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HAZMAT Medical Emergencies for EMS Providers

Emergency Medical Services professionals are increasingly called upon to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials (HAZMAT). These incidents may occur in industrial facilities, transportation accidents, terrorist events, agricultural environments, or even private residences. Responding safely and effectively requires specialized knowledge, awareness of personal safety considerations, and a clear understanding of medical management strategies for chemically exposed patients.

This course provides EMS providers with an in-depth overview of hazardous materials incidents from a medical perspective. Emphasis is placed on scene safety, recognition of toxidromes, and evidence-based patient care. The material is appropriate for EMTs and Paramedics and serves as both an introduction and a refresher on HAZMAT medical response.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

Describe scene safety considerations unique to hazardous materials incidents.
Define and recognize the primary HAZMAT zones.
Explain basic toxicology concepts relevant to EMS.
Identify common toxidromes and their clinical presentations.
Outline medical interventions for patients exposed to hazardous substances.
Discuss pharmacologic treatments commonly used in HAZMAT emergencies.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Scene Safety and Initial Response

Recognizing a Potential HAZMAT Incident
The Golden Rule of HAZMAT Response
Establishing Safety Zones
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Decontamination Principles

Chapter 2: Basic Toxicology Concepts for EMS

Routes of Exposure
Dose and Exposure Time
Acute vs. Chronic Exposure
Physiologic Targets of Toxins
Role of EMS Assessment

Chapter 3: Toxidromes - Recognizing Patterns of Poisoning

What Is a Toxidrome?
Major Toxidrome Categories
- Irritant gases
- Corrosives
- Asphyxiants
- Cholinergics
- Hydrocarbons

Chapter 4: Medical Management of HAZMAT Patients

The EMS Treatment Priorities
Patient Decontamination
Primary Assessment Considerations
Airway Management
Cardiac Monitoring
Transport Decisions
Multiple Casualty Incidents

Chapter 5: Pharmacology in HAZMAT Emergencies

Albuterol
Amiodarone
Amyl Nitrite Pearls
Atropine
Calcium Gluconate
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit)
Lidocaine
Methylene Blue
Nebulized Sterile Water
Pralidoxime (2-PAM, Protopam)
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium Thiosulfate
Tetracaine

Price: $12.00

Contact Hour: 1

Course Author

Brad Moore

Brad Moore is a dedicated public safety professional with over 18 years of service in emergency response. He has been a firefighter since 2021 and became a licensed paramedic in 2023, providing critical care in high-pressure situations. Before transitioning to Fire and EMS, Brad served for 12 years as a police officer, where he developed strong skills in leadership, crisis management, public safety, and community service. He is also a licensed EMS Instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services, further extending his expertise in training and education for emergency responders.

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Course Accreditation

Provider approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, course provides 1.00 contact hour(s). CE Program Approval Number #: 601011.