Emergency department hazardous materials protocol for contaminated patients

Emergency department handling and treatment of chemically contaminated pati ents can have potentially serious consequences. Medical staff can be expose d to hazardous chemicals through dermal contact or inhalation of volatile c ompounds or particulate matter. Exposure can result in symptomatic illness from either a direct chemical toxic effect or an odor-mediated psychologic response. Either situation can severely affect ED function and lead to faci lity evacuation. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organi zations standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reg ulations for participation in community hazardous materials incident emerge ncy response plans require hospital EDs to prepare for hazardous materials incidents. This study provides a template protocol for ED preparation for a nd treatment of patients exposed to hazardous materials.