One Day Capacity Building Program on “Medical Preparedness and Response in Chemical Emergencies” on 21 March 2025 at GIDM

Background

In the backdrop of India's remarkable industrial growth and technological advancements, Gujarat stands out as a major contributor to the nation's chemical production. The state hosts a diverse range of chemical industries, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals-fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. While these industries drive economic development, they also introduce the potential hazard of chemical emergencies, necessitating a robust medical response system.

Chemicals are at the core of modern industrial and production systems, making the risk of accidents involving chemicals a critical concern for disaster management within the government, corporate sector, and the larger community. While major chemical disasters may occur infrequently, their potential impact such as loss of lives, adverse effects on the health of human beings and overall environmental damage, property destruction, and socio-economic implications is significant.

Gujarat's industrial sector is a major pillar of the national economy, featuring industrial clusters, special economic zones, and large manufacturing units. The state has witnessed rapid industrial growth, particularly in the chemical sector, leading to increased handling and management of hazardous chemicals. The integral role of chemicals in modern industrial processes brings forth the risk of accidents, emphasizing the need for effective emergency response systems. While industrial growth has brought prosperity, it has also posed substantial challenges concerning occupational safety and health (OSH).

Need for the capacity building

As technology and industrial processes advance, newer and more complex risks emerge, necessitating specialized medical preparedness and response capabilities. Medical professional play a pivotal role in responding to chemical emergencies, providing immediate medical assistance, managing casualties, and mitigating the health impacts of chemical exposure. Therefore, there is a critical need to provide specialized training to healthcare professionals to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities in chemical emergencies.

Objectives

To familiarize Medical professionals with the types of chemical incidents and their health implications.
To provide in-depth knowledge about medical first response for victims affected by chemical exposure.
To equip Medical professionals with the skills for immediate medical interventions, including treatment and administration of antidotes.
To enhance understanding of hospital preparedness, safety, and occupational health in the context of chemical emergencies

Target Participants

This program is designed or healthcare professionals, specifically targeting:

Doctors and Medical Practitioners
Healthcare Administrators and Managers
Factory Medical Officers
Factory Medical Officers
Paramedical Staff
Public Health Professionals

Program Coverage

This program is specifically designed to equip Medical professional with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for managing chemical cases and effectively responding to emergencies.

Key Topics:

Injury Mechanisms
Medical First Response during Chemical Emergencies
Occupational Health & Safety
Antidotes and Medical Countermeasures
Case Study

Faculty

The faculty would be from GIDM, Industry, Academia and Medical Expert.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this training, the medical professionals are expected to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of chemical emergencies and their medical implications.
Apply specialized medical interventions for managing health issues arising from chemical exposure.
Effectively contribute to emergency response efforts and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.
Demonstrate proficiency in implementing medical protocols and procedures specific to chemical emergencies.