a. Depending on the theater of operations, guidance issued may
dictate the assumption of a minimum mission-oriented protective
posture (MOPP) level. However, a full protective posture (MOPP 4) level
will be assumed immediately when the alarm or command is given
(MOPP 4 level consists of wearing the protective overgarment, mask
hood, gloves, and overboots.) If individuals find themselves alone
without adequate guidance, they should mask and assume the MOPP 4
level under any of the following conditions.
(1) Their position is hit by a concentration of artillery,
mortar, rocket fire, or by aircraft bombs if chemical agents have been
used or the threat of their use is significant.
(2) Their position is under attack by aircraft spray.
(3) Smoke or mist of an unknown source is present or
approaching.
(4) A suspicious odor or a suspicious liquid is present.
(5) A toxic chemical or biological attack is suspected.
(6) They are entering an area known to be or suspected of
being contaminated with a toxic chemical or biological agent.
(7) During any motor march, once chemical warfare has
been initiated.
(8) When casualties are being received from an area where
chemical agents have reportedly been used.
(9) They have one or more of the following signs/symptoms:
(a) An unexplained sudden runny nose.
(b) A feeling of choking or tightness in the chest or
throat.
(c) Blurring of vision and difficulty in focusing the
eyes on close objects.
(d) Irritation of the eyes (could be caused by the
presence of several toxic chemical agents).
(e) Unexplained difficulty in breathing or increased
rate of breathing.
(f) Sudden feeling of depression.
(g) Dread, anxiety, restlessness.
(h) Dizziness or light-headedness.
(i) Slurred speech.
(10) Unexplained laughter or unusual behavior noted in others.
(11) Buddies suddenly collapsing without evident cause.
b. Stop breathing; don the protective mask, seat it properly,
clear it, and check it for seal; then resume breathing. The mask should be
worn until unmasking procedures indicate no chemical agent is in the air
and the "all clear" signal is given. (See FM 3-4 for unmasking
procedures.) If vomiting occurs, the mask should be lifted momentarily
and drained--while the eyes are closed and the breath is held--and
replaced, cleared, and sealed.
c. Casualties contaminated with a chemical agent may
endanger unprotected personnel. Handlers of these casualties must wear
a protective mask, protective gloves, and chemical protective clothing
until the casualty's contaminated clothing has been removed. The
battalion aid station should be established upwind from the most heavily
contaminated areas, if it is expected that troops will remain in the area
six hours or more. Collective protective shelters must be used to
adequately manage casualties on the integrated battlefield. Casualties
must be undressed and decontaminated, as required, in an area equipped
for the removal of contaminated clothing and equipment prior to entering
collective protection. Contaminated clothing and equipment should be
placed in airtight containers or plastic bags, if available, or removed to a
designated dump site downwind from the aid station.
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