3-2.
TREAT A BLOOD AGENT CASUALTY
Blood agent poisonings usually results in rapid death (from a few seconds to a
few minutes) if the casualty is exposed to a high concentration. If the casualty is
removed from the toxic atmosphere or masked before he is exposed to a fatal dose,
recovery usually takes place within a few minutes.
a. Mask the Casualty. Immediately mask any casualty who is not masked if
chemical agents are suspected of being present. This is especially true for blood agent
casualties. The faster you mask the casualty, the better his chances for survival.
Procedures for masking the casualty are given in Lesson 2.
b. Ventilate, If Possible. Administer positive pressure ventilation if the
equipment is available.
c. Evacuate. Initiate a field medical card, attach it to the casualty's clothing, and
evacuate the casualty to the nearest medical treatment facility as quickly as possible.
3-3.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHOKING (LUNG-DAMAGING)
AGENTS
The signs and symptoms exhibited by a choking agent casualty occur in two
stages, "early" and "late." The "early" stage usually occurs almost immediately after
exposure to a heavy concentration. If a casualty is exposed in quick, small doses,
however, the signs and symptoms may not appear for up to 6 hours following exposure.
There is usually a period between the early and late stages when the casualty has few
or no symptoms (asymptomatic). This period usually lasts for 2 to 24 hours, but may be
shorter.
a. Signs and symptoms of the early stage include:
(1)
Lacrimation (tears present).
(2)
Dry throat.
(3)
Choking cough.
(4)
Tightness in chest.
(5)
Nausea.
(6)
Vomiting.
(7)
Headache.
MD0534
3-3