Chemical and Radiological Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism

Overview:
In recent years, there has been growing concern that many of the most likely terrorist threats will involve “agents of opportunity” or materials that are readily available in most communities around the country.

The Washington Poison Center in conjunction with the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) and the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) are pleased to offer this course on emergency medical response to exposures from toxic chemicals and radioactive materials. The Office of Environmental Health Emergency Management, within the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), supported independent development of a one-day course in Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REM) by REAC/TS and a one-day Agents of Opportunity (AoO) course by the ACMT. Each is designed to familiarize first line responders to toxic exposures with a variety of toxic syndromes. We have combined these into a two-day course for a complete understanding of Agents of Opportunity. The course will review the medical and psychological consequences of exposures to a variety of materials. It will include practical information regarding scene safety for such agents as high potency fentanyl analogs, inhaled irritants, and proper decontamination of a victim contaminated with radiologic material.

Objectives:

• Understand the concept of chemical and radiological agents of opportunity (AoO) –TICs, TIMs and TRMs (Toxic Industrial Chemicals, Toxic Industrial Materials, Toxic Radiologic Materials)
• Identify possible terrorist use of AoO
• Discuss past mass exposure to AoO
• Describe the major health effects of TICs, TIMs and TRMs and other important non-volatile chemical agents
• Identify primary treatment modalities for victims
• Appreciate the basis for increased public health preparedness for these agents
• Understand the psychological impact of mass casualties from such exposures
• Understand the implementation of “first receiver” OSHA guidance

Who Should Attend:

• Public Health and Emergency Preparedness professionals
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Prehospital healthcare providers
• Emergency Department and hospital staff
• Medical residents and students
• Other responders (e.g., Police, Fire, FBI, Hazmat teams, Civil Support teams)

Day 1 is focused on chemical threats; day 2 is focused on radiological threats. You can select to attend one or both days.

Registration will open in June.

For more information visit www.wapc.org.