Integral Global Consulting (IGC), in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine, has developed the multisectoral Outbreak Investigation Workshop and clinician oriented Especially Dangerous Pathogens training to expand efforts in quick diagnosis of toxicological conditions and improve coordination in response. A tabletop model is used to support clinicians, veterinarians, public health professionals, and laboratorians in connecting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and systems activation. These training events result in improved surveillance, increase speed of differential diagnosis and clinical symptom identification, and teach epidemiological principles that mitigate outbreaks as they arise.
Training #1
Istanbul, Türkiye 2020
In 2020, IGC and Emory conducted the first outbreak investigation training in Istanbul, Türkiye. This training was in support of the Middle East North African Toxicology Association (MENATOX) and was a part of their annual seminar. The participants learned key skills about epidemiology and surveillance measures.
Training #2
Istanbul, Türkiye 2024
In January 2024, IGC, Emory, and DOE/SNL co-implemented a training titled “Chemical Incident Risk Management Training for Healthcare Professionals in Türkiye” in partnership with the Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital and Turkish Emergency Medicine Foundation. 25 participants from across the country attended the 2-day training at the Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul that covered chemical toxidrome recognition and incident investigation.
IGC, DOE/SNL, and Emory’s experience suggest that formal communication protocols between health professionals and law enforcement are often missing or poorly established in many countries. Thus, this project aimed to minimize the consequences of toxicological events in Türkiye by bridging the gap between emergency medicine physicians/first responders and the attribution of chemical incidents.
Training #3
Istanbul, Türkiye 2025
This year, IGC has been awarded funding to conduct a capacity-building program for female first responders across Türkiye. Trainees will learn to identify indicators of intentional chemical incidents, limit casualties, and collect evidence to ensure successful attribution and will engage with international female experts in discussions on empowering women in the CBRNE field.