Specific Treatment Measures for Toxic Trauma

Specific Treatment Measures for Toxic Trauma 8.3.1 Management of Nerve Agent Exposure... 

So far, we have considered the nature of toxic trauma, how exposure can occur and the presentation and diagnosis of those affected. This chapter concerns detailed management of casualties, both in terms of early life support, antidote and supportive therapy, including the specific investigations and treatment required for each class of toxic agent. For a limited number of classes of toxic agent, both military and civil, there are antidotes available. However, in most cases, only general treatment measures are available. 

Before any specific treatment starts, there must be a rapid assessment of the patient s airway, ventilatory and circulatory status. Immediate life-support measures are required for patients presenting in respiratory failure or arrest and for circulatory collapse. Patients may also present with both toxic and physical trauma which may compound the situation. Box 8.1 summarises actions of toxic agents causing respiratory failure. 

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