results. Results: Although it was based on a small number of participants, the implemented workshop helped accomplish the participants’ educational outcomes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that this online workshop helped fulfil the participants’ educational needs and familiarize them with the concept of readiness and preparedness for CBRNe threats in mass gatherings; hence, it should be conducted again for other participants. The increasing worldwide use of CBRN agents in industries and bioterrorism heightens the need to ensure appropriate healthcare workers’ readiness through practical, innovative continuous professional development tools in times of pandemics.

EFSA ‐ RACFC Chemical Contamination of Food Crisis Preparedness Training 2022 with Central and Eastern European Countries

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) runs 2 crisis preparedness training events annually and selected chemical contamination as the scientific domain for its 2022 activities. The 4 specific exercise learning objectives of the 2022 EFSA and the Bulgarian Risk Assessment Center on Food Chain (RACFC) crisis preparedness workshop were: (a) to improve how and when collaboration takes place during a chemical contamination crisis response; (b) to understand individual roles and those of others in a chemical contamination crisis response; (c) to understand the purpose of selected EFSA tools and how to use them; and (d) to rehearse risk communication. Working with the RACFC and crisis training contractors Instinctif Partners, EFSA developed a 2.5-day programme of activities undertaken in working groups and plenary from 14-16 September 2022. In total there were 20 participants from 5 EU Member States and 2 EU candidate countries plus 2 observers from Bulgaria, 1 from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and 1 from EFSA. Day One focused on briefings delivered in a combination of remote and in-person modes, covering areas such as applicable EU legislation, EFSA's and Bulgaria's responses to previous chemical contamination incidents, and crisis communication. Updates and training were provided on tools such as iRASFF, EFSA's Rapid Assessment of Chemical Exposure (RACE) tool and its OpenFoodTox database. An overview of cadmium toxicity anticipated the scenario used for a simulation exercise on Day Two. A detailed debrief on Day Three yielded 20 practical recommendations for improvement in the areas of (a) risk assessment; (b) EFSA tools; (c) risk communication; and (d) collaboration. The objectives of the event were achieved, based on recorded outcomes and feedback provided by participants in an evaluation survey.

Effects of chemical warfare agent decontaminants on trace survival: Impact on fingermarks deposited on glass.

Following a chemical incident involving chemical warfare agents or more broadly, chemical weapons, there are two possible approaches in dealing with the traditional forensic analysis of contaminated exhibits. The first is to analyze the contaminated items under safe conditions (i.e. in laboratories dedicated to the handling of such substances), while the second relies on item decontamination prior to processing them in traditional forensic laboratories. One of the main limitations of the latter is the possible degradation or destruction of traces caused by the decontamination process. Hence, it is crucial to have as much information as possible on the impact of different decontamination agents and procedures on traces. This research presents experimental results on the recovery of fingermarks on glass after the application of decontaminants typically used in case of chemical incidents. The impact of 11 decontaminants on fingermarks deposited on glass and on the subsequent enhancement with cyanoacrylate and Small Particle Reagent (SPR) was evaluated (by visual examination) by four evaluators. The results of the study demonstrated that the persistence of fingermarks on glass is highly dependent on the type of decontaminant used. Decontamination agents based on the principle of nucleophilic substitution to neutralize toxic chemicals allowed good subsequent development of fingermarks with SPR. Powdered decontaminants did not show any indication of alteration of fingermarks, whereas decontamination with oxidants leads to variable results.

Community-level awareness of proper immediate steps regarding ocular chemical injury in Asir Region

