Pharmacists a Key Resource in Planning for Chemical-Weapons Attacks

US Pharm. 2012;37(1):10.

Quincy, MA—Terrorist chemical-weapons attacks are a real possibility, but pharmacists’ extensive knowledge of toxic agents and how to treat exposed patients makes them an invaluable asset in the event of a potential or actual attack. Clinical pharmacist and forensic pharmacologist Peter Anderson notes in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology that there are potential antidotes to nerve agents, vesicants, choking agents, blood agents, incapacitating agents, and toxic industrial chemicals that can save lives if used rapidly and correctly. Pharmacists must work to prepare emergency plans in their hospitals and collaborate with pharmacy and therapeutic committees to stock for a potential terrorist attack or chemical accident.

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