Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties
Lesson 1: Chemical Agents and Protection From Chemical Agents
1-20
1-20. ALARM FOR CHEMICAL ATTACK
If you suspect the presence of a chemical or biological agent and do not have
your protective mask on, stop breathing and put on your mask and hood (do not zip or
fasten the hood at this time). Once you are masked, give the alarm to warn other
soldiers to put on their mask and hood immediately. The alarm can be given verbally by
yelling "Gas!" or by giving the hand and arm signal (figure 1-17). Give the warning if
one of the following occurs:
Figure 1-17. Arm and hand signal for chemical attack.
a. You detect signs and symptoms of nerve agent poisoning in yourself or
another soldier.
b. The alarm on a mechanical, chemical agent detector device sounds.
c. Your M9 detector paper changes color.
d. Some artillery rounds explode less powerfully than they should.
e. Bomblets from an aircraft or a rocket pop rather than explode.
f. An aircraft sprays a mist or gas.
