Summary
Medical toxicologists and PCCs should understand the operation of local, state, and federal public health infrastructure; the capabilities of laboratories used; and recognize their own roles as a vital component of public health response. Phone numbers for local health departments should be readily available in EDs and PCCs. PCC staff should also be aware of the LRN-C and its sampling and shipping procedures, as they might be contacted before public health officials or locally based medical toxicologists for guidance. CDC staff, including medical toxicologists, provides multiple educational activities and programs to improve the knowledge of EMs regarding the capabilities of the LRN-C.
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Footnotes
The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
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