Management in the operating room of a patient contaminated by an aggressive chemical risk agent

Anne-Cécile EZANNO | F. BELOT DE ST LÉGER | W. CARE | B. MALGRAS | H. DELACOUR

Seance of wednesday 28 june 2023 (SÉANCE COMMUNE AVEC LE SERVICE DE SANTÉ DES ARMÉES À L'ÉCOLE DU VAL-DE-GRÂCE - Amphithéâtre Lévy, Ecole du Val de Grâce Entrée 74 bd Port Royal)

DOI number : 10.26299/g3ny-f503/emem.2023.24.03

Abstract

Introduction: The terrorist threat and the chemical risk remain current topics. It therefore seems necessary for operating theatres to be able to deal with (or take urgent medical care of) patients contaminated by an aggressive chemical.
Materials and methods: We propose a procedure for the management of a patient contaminated by mustard gas in the operating room.
Results: In this type of situation, chemical decontamination takes precedence over the surgical urgency. The injured patient must go through a pre-hospital decontamination module (MDPH). Nevertheless, the patient still presents a risk of residual contamination in the wound that has not been decontaminated. On arrival in the operating room, the patient is considered “contaminated”. It is essential that the team caring for the patient must imperatively have suitable protective equipment and the operating room must be protected accordingly)
Conclusion: Ensuring the surgical management of a patient contaminated by an aggressive chemical is a necessity but requires dedicated equipment and trained personnel