Educational Needs of Chemical Accident Crisis Teams: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study

Background & Aims:

 of the Study: Although industrial development has raised living standards, it has increased the rate of incidents. To cope with the adverse effects of these incidents, multiple infrastructures are needed, such as the training of professionals. The present study aimed to formulate training topics needed by chemical accident teams.

This qualitative applied research was conducted based on the content analysis method in 2020. In this research, the needed competencies were determined based on the human resource competency model and using the opinion of experts and standards. Thereafter, the training topics of were designed with an emphasis on the health of the operational teams. The needed data were collected through library studies and semi-structured interviews. The validity of the training courses was also assessed using the Content validity index.

The required training topics which were identified in three groups were as follows: Oreintation with hazardous chemicals, effects of hazardous chemicals on the body, detoxification, safety principles in hazardous chemical accidents, advanced personal equipment, behavior of hazardous chemicals, determining the health status of operational teams, Oreintation with the needs of the body during operations, as well as the assessment of scene and casualties of hazardous chemical accidents.

It is expected that team members will acquire the necessary skills to protect themselves and others after attending the training courses. Moreover, based on the findings, some constructive suggestions were put forward to boost the chemical defense system which can be of great help for future researchers and management policymakers.