LESSON 2
TREATING NERVE AGENT POISONING
Section I. TREAT SELF
2-1.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NERVE AGENT POISONING
a. Identification. Since nerve agents are quick acting, you must be able to
detect the signs and symptoms of nerve agent poisoning in yourself and in another so
that you can act quickly to protect yourself.
b. Early (Mild) Signs and Symptoms. Early signs and symptoms of nerve
agent poisoning include the following:
(1)
Unexplained rhinorrhea (runny nose with thin nasal mucus).
(2)
Sudden headache.
(3)
Excessive flow of saliva (drooling).
(4)
Tightness in the chest causing difficulty in breathing.
(5)
Wheezing during inhaling.
(6)
Stomach cramps.
(7)
Coughing.
(8)
Nausea.
(9)
Impaired vision due to miosis (contracted pupils).
2-2.
PUT ON YOUR PROTECTIVE MASK
If you suspect that you have been exposed to a nerve agent and you are not
wearing your mask, your first action is to stop breathing and put on your protective mask
and hood using the procedures given in Lesson 1. Do not administer the nerve agent
antidotes before you mask. If you administer the nerve antidotes before you mask, the
time used to administer the antidotes could result in your becoming incapacitated to
such a degree that you will no longer be able to mask yourself without assistance. The
protective mask will protect your mouth, nose, and eyes while you continue to treat
yourself and other casualties.
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2-2