The purpose of this thesis was to describe the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and targeted drug treatment of nerve agent poisoning in the pre-hospital phase. The aim was to produce consolidated information on nerve agent poisoning that can be used as self-study material for those interested in the subject. This thesis can also be used as educational material for paramedics.

This thesis was produced independently without collaborators. The method used in this thesis was a descriptive literature review. The information retrieval was targeted at the following databases containing medical research: Pubmed, Ebsco, Medic and ScienceDirect. As a result of the information retrieval, nine international articles were selected as sources for this literature review.

Based on the research results nerve agent poisoning causes cholinergic overstimulation, resulting in a broad and diverse range of symptoms. It is crucial to initiate the treatment of nerve agent poisoning by identifying the cholinergic toxidrome. In the pre-hospital phase medical treatment of nerve agent poisoning, emphasis is on administering medication with an autoinjector. Medication should be initiated promptly. In the pre-hospital phase, the drugs used for the treatment of nerve agent poisoning include atropine, oximes, and benzodiazepines.

As a further research topic, it would be beneficial to develop educational materials for first responders and officials regarding the recognition and treatment of nerve agent poisoning. The training should include instruction on the use of autoinjectors that may be used in the treatment of nerve agent poisoning, ensuring that the autoinjector can be used safely in all work and patient care situations.