Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 4: Biological Agents

4-9. TREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL AGENT CASUALTIES

Appropriate self-aid, buddy-aid, and medical treatment will vary depending on the agent. Some symptoms may appear in minutes; others may not appear even hours after a toxin attack.

a. Decontaminate. Soldiers should decontaminate immediately. The M258A1, or M291 decontamination kits should be used. Another recommended cleansing agent is soap and water.

b. Identify. Identify the type of biological attack from samples taken and by observing the signs and symptoms exhibited by the casualties. Treating those symptoms. Early recognition of symptoms and their treatment will increase recovery time.

c. Isolate. Isolation of soldiers showing symptoms of disease is necessary. If the disease is communicable, isolation helps to prevent it from spreading to others.

d. Treat. Treat the casualties' signs and symptoms.

e. Evacuate. Treatment of live biological agent or toxic casualties requires medical assistance as soon as possible. Evacuate casualties to medical treatment facilities as needed.

NOTE: There are so many variables involved in predicting the persistency of

biological hazards that each instance of contamination must be considered

separately. Specially trained medical personnel at division level and higher

can make estimates only after the contamination has been specifically

identified.

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