(6) Slowly pour water from the canteen into the casualty's lower eye. Flush
from the inner aspect (corner nearest nose) of the eye to the outer aspect (corner
nearest the ear). Allow the contaminated water to run off the side of his face.
(7) After you have irrigated the eye, tell the casualty to shut his eyes.
(8) If the casualty's able to continue holding his breath, continue to step 9. If
he cannot hold his breath until both eyes are irrigated, remask the casualty and let him
take several breaths. Then position the casualty (step 9), have the casualty hold his
breath, and lift his mask.
(9) Have the casualty tilt his head so the eye that has just been flushed is
higher than the other eye. This will help to prevent the contaminated irrigation water
from recontaminating the eye that has already been irrigated.
(10) Tell the casualty to open his other (unflushed) eye. Do not use your
gloved hand to hold his eyelid.
(11) Slowly pour water from the canteen into the casualty's lower eye. Begin
at the inner aspect and proceed toward the outer aspect. Do not allow water to flow or
splash into the eye that has already been flushed. Let contaminated water run off side
of face.
(12) After you have completed the irrigation, tell the casualty to close his
eyes.
(13) Replace the casualty's mask and have him resume breathing.
c. Decontaminate Face, If Needed. If the casualty has liquid blister agent on
his face have him decontaminate his face and the lower portion of his mask. If the
casualty is unable to decontaminate his face and mask, have another soldier perform
the decontamination procedures or perform them yourself. Have the casualty clear and
check his mask after the decontamination has been performed.
d. Initiate Field Medical Card. Initiate a field medical card on the casualty.
e. Evacuate, If Needed. If the casualty can still perform combat tasks and the
military situation is such that the casualty is needed, return him to duty. Otherwise,
evacuate him to a medical treatment facility for further evaluation and treatment. Even if
the casualty is returned to duty, he should be examined by a medical officer when the
situation permits.
MD0534
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