Prehospital Management of CBRNE Incidents: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Firefighters, EMS, and Critical Care Providers
CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) incidents pose unique challenges that require rapid, coordinated action across all levels of emergency response. This class offers a practical, interprofessional approach to prehospital care in CBRNE environments, tailored specifically to firefighters, EMS, and critical care providers. Attendees will explore key components of CBRNE response, including hazard recognition, basic triage principles, and important prehospital patient care within each scenario. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of basic assessments with advanced interventions in the hot, warm, and cold zones respectively. A brief review of common toxidromes and their treatments will be presented, including cyanide, cholinergic agents, and hydrofluoric acid, among others. Real-world case studies will illustrate the complexities of airway management, decontamination, and antidote administration in CBRNE settings. Equipment considerations, including detection devices and field-tested protective measures, will be addressed to optimize responder safety and patient outcomes.
