Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 3: Treating Blood, Choking, and Blister Agent Casualties

3-1. IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BLOOD AGENTS

Signs and symptoms produced by blood agents depend upon the concentration of the agent and the duration of exposure. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations may result in damage to the central nervous system resulting in irrationality, altered reflexes, and/or an unsteady gait. Central nervous system damage may last for a few weeks or longer. Sometimes, the damage to the central nervous system is permanent. Signs and symptoms of blood agent poisoning include:

a. Dizziness.

 

b. Nausea and vomiting.

 

c. Headache.

 

d. Increased respirations.

 

e. Redness of the lips, skin, and nail beds.

 

f. Irritating odor (CK) or the smell of bitter almonds (AC) prior to masking.

 

g. Irritation of the eyes and lacrimation (CK).

 

h. Irritation of the throat, coughing, choking, or gasping.

 

i. Irrational behavior.

 

j. Convulsions.

 

k. Coma.

 

l. Respiratory and cardiac arrest.

NOTE: Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of a blood agent may cause

damage to the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in irrationality, altered

reflexes, and/or an unsteady gait. The CNS damage may last for several

weeks. Sometimes, the damage is permanent.