Relevance of the problem of chemical injury

The historical stages in the development of ideas about chemical injury are characterized. For the first time, a detailed etiopathogenetic classification of chemical poisonings is presented according to the causes and conditions of their occurrence, modern statistical data on the frequency of cases of acute chemical poisonings, as well as related information that allows for a critical assessment of the influence of chemical factors on the population of Russia. Modern challenges for medical toxicology and military field therapy are assessed with an emphasis on current practical problems that require solutions in the near future. An important direction should be considered the implementation of round-the-clock information and advisory support, including the format of telemedicine, in the interests of medical units and primary care organizations in the provision of medical care on the territory of each constituent entity of Russia. It is advisable to resume teaching the issues of providing medical care for chemical trauma in specialty programs within the educational disciplines “Military Field Therapy” and “Military Toxicology, Radiology and Medical Protection”. Promising areas of research have been identified to improve the means and methods of preserving the lives of military personnel when exposed to chemical damaging factors.