Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) events occur often in concert with traumatic injuries; however, a large majority of CBRN literature and research frequently exclude the trauma perspective (Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016;26:1431-47; Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016;26:1399-1408). This article supposes that CBRN events do not predominately occur in isolation, obligating further discussion to approach CBRN management through the lens of trauma. Toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), biological agents with an infectious prodrome, radiological exposures from possible dirty bombs, nuclear detonation, and nuclear power plant disasters result in different forms of contamination (external and/or internal) in the setting of trauma (Int J Radiat Biol 2017;93:870-84; Int J Radiat Biol 2017;93:851-69).
Emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital emergency medical departments will be the first to encounter these CBRN patients, which substantiates the need for effective and efficient CBRN tools. These tools include personal protection equipment (PPE)...