Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

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

2-5. MASK THE CASUALTY

If the casualty is not wearing his protective mask, and is unable to mask himself, then you must put the mask on him. Masking the casualty will keep him from inhaling more nerve agent. The steps for masking the casualty are given below.

a. Approach the Casualty. If the person is moving or flailing about on the ground, approach him from the area of his head and left shoulder. This will help to protect you from accidental injury.

b. Position the Casualty. If the casualty is not lying on his back, roll the casualty onto his back and position his head so that his face is up. Do this by squatting next to the casualty, grasping his clothing at the shoulder and hip that is farthest from you, and rolling him toward you in a single motion.

CAUTION: DO NOT KNEEL when administering aid in a chemical environment.

Pressing your knee against the contaminated ground may force the

chemical agent into or through the protective clothing.

c. Position Yourself. Squat near the casualty's head and face him.

d. Put the Protective Mask on the Casualty.

(1) Hold the mask by grasping it with your thumbs outside the left and right cheek pouches and your fingers inside the left and right sides of the mask. When opened, the lens will be facing you and the mask will be in the proper position to put onto the casualty's head.

 

(2) Spread the mask open by pulling the sides apart. This will allow the hood to fall forward.

 

(3) Position the hood on the casualty's chin.

 

(4) Insert your thumbs through the two bottom straps on the head harness.

 

(5) Cup the casualty's head with the fingers of both of your hands and lift his head slightly.

 

(6) Slide the head harness over the casualty's head by moving your thumbs toward the back of his head and down behind his ears. The head harness should not need to be adjusted.

 

(7) Make sure that the two bottom straps of the head harness are placed below the casualty's ears and the head pad is centered in the middle of the back of his head.

e. Tighten the Straps. Tighten the straps so that a complete seal can be obtained.

(1) Place your hands on the head harness pad.

 

(2) Grasp the tips of one of the forehead straps with your other hand.

 

(3) Tighten the forehead strap with short, firm jerks, then release.

 

(4) Using the same hand, grasp the strip of the other forehead strap and tighten it with short, firm jerks.

 

(5) Release the forehead strap and remove your hand from the head harness pad.

 

(6) Using hands, tighten both temple straps simultaneously using short, firm jerks.

f. Check Fit. Make sure that the buckles are flat and that the straps form a straight line with the tabs. Make sure that the casualty's eyes are near the center of the mask lens.

g. Check for a Complete Seal. Check the mask to see that it is completely sealed on the casualty's face.

(1) If the casualty is conscious and can follow instructions, have him clear and check his mask.

 

(2) If the casualty is unconscious and cannot follow instructions, cover the mask's inlet valves. The mask will collapse if it is completely fitted and sealed. If it does not collapse, repeat the task.

h. Hood the Casualty. Pull the casualty's protective hood over his head, neck, and shoulders.