Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 38
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Unconventional Partnerships
• Behavioral care experts
• Epidemiologists
– Develop tools to evaluate behaviors during catastrophic events
– Evidence based planning based on Social -behavioral observations
• Medical Toxicologists
– Medical Toxicologists are clinical experts in the human health e ffects
of poisoning
– Accessed through ACMT, poison centers, or direct contact
Module One – Observed Behaviors during Mass Chemical Exposures
38
Emergency response planning should utilize experts from a number of different areas,
including behavioral health, epidemiology, toxicologists. The goal is to have a
coordinated flow of information and resources to provide the most appropriate care to
those who need it. Medical Toxicologists are experts in the area of human health effects
from poisoning. We need to work closely with other experts to most effectively respond
to mass chemical exposures.
Uncertainty creates anxiety. The sooner the identification of the causative agent(s) is
confirmed, the more reliable health risk information and treatment recommendations can
be provided.
Most importantly, ALL experts should work together within the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) unified command structure so that a “single message” is
given to the community. Conflicting information from “experts” will raise the anxiety of
the community and may increase the number of victims seeking aid for reassurance or
anxiety-induced physical symptoms.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 464