Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Module Two
The Clinical Neurotoxicology of Chemical Terrorism -
Administration Page
The underlying neurophysiology of the brain makes it a likely target for terrorism. Interruption of
the normal role of neurotransmitters in the brain will alter functionality and render the individual
incapable of ‘fight or flight’. Because the potential exists for neurotoxins to be used in a terrorist
attack it is imperative that clinicians and first responders are able to recognize the common toxic
syndromes that affect the nervous system, including sedation, convulsions and hallucinations.
Duration
45 minutes
Scope Statement
This module provides a detailed overview of the major toxic syndromes along with examples of
chemical agents of opportunity for each clinical syndrome. Case studies are presented that
highlight the historical use of these agents in terrorist attacks. Potential antidotes, initial
treatment strategies and management of each clinical syndrome are reviewed.
Terminal Learning Objective (TLO)
• Recognize the common toxic syndromes that affect the nervous
system, including sedation, convulsions and hallucinogens.
Enabling Learning Objectives (ELO)
Resources
• Describe the role of neurotransmitters in brain function.
• List examples of agents of opportunity for each clinical syndrome.
• Describe initial treatment strategies for each clinical syndrome.
• Identify antidotes where appropriate.
Each of the eight course modules is deployed as an interactive, instructor-lead, MS PowerPoint
presentation containing didactic content, historical examples, and selected case studies. All
presentations are included in a printed participant guide (PG) containing the modules’ overview,
scope statement, terminal and enabling learning objectives, PowerPoint slide handouts, and a
summary section.
Instructor to Participant Ratio
1:8 (minimum) to 1:25 (maximum)
Reference List
1. Burns MJ, Linden CH, Graudins A, et al. A comparison of
physostigmine and benzodiazepines for the treatment of
anticholinergic poisoning. Ann Emerg Med 2001;37(2):239-41.
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