Recent attacks in the UK and elsewhere using powerful nerve agents show that U.S. healthcare providers don’t need to be near a battlefield to find themselves dealing with similar emergencies, researchers argue in a commentary that offers advice on what to do and who to call. The CDC isn’t aware of any potential threats related to the use of nerve agents, but the commentary is meant to be a resource for public health officials and doctors to think about their emergency preparedness plans, he told Reuters Health. Emergency responders should know how to recognize nerve agents, how to treat the victims and how to alert officials as well as being familiar with the dedicated medical supplies and laboratory resources set up across the country for such an event.

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