7-5. First Aid for a Chemical Attack
Your field protective mask gives protection against biological and chemical warfare agents as well as radiological fallout. With practice you can mask in 9 seconds or less, or put on your mask with hood within 15 seconds.
- a. Stop breathing. Don your mask, seal it properly, and clear and check it; then resume breathing. Give the alarm, and continue the mission. Keep your mask on until the “all clear” signal has been given.
NOTE
Keep your mask on until the area is no longer hazardous and you are told to unmask.
- b. If symptoms of nerve agent poisoning (paragraph 7-7) appear, immediately give yourself one MARK I or ATNAA.
CAUTION
Do not inject a nerve agent antidote until you are sure you need it.
- c. If your eyes and face become contaminated, you must immediately try to get under cover. You need shelter to prevent further contamination while performing decontamination procedures on your face. If no overhead cover is available, put your poncho over your head before beginning the decontamination process. Then you put on the remaining protective clothing. If vomiting occurs, the mask should be lifted momentarily and drained — with your eyes closed and while holding your breath — then replaced, cleared, and sealed.
- d. If nerve agents are used, mission permitting, watch for persons needing nerve agent antidotes and immediately follow procedures outlined in paragraph 7-8b or c.
- e. Decontaminate your skin immediately and clothing and equipment as soon as the mission permits.