Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

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

3-3. IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHOKING (LUNG-DAMAGING) AGENTS

The signs and symptoms exhibited by a choking agent casualty occur in two stages, "early" and "late." The "early" stage usually occurs almost immediately after exposure to a heavy concentration. If a casualty is exposed in quick, small doses, however, the signs and symptoms may not appear for up to 6 hours following exposure. There is usually a period between the early and late stages when the casualty has few or no symptoms (asymptomatic). This period usually lasts for 2 to 24 hours, but may be shorter.

a. Signs and symptoms of the early stage include:

(1) Lacrimation (tears present).

 

(2) Dry throat.

 

(3) Choking cough.

 

(4) Tightness in chest.

 

(5) Nausea.

 

(6) Vomiting.

 

(7) Headache.

 

b. Signs and symptoms of the late (or delayed) stage include:

 

(1) Wheezing.

 

(2) Serious attacks of coughing which produces a white, yellow, or bloody, frothy fluid.

 

(3) Anxiety.

 

(4) Chest wall retractions (may not be observable if the casualty is wearing protective overgarment).

 

(5) Cyanosis (difficult to observe after the casualty is masked).

 

(6) Weak, rapid pulse.

 

(7) Pulmonary edema.