Chemical Attacks: The HAZMAT Team

The threat of a chemical attack includes gases, liquids, or powders, which can result in the injury or death of citizens through poisoning the blood, skin blistering, choking or respiratory issues, a loss of nervous system functions, incapacitation, or death. To effectively manage a chemical attack, officials need to ensure their community is prepared for an attack of this nature. Following a chemical attack in the United States, response is the most crucial element in saving lives and preventing further spread of the chemical. Moreover, a chemical attack may result in the deployment of the Centers for Disease Control and response teams, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency; therefore, resulting

According to Forest and Howard, “decontamination is essential because those that have come in contact with the chemical will carry traces of the substance on their clothes and body; therefore, resulting in further absorption of the chemical through the skin or by inhalation” (Forest & Howard, 2013). Furthermore, decontamination will prevent the chemical from being transmitted to other people. HAZMAT teams will also assist in evacuation and determination of the type of chemical used in the attack. In the weeks following a chemical incident, HAZMAT teams will continue monitoring the rea to ensure the chemical is cleared and the area, including the environment, does not suffer long-term

Additionally, area hospitals should prepare decontamination zones in the hospital for treating patients and ensure protection of other patients in the hospital. Some chemicals will involve medical staff administering an antidote on scene and provide emergency care, such as medication or oxygen, to save lives (Forest & Howard, 2013). Moreover, Triage areas will need to be set-up at the scene to treat those with the supplies available and ensure that patients needing more thorough medical care can be transported to area hospitals. Some instances may require remote treatment locations to assist medical personnel in treatment of patients and prevent overcrowding in hospitals (Forest & Howard, 2013). While this would require the assistance of additional medical personnel, it can help to save lives after the attack. Consequently, in the days and weeks following an act of chemical warfare, hospital staff will need to monitor the health of the employees, ensure the hospital has been thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, and ensure employees have access to psychological treatment for any incidents of post-traumatic stress