c. Remove the Atropine Autoinjector.
(1) Grasp the autoinjector by the plastic clip in your left hand and make a fist
around the clip. Hold the clip so that the larger (2- PAM chloride) autoinjector is on top
and at eye level.
(2) Grasp the body of the smaller (atropine) autoinjector with the thumb and
two fingers of your right hand.
(3) Pull the atropine injector out of the clip with a smooth motion. Do not
cover or hold the green (needle) end of the autoinjector. This may cause the needle to
function prematurely.
d. Administer the Atropine Autoinjector.
(1) Form a fist around the autoinjector. Do not touch the green end of the
autoinjector. The autoinjector is now armed, and touching the green end could cause it
to function prematurely.
(2) Place the green (needle) end of the autoinjector against the injection site
(thigh or buttocks) so that the autoinjector is perpendicular to the muscle (figure 2-7).
Figure 2-7. Administering nerve agent antidote to a casualty. (A) Thigh. (B) Buttocks.
(3) Apply firm, even pressure to the autoinjector until the needle functions
(clicks). The coiled spring mechanism plunges the needle through the casualty's
clothing and into the muscle. Do not use a jabbing motion to inject the antidote.
(4) Hold the autoinjector in place for at least ten seconds to ensure that all
of the antidote has been injected.
(5) Remove the needle from the muscle by pulling the autoinjector away
from the body in a smooth, straight motion.
MD0534
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