Oklahoma City, OK -- Toxic exposures, whether from a chemical spill or a dirty bomb, are real threats. When Oklahoma medical professionals get the call about possible casualties from a hazmat incident, they need the most up-to-date knowledge and the training to provide effective, lifesaving treatment. With this in mind, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center is offering a two-day Advanced HAZMAT Life Support course June 11 and 12 at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy on the OU Health Sciences Center campus.

The goal of the course is to teach health care professionals how to provide the best medical care for accidents resulting from such incidents as chemical spills or biological attacks. Course participants will learn to rapidly assess hazmat patients, recognize the symptoms of a particular toxic substance and immediately give the appropriate care.

The AHLS course is designed for paramedics, registered nurses, physicians, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, toxicologists, pharmacists, military personnel and other health-care professionals.

AHLS was developed at the Arizona Emergency Medical Research Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in collaboration with the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology.

For more information visit the AHLS Web site at www.ahls.org and click on “Upcoming Courses” or call Shirley at (405) 271-5062.

The poison center is staffed 24 hours a day by specially trained pharmacists and registered nurses. The Oklahoma Poison Control Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy located at the OU Health Sciences Center. In the event of an emergency, individuals can contact the center at (800) 222-1222. To learn more about ways to help prevent poisonings, visit www.oklahomapoison.org.