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Canadian emergency department preparedness for a nuclear, biological or chemical event

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Daniel Kollek
Daniel Kollek*
Affiliation:
Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ont.
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton St. E, Hamilton ON L8L 2X2; 905 527-4322 x46368, fax 905 527-7051, kollek@interlynx.net

Abstract

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Since the terror attacks of September 11th, emergency departments across North America have become more aware of the need to be prepared to deal with a mass casualty terror event, particularly one involving nuclear, biological or chemical contaminants. The effects of such an attack could also be mimicked by accidental release of toxic chemicals, radioactive substances or biological agents unrelated to terrorist activity.

The purpose of this study was to review the risks and characteristics of these events and to assess the preparedness of Canadian emergency departments to respond. This was done by means of a survey, which showed a significant risk of a mass casualty event (most likely chemical) coupled with a deficiency in preparedness — most notably in the availability of appropriate equipment, antidotal therapy and decontamination capability. There were also significant deficiencies in the ability to respond to a major biologic or nuclear event.

Keywords

disasterterrorismemergency preparedness
Type
EM Advances • Innovations En MU
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 5 , Issue 1 , January 2003 , pp. 18 - 26
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2003

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