International chemical threat training exercise for medical professionals held in China

With the threat of chemical incidents growing worldwide, an international assortment of medical professionals gathered in Xi’an, China last month to train for the danger.

The event lasted from Sept. 18-22 and saw experts trained in advanced hospital care for victims of toxic or weaponized chemicals through a variety of theoretical and practical exercises. It took place in three environments: a hospital, simulation center, and laboratory. The Chinese government worked with the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to organize the training.

’’It is my heartfelt hope that if faced with unfortunate circumstances requiring treatment of chemical victims, the skills and knowledge imparted to you will be useful and serve to alleviate their suffering,” Shawn DeCaluwe, head of OPCW’s Assistance and Protection Branch, said.

Participants, which included experts from Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Moldova, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Sudan, Uganda, Syria and Sri Lanka, were taught about types and effects of various chemical warfare and toxic agents, as well as the medical countermeasures for them. In the process, they were shown effective means of triage and hospital care, how to respond to events with mass casualties, and how to use personal protective equipment correctly.