The purpose of the CHEMPACK Program is to pre-position antidotes to expedite the treatment of individuals exposed to nerve agents. Containers of chemical antidotes placed across the Commonwealth will allow for rapid deployment of chemical antidotes to hospitals and first responders should an industrial accident or a terrorist action occur in Massachusetts or in a bordering state. The placement of the containers takes into account the population and geographical factors challenging the rapid delivery of the antidotes for treatment.

The antidotes are provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Emergency Preparedness Bureau will facilitate any inventory updates, CHEMPACK seminars, trainings and exercises associated with the use of the containers.

CHEMPACK containers may be opened at the discretion of the emergency department physicians at the host hospital and/or assets may be requested by emergency medical services (EMS), Coordinated Medical Emergency Direction (CMED), or other non-host hospitals in the region of the host hospital.

Massachusetts has 40 CHEMPACK containers strategically located throughout the state.

250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
http://www.mass.gov/dph/emergencyprep
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Emergency Preparedness Bureau

This information is provided by within the Department of Public Health.