d. Evacuate. Any soldier who has been exposed to a choking agent should be
examined by a medical officer. Evacuate any casualty who has or has had signs and
symptoms of choking agent poisoning to a medical treatment facility. If the casualty has
difficulty in breathing, evacuate him by litter. If the casualty cannot lie flat on the litter
(cannot breathe adequately lying down), evacuate him in a semi sitting position. Initiate
a field medical card and attach the card to the casualty's clothing prior to evacuation.
3-5.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BLISTER AGENTS
The signs and symptoms exhibited by a casualty exposed to blister agents may
vary depending upon the type of agent used and the route by which the agent was
absorbed. Moist areas of the body are highly susceptible to blister agent.
a. Skin.
(1)
Pruritus (itching), erythema (redness), and blisters (in stated sequence).
(a) Low vapor concentration may only cause skin damage resembling
a sunburn. Heavy vapor concentration or liquid agent cause blisters to form.
(b)
Blisters may not form for several hours after exposure.
(2) Pain. Phosgene oxime (CX) and lewisite (L) cause immediate and
intense pain. With mustard (HD), pain may be delayed 30 minutes to 6 hours.
b. Eyes.
(1)
Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light).
(2)
Gritty feeling.
(3)
Pain. (May range from very mild with mustard gas to severe with
lewisite.)
(4)
Tearing.
(5)
Blepharospasm (involuntary spasm of the eyelids).
c. Respiratory Tract. Secondary pneumonia or pulmonary edema may result
from damage to the respiratory system.
(1)
Coughing.
(2)
Sore or irritated throat.
(3)
Frothy sputum.
MD0534
3-5