EMTs should have the capability to recognize victims of exposure to chemicals, poisonings and toxins and to protect themselves with basic PPE when there is any suspicion of potential contamination of staff.

EMTs deployed to general emergency situations may occasionally see patients presenting with accidental or deliberate exposure to chemicals, poisons, toxins and envenoming. Radio-nuclear exposure could be possible, but this will usually be the result of a complication of an emergency or disaster. In those cases, only those EMTs with specialist skills, PPE and training should be granted access to the hot zone.

1. Recognize symptoms and signs of chemical, toxicological and toxin exposures.
2. Assess, recognize and refer patients to appropriate centre.
3. Understand what kind of PPE is required (basic vs specialist) to protect staff.
4. Initiate first aid measures if safe to do so.
5. Link to national poisons advice line, and if none exist, to an agreed international expert through the ministry of health/EMTCC.
6. Decontaminate as possible, given the field setting, without risk to staff or bystanders.
7. Ensure protection is provided to those tasked with transporting to the appropriate level of care.

Type 2

• • Provide antidotes if available.

Type 3

• • Institute ICU care if safe and appropriate.

1. EMTs should have access to national protocols and understand appropriate referral pathways for patient referral.
2. Provide team members access to specialist texts and resources.

Clinical and triage areas contaminated by assessment and treatment of the affected patient should be properly sanitized before reopening.