Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

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

3-10. TREAT A VOMITING AGENT CASUALTY

a. Mask Casualty. Have the casualty mask if he has not already done so. Keep the casualty from removing his mask.

(1) Since the symptoms increase even though he is masked, the casualty may want to take his mask off since it does not appear to be working and he feels nauseous.

 

(2) If the casualty is going to vomit, have him lift his mask, vomit, and replace his mask.

b. Have Casualty Continue Duties. Exposure to field concentrations of vomiting agents will not prevent the casualty from performing his combat duties. Symptoms usually disappear within 20 minutes to 2 hours if the casualty keeps his mask on.

CAUTION: Exposure to high concentrations of vomiting agent in a confined space

can result in severe pulmonary injury, which could be fatal without

treatment. Evacuate such a casualty to a medical treatment facility.