Module 11: Post-Event Medical Monitoring
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) & Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs)
In recent years, there has been growing concern that many of the most likely threats of chemical terrorism involve so-called “agents of opportunity.” Both common and unusual industrial agents may pose a considerable threat as potential terrorist weapons. While an understanding of the traditional military chemical weapons (e.g. nerve agents) remains essential, an appreciation of the myriad of other potential toxic chemicals readily available in our society is crucial if we are to optimally prepare, identify and defend against chemical threats. Many toxic industrial chemicals are easily obtainable from multiple sources in our communities and pose a serious threat to health if accidentally released or intentionally disseminated.
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism Complete Course Description
Course Target Audience
The information presented will be of interest to state and local first responders, EMTs, paramedics, emergency physicians, emergency response coordinators, public health officials, industrial hygienists and others involved with chemical terrorism preparedness and response. Our topic selection for each course is intended to prepare the response community for their upcoming OHA Demonstration Project Tabletop exercise.
Module 11: Post-Event Medical Monitoring
The process and goals of medical monitoring (clinical and/or laboratory studies) are described and applied to potential chemical terrorism or mass chemical exposure scenarios in this module.
Module Objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Define medical monitoring
- Identify situations where medical monitoring may be indicated
- Describe the rationale for choosing a particular clinical or laboratory test in a biomonitoring program
- Identify three (3) important aspects of a biomonitoring program in addition to test selection
Presenters
Charles A. McKay, MD, FACMTAfter graduating from both Dartmouth College and Medical School, Dr. McKay completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital, and completed practice pathway preceptorships in Medical Toxicology at the Rocky Mountain and New York Poison Control Centers.
Dr. McKay is a medical toxicologist at Hartford Hospital and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where he is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine. He is a diplomat of the ABMT and the ABMS Toxicology Subboard. He is the Associate Medical Director of the Connecticut Poison Control Center and the Director of the Toxicology Fellowship at UConn. Dr. McKay also directs a toxicology consult service at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). As Medical Director of Occupational Health Services for Hartford Hospital and CCMC, he also evaluates questions of workplace safety and toxic exposure for 9,000 employees.
He has served on the ACMT Board of Directors since 2007 and is the Past Chair of the ACMT Practice Committee. Dr. McKay is active in biopreparedness efforts at the local and state level and has helped lead ACMT’s participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Terrorism Risk Assessment (CTRA) process. Dr. McKay is also the National Coordinator of the ACMT-ATSDR Regional Consultation Network.
Dr. McKay seeks “to develop sustainable practice opportunities for medical toxicologists.” His interests lie in clinical patient care, occupational and environmental toxicology, biopreparedness, and training of residents and fellows. He also enjoys scuba diving and distance running.
R. Douglas (Doug) Meckes, DVMNC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Veterinary Division