Background: Although the eyes represent 0.1% of the total human body, such organs are exposed to multiple injuries, some of which possibly lead to permanent loss of vision. Chemical injuries occurring on the eyes is deemed to be a major ophthalmic emergency, requiring immediate clinical assessment and initiation of treatment. Concerning the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risks of chemical-based ophthalmic injuries and the permanent repercussions brought about by such incidents, together with the proper steps and actions that should be taken in such cases, this has unfortunately still a degree of paucity within the state. In addition, it is of great importance to recognize areas of shortcomings by health care workers, in order to provide accurate and non-complex medical facts regarding chemical-based ophthalmic injuries Aims: This study focused on evaluating the general population’s awareness of the immediate responses that are required, following ophthalmic chemical injury incidents within the Asir province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This study contained a questionnaire that was randomly distributed across all segments of population in the Asir province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), through various social media, entitled ‘The eyes are arguably the most important sensory organ of the human body’. This investigation lasted a total time span of six months (May – October 2021) and its design was classified as a descriptive cross-sectional survey of the local Asir community. Results: In relation to overall population awareness regarding chemical eye injury within the Asir region, KSA, among this cohort, 288 (48%) had good awareness level regarding chemical eye injury and its management, while 312 (52%) had poor awareness. Through our research we found out that individuals in the Asir population require greater awareness regarding the immediate steps of management in cases of ocular chemical eye injuries. Furthermore, there is a need to establish that the only solution required to irrigate the eye is water, with a mechanism of eye washing from the middle part of the face to the tip of the eye. Conclusions: These results should be evaluated by the Ministry of Health and the appropriate actions should be made, such as health awareness campaigns, regarding ocular chemical injuries and immediate corrective actions, in order to improve knowledge and to create a healthier society. Key words: ocular chemical injury, community awareness, Abha

Shifting Culture from Blame to Gain: A Call for Papers to Openly Discuss Chemical Incidents

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEEditorialNEXTShifting Culture from Blame to Gain: A Call for Papers to Openly Discuss Chemical IncidentsAmanda B. ChungAmanda B. ChungDepartment of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United StatesMore by Amanda B. ChungView Biographyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8943-0303, Austin B. MoyleAustin B. MoyleDepartment of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United StatesMore by Austin B. MoyleView Biographyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3050-8038, Monica M.S. Nyansa*Monica M.S. NyansaDepartment of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States*Email: [email protected]More by Monica M.S. NyansaView Biographyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2326-9569, and Joshua A. PowellJoshua A. PowellDepartment of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United StatesMore by Joshua A. PowellView Biographyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7679-5888Cite this: ACS Chem. Health Saf. 2022, 29, 3, 240–241Publication Date (Web):May 23, 2022Publication History Published online23 May 2022Published inissue 23 May 2022https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.2c00031Copyright © Published 2022 by American Chemical SocietyRIGHTS & PERMISSIONSArticle Views607Altmetric-Citations-LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (572 KB) Get e-AlertsSUBJECTS:Risk assessment,Safety,Sodium dodecyl sulfate,Students Get e-Alerts

Assessment of the effectiveness of a course in major chemical incidents for front line health care providers: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundMass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or loss of life for large numbers of victims. These emergencies can stretch and challenge the available resources of healthcare systems within the community. Political unrest in the Middle East, including chemical terrorist attacks against civilians in Syria and increasing chemical industry accidents, have highlighted the lack of hospital preparedness for chemical incidents in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to empower frontline healthcare providers involved in mass casualty incidents with the basic knowledge and essential operational skills for mass chemical exposure incidents in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used to develop a blended learning, simulation enhanced, competency-based course for major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers. The course was designed by experts from different disciplines (disaster medicine, poisoning / toxicology, and Hazard Material Threat - HAZMAT team) in four stages. The course was piloted over five days at the Officers Club of the Ministry of Interior (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). The 41 participants were from different government health discipline sectors in the country. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess learner knowledge while debriefing sessions after the decontamination triage session and simulation-enhanced exercises were used for team performance assessment.ResultsThe overall knowledge scores were significantly higher in the post-test (69.47%) than the pre-test (46.3%). All four knowledge domains also had significant differences between pre- and post-test results. There were no differences in the pre and post-test scores for healthcare providers from the different health disciplines. A one-year post-event survey demonstrated that participants were satisfied with their knowledge retention. Interestingly, 38.3% had the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice in relation to mass chemical exposure incidents.ConclusionDelivering a foundation level competency-based blended learning course with enhanced simulation training in major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers may improve their knowledge and skills in response to such incidents. This in turn can improve the level of national preparedness and staff availability and make a crucial difference in reducing the health impacts among victims.