Field Detection of Pesticides: Suicide, Seizures and Sickness

Pesticides are becoming a more prevalent problem for hazardous materials responders. Historically organophosphate pesticides have been the culprit in medical emergencies and suicides. Recently there has been a surge in new pesticide development due to the continuous cycle of regulation and restrictions. Pesticides on the market now include carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and others. Often pesticides affect the nervous system, but in different ways. Identification of the pesticide is critical to patient treatment and keeping responders safe. We will discuss many recent incidents involving pesticide exposures and gather the lessons learned. We will examine the identification tools we have in our toolbox to detect and identify pesticides at a range of concentrations. We will look at both the acute and chronic hazards of pesticide exposure to the public and first responders and come up with strategies and tactics, so we are prepared to handle the incidents involving pesticides we will undoubtedly be dispatched to.