Don't Get Caught ... In a State of Complacency

• 2008 Nov 1

Editor's note: This article is an online-exclusive supplement to “Don’t Get Caught ... In a State of Complacency” by A.J. Heightman and “Nerve Agent Attacks” by S. Christopher Suprun.

On May 22, 2008, a San Diego dispatcher received a 9-1-1 call that a man was unconscious in a car and frothing at the mouth, with an open bottle of pesticide next to him on the seat. The dispatcher alertly added a warning to the CAD screens of responding police, fire and EMS crews that organophosphates might be involved. Organophosphates are the foundation of many insecticides, herbicides and nerve gases.This case involved the suicide of just one patient, but it should serve as a reminder to emergency responders that terrorists have already used nerve agents to attack civilians just a few years ago in Tokyo and they should understand the threat, be alert to the possibility of an attack, know the signs and symptoms associated with nerve agents and know what to do if they are exposed themselves.

Listen to an audio clip of the San Diego 9-1-1 call by clicking here.

Read the full article, “Don't Get Caught ... In a State of Complacency,” in Response Guide For Chemical & Radiologic Threats: Are We Prepared?, a supplement to November 2008 JEMS, FireRescue Magazine  and Law Officer Magazine.

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