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Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

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<strong>Chemical</strong> <strong>Agents</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Opportunity</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Terrorism</strong><br />

Training Support Package<br />

Participant Guide<br />

Slide 8<br />

<strong>Chemical</strong> <strong>Agents</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Opportunity</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Terrorism</strong>:<br />

<strong>TICs</strong> & <strong>TIMs</strong><br />

Case 1: Mass Psychogenic Illness or<br />

Toxic Exposure<br />

• 5 health care staff hospitalized<br />

– ED nurse hospitalized <strong>for</strong> 9 days developed chronic<br />

severe headaches, fatigue, dyspnea<br />

• A psychiatrist insisted it was an organic cause<br />

– ED physician hospitalized in ICU <strong>for</strong> 2 weeks requiring<br />

mechanical ventilation<br />

• 3 months in a wheelchair<br />

• Avascular necrosis <strong>of</strong> knees requiring 20 operations<br />

Module One – Observed Behaviors during Mass <strong>Chemical</strong> Exposures<br />

8<br />

Two medical providers had significant hospitalizations, with ensuing chronic health<br />

issues - one with somewhat non-specific symptoms; the other with a more recognizable<br />

medical condition. These are serious health effects – but are they attributable to an<br />

original toxic exposure, consequences <strong>of</strong> medical interventions, or some combination<br />

there<strong>of</strong> If the <strong>for</strong>mer, this would be strong evidence <strong>for</strong> a toxic exposure. If these<br />

effects are “just” adverse events based on physiologic and psychological responses to a<br />

frightening event and/or iatrogenic complications <strong>of</strong> procedures or medications, it<br />

underlines the importance <strong>of</strong> intervening in this process early.<br />

December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 434

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