Emergency Preparedness

These toxicology resources are designed to support healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and public health partners. The materials provide concise guidance on recognizing, assessing, and managing a range of toxic exposures and hazardous incidents.

These resources are intended for reference and do not replace consultation with the Poison Center. For patient-specific questions or assistance, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

The following fact sheets are available in PDF format.

Antidote & Preparedness Resources

• Antidote Stocking (PDF) – Recommendations to help healthcare facilities evaluate antidote stocking needs for poisoning emergencies.

Chemical & Toxic Agent Resources

• Anthrax (PDF) – Overview of anthrax exposure, clinical effects, and response considerations.
• Bomb and Blast Injuries (PDF) – Information on injury patterns and medical considerations following explosions.
• Chemical – 20 Questions & Answers (PDF) – General guidance addressing common questions about chemical exposure incidents.
• Cyanide (PDF) – Clinical overview of cyanide poisoning, including signs, symptoms, and treatment considerations.
• Irritant Gases (PDF) – Information on exposures to irritant gases and their respiratory effects.
• Nerve Agents (PDF) – Key information on nerve agent exposure and emergency management.
• Crowd Control Agents (PDF) – Overview of crowd control agents, exposure effects, and treatment considerations.
• Crowd Control Algorithm (PDF) – A treatment algorithm for evaluation and management of riot control agent exposures.

Radiation & Radiological Resources

• Radiological Antidote (PDF) – Information on antidote use for selected radiological exposures.
• Radiation Victim Treatment Algorithm (PDF) – A treatment algorithm for evaluating and managing radiation victims.
• Acute Radiation Syndrome (PDF) – Overview of acute radiation syndrome, including presentation and management.
• Radiological Dispersal Device (PDF) – Information about radiological dispersal devices and related response considerations.
• Patient Exposure Information (PDF) – Guidance on gathering and communicating exposure information during radiological events.
• Radiological Dispersion Response Guidelines (PDF) – Public safety response guidance for radiological dispersion incidents.
• REAC/TS Emergency Treatment Resources Website – A quick resource to support a medical response to a radiological/nuclear event, offered by REAC/TS.

Need help accessing these materials?

If you need a video in an alternative format, please call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or contact us—we will provide assistance.

For case-specific recommendations or real-time assistance, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.