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Challenges During a Chlorine Gas Emergency Response.
Bryan E Christensen1, Mary Anne Duncan2, Sallyann C King1
11Epidemic Intelligence Service,Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Atlanta,Georgia.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
|March 30, 2016
Summary
A poultry plant chlorine gas release exposed 170 workers. Effective hospital planning managed patient surge, but interagency communication needs improvement for future chemical incidents.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and safety
- Emergency medicine
- Public health preparedness
Background:
- A chlorine gas release occurred at a poultry processing plant due to accidental mixing of chemicals.
- The incident exposed 170 workers, necessitating a significant public health and emergency medical services response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the public health and emergency medical services response to a chemical incident.
- To develop and disseminate recommendations for mitigating the impact of future chemical releases.
Main Methods:
- Key informant interviews were conducted with representatives from state health departments, local emergency services (fire, EMS, police), county emergency management, and area hospitals.
- The study focused on understanding the response mechanisms implemented during the incident.
Main Results:
- 170 workers were exposed to approximately 40 pounds of chlorine gas and triaged on-site before being transported to five area hospitals.
- Hospitals managed the patient surge effectively through internal resource redistribution and additional staffing, without external assistance.
- Interviews revealed a critical need for enhanced communication between hospital staff and on-scene responders during chemical incidents.
Conclusions:
- Hospitals successfully managed the patient surge due to robust planning, training, and drills.
- Improved interagency communication is crucial for efficient and timely management and treatment of patients involved in chemical incidents.
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