Newswise — As you work on stories related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, please keep in mind the following medical experts from The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.
1) Dr. Jeff Kalina, associate medical director of emergency department, The Methodist Hospital: He can talk about anything emergency medicine-related. Dr. Kalina also can discuss – Petroleum in the water – Complications of inhaling and/or possibly swallowing; damage to lungs, headaches, vomiting, aspirating; eye irritationDead marine life – Decomposition can lead to bacterial infection if it comes into contact with open soresFlammability – Could burn on water; potential for problems if someone is out on a boat fishing and happens to be smokingChemical dispersants – Even though we don’t know the exact content of these dispersants, they are still toxic chemicals so we may eventually see some risk to the seafood population; effects of ingesting this food (ongoing consideration).
Dr. Kalina also serves as chair of the Texas Medical Center’s Disaster Response committee. Kalina has received training in mass casualty mitigation from the Departments of Defense, Department of Justice, FEMA and the secret service. He has served on multiple committees writing disaster plans and sat on the Mayor’s Council for disaster response.
2) Dr. Stuart Dobbs, gastroenterologist, The Methodist Hospital: Dr. Dobbs can discuss how to avoid contaminated foods, and possible effects of eating contaminated seafood.
3) Dr. Harish Seethamraju, pulmonary specialist, The Methodist Hospital: Dr. Seethamraju can address respiratory consequences of the spill for those who get too close. He oversees the lung transplant program at the Methodist Transplant Center. His clinical practice focuses on patients suffering from complex lung failure. He also has research interests in developing medications and improving outcomes for lung failure and lung transplant.
4) Dr. Hilary Beaver, ophthalmologist, Methodist Cullen Eye Institute: She can talk about how to care for your eyes and/or seek medical attention if oil or debris get into your eyes; how to address eye irritation from chemicals; and ways to protect your eyes if you know you’re going to be near this area. People working with the spill should have adequate amounts of eye wash available and should use eye protection with splash guards to avoid eye contamination.
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