The role of the pharmacist as a hazardous materials consultant is described. Pharmacists in a university-affiliated teaching hospital are contacted by either emergency medical services or the emergency department to assist in the management of incidents involving toxic hazardous materials. These incidents can range from major chemical spills or leaks to long-term exposures involving generalized, nonspecific symptoms. An advanced pharmacy resident in emergency medicine is the primary pharmacy contact for hazardous materials consults. The services provided by the clinical pharmacist include identification of the hazardous materials involved, initiation of special precautions for rescue-squad and hospital-based personnel, clinical assessment of the toxicologic problem, and formulation of therapeutic recommendations. Teaching programs have been developed for pharmacy, nursing, and medical students, hospital employees, and emergency-response agencies. Pharmacy participation in the management of hazardous materials incidents has been well received by emergency department physicians and nurses, as well as by rescue personnel. During the period between January 1 and July 1, 1986, the pharmacy was consulted on 66 hazardous materials incidents. Since pharmacists have traditionally been used as information resources for clinical toxicology questions, it follows that their participation can extend into the field of environmental toxicology, specifically involving hazardous materials. The pharmacist's input as a hazardous materials consultant in our institution has been well received, and we believe that pharmacy departments can play an important role in the management of incidents involving hazardous materials.
