Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 2: Treating Nerve Agent Poisoning
Section II: Treat Casualty

Section II. TREAT CASUALTY

2-4. IDENTIFY A CASUALTY SUFFERING FROM NERVE AGENT POISONING

The signs and symptoms of nerve agent poisoning are divided into two groups: early (mild to moderate) and severe.

a. Mild to Moderate. A person showing signs of early nerve agent poisoning is probably capable of administering first aid to himself. These early signs and symptoms are given in paragraph 2-1 of this lesson. However, he may still require some assistance in decontaminating himself or putting on his protective gear. This can usually be done through buddy-aid. If the nerve agent is ingested or enters through the skin, the pupils do not become pinpointed. Therefore, the lack of pinpointed pupils is no proof that the casualty is not suffering from nerve agent poisoning.

b. Severe. A person with severe nerve agent poisoning will not be capable of helping himself and must rely on others to administer appropriate care. If a soldier is exposed to sufficient amounts of nerve agent poisoning when he is not wearing his uniform, mask or clothing, the nerve agent can produce death within minutes. Therefore, speed is essential in treating a nerve agent casualty. Signs and symptoms of mild nerve agent poisoning may or may not have been present prior to the appearance of severe signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of severe nerve agent poisoning are listed below.

(1) Red eyes with tears present (if agent gets into the eyes).

 

(2) Severe miosis (severely pinpointed pupils).

 

(3) Gurgling sounds while breathing, wheezing, dyspnea.

 

(4) Rasping cough.

 

(5) Vomiting.

 

(6) Severe muscular twitching.

 

(7) Convulsions.

 

(8) Strange or confused behavior.

 

(9) Weakness.

 

(10) Involuntary urination and defecation (loss of bladder or bowel control).

 

(11) Respiratory failure.

 

CAUTION: If you are not protected from the nerve agent, you must first put on your protective mask and hood, and if needed, administer one set of nerve agent antidote to yourself.