a. Nerve agents are among the deadliest of chemical agents
They can be delivered by artillery shell, mortar shell, rocket,
missile landmine, and aircraft bomb, spray, or bomblet. Nerve
agents enter the body by inhalation, by ingestion, and through
the skin. Depending on the route of entry and the amount, nerve
agents can produce injury or death within minutes. Nerve agents
also can achieve their effects with small amounts. Nerve agents
are absorbed rapidly, and the effects are felt immediately upon
entry into the body. You will be issued three Nerve Agent Antidote
Kits, Mark I. Each kit consists of one atropine autoinjector and
one pralidoxime chloride (2 PAM Cl) autoinjector (also called
injectors) (Figure 7-1).
b. When you have the signs and symptoms of nerve agent
poisoning, you should immediately put on the protective mask and
then inject yourself with one set of the Nerve Agent Antidote
Kit, Mark I. You should inject yourself in the outside (lateral)
thigh muscle or if you are thin, in the upper outer (lateral)
part of the buttocks.
c. Also, you may come upon an unconscious chemical agent
casualty who will be unable to care for himself and who will require
your aid. You should be able to successfully--
(1) Mask him if he is unmasked.
(2) Inject him, if necessary, with all his autoinjectors.
(3) Decontaminate his skin.
(4) Seek medical aid.
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