Review of the scope of studies on emergency nursing care in chemical incidents: A scoping review

Introduction: The presence of comprehensive studies in the field of emergency nursing care during chemical incidents is essential for an appropriate response to evolving needs. The objective of the present study is to identify the scope of studies conducted regarding emergency nursing care in chemical incidents. Methods: In March 2023, databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Persian-language databases Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) were systematically searched without any time limitations. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart, two researchers independently reviewed articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on titles and abstracts. Subsequently, the researchers examined the full text of selected studies, identifying relevant articles. The data were then synthesized descriptively and presented in a summary table. Results: A total of 33 reviewed articles published between 1979 and 2021 were identified. The main domains included decontamination (seven articles), structural preparedness (11 articles), pre-hospital interventions (two articles), triage (two articles), respiratory care (one article), vision care (five articles), and skin and burn care (three articles), as classified. Conclusion: The results of the investigations indicated that emergency nursing care in chemical incidents possesses multiple dimensions, requiring a logical approach where care considerations involve strict adherence to a chronological sequence and precise attention to each dimension. A holistic and comprehensive perspective towards these cases can serve as a guiding path in response to the needs of the casualties.