Management of respiratory failure in toxic disasters
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Published on: April 7, 2021
1SAMU de Paris, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, France.
Abstract:
Accidental or deliberate release of toxic substances may be a cause of mass casualties, some of which may involve partial or complete respiratory failure. Life support measures may be delayed by the need for containment of the toxic release and decontamination. Advanced life support (ALS) may be provided in such circumstances using the TOXALS protocol. With proper training and equipment, emergency medical personnel can provide effective prehospital care during decontamination of chemical casualties.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
