2-9.
CHECK FOR ATROPINIZATION
Observe the casualty for signs and symptoms of atropinization. Mild
atropinization indicates that the casualty has received sufficient atropine.
a. Signs and Symptoms of Mild Atropinization. Chemical operations have
shown that if troops become alarmed, some of them may believe that they have been
exposed to chemical agents when they actually have not been. That is why it is
important that service members not give themselves more than one atropine injection
(2 mg) if they do not have progressive signs of nerve agent poisoning and consequent
incapacitation. Repeated atropine injections without nerve agent exposure produces
progressive signs and symptoms of atropinization characterized as mild, moderate, and
severe. If a soldier has absorbed little or no nerve agent, a single injection (2 mg) of
atropine will produce mild atropinization symptoms. Mild signs and symptoms of
atropinization include:
(1)
Dryness of the skin, mouth, and throat with slight difficulty in swallowing.
(2)
Feeling of warmth and slight flushing.
(3)
Tachycardia (rapid pulse).
(4)
Hesitancy of urination.
(5)
Occasional desire to belch.
(6)
Feeling of slowed body movements and mildly relaxed.
(7)
Blurred near vision.
NOTE:
Symptoms may vary with individual casualties. Since mental reactions may
be slightly slowed, aviators must not fly after taking atropine until they have
been cleared by a flight surgeon.
b. Signs and Symptoms of Moderate Atropinization. If the atropine injection
of 2 mg is repeated within one hour, and the casualty has not been exposed to a nerve
agent, the following moderate central nervous system symptoms develop in most
individuals. They may include:
(1)
Drowsiness and fatigue.
(2)
Slowed memory and ability to recall.
(3)
A feeling of slowed body movements.
MD0534
2-15