112 CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOACTIVE, & NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards

Question

M8 color Dark Green is what series and agent

Answer 1

V and nerve

Answer 2

H series and Blister NOTE: some G agents give red-brown color typical between H and G colors

Answer 3

Check the decontaminant itself with a sampler-detector because some decontaminants will produce false indications on the sampler- detector. Never assume that an area is uncontaminated. When in doubt, re-test the area with an M256A1 kit and report the findings.

Answer 4

Immediate Decontamination Operational Decon Thorough Decon

Answer 5

minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the spread of contamination. Immediate decontamination is carried out by individuals upon becoming contaminated. There are three immediate techniques: skin decontamination, personnel wipe down, and operator’s spray down.

Answer 6

Operational Decon sustains operations, reduces the contact hazard, and limits the spread of contamination to eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of wearing MOPP gear. Operational decon is carried by individual and/or units. It is restricted to specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or working areas, in order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. Further decon may be required to reduce contamination to negligible risk levels. There are two operational decon techniques: vehicle wash down and MOPP gear exchange

Answer 7

Thorough Decon reduces or eliminates the need for individual protective clothing. Thorough decon is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units to reduce contamination on personnel, equipment/material, and/or working areas to the lowest possible level (negligible risk) to permit the reduction or removal of individual protective equipment and maintain operations with minimal degradation. This may include decontamination of terrain as required. There are three thorough decon techniques: detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed aircraft decon.

Answer 8

Upon seeing a brilliant flash of light, an exceptionally loud explosion, or when the alarm is sounded, immediate action must be taken. When possible, look for protective cover.

Answer 9

React without weapon Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if possible. If cover is available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the earth’s surface provides some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on. Keep your head down.

Answer 10

React with weapon Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if possible. If cover is available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the earth’s surface provides some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on. Make sure your weapon is placed under your body or beside you with the strap/sling wrapped tightly around your arm and the muzzle angled away from your face. Keep your head down. Remain face down for 90 seconds or until all debris has stopped falling. Use any protection available such as fighting holes, whenever possible. Fighting holes provide excellent protection against nuclear weapon effects. Other examples of hasty protection may include ditches, culverts, hills, large rocks, or armored vehicles. Put anything between yourself and the nuclear weapon's blast.

Answer 11

-Produce their effect by interfering with normal transmission of nerve impulses in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system. Physically, nerve agents are odorless, almost colorless liquids, varying greatly in viscosity and volatility. Moderately soluble in water and fairly stable unless strong alkali or chlorinating compounds are added. They are very effective solvents, readily penetrating cloth either as a liquid or vapor. Other materials, including leather and wood, are fairly well penetrated. Butyl rubber and synthetics, such as polyesters, are much more resistant. Pharmacologically, the nerve agents are cholinesterase inhibitors (interfering with normal transmission of nerve impulses in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system). Their reaction with cholinesterase tends to be irreversible, and reaction time varies with the agent. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure Nerve agent intoxication can be readily identified by its characteristic signs and symptoms. If a vapor exposure has occurred, the pupils will constrict, usually to a pinpoint. If the exposure has been through the skin, there will muscular twitching where the agent was absorbed. Other symptoms will include rhinorrhea, dyspnea, diarrhea and vomiting, convulsions, hyper salivation, drowsiness, coma, and unconsciousness.

Answer 12

Specific therapy for nerve agent casualties is atropine, an acetylcholine blocker. When exposed, each member of the Navy and Marine Corps is issued three (3) 2mg auto-injectors of atropine and three (3) 600mg auto injectors of 2-PAM Cl. DO NOT give nerve agent antidotes for preventive purposes before contemplated exposure to a nerve agent. The atropine auto injector consists of a hard plastic tube containing 2mg (0.7 ml) of atropine in solution for intramuscular injection. It has a pressureactivated coiled-spring mechanism that triggers the needle for injection of the antidote solution. These injectors are designed to be used by individuals on themselves when symptoms appear.

Answer 13

Self-Aid, if you experience the mild symptoms of nerve-agent poisoning, you should IMMEDIATELY hold your breath and put on your protective mask. Then, administer one set of atropine and 2-PAM Cl injections into your lateral thigh muscle or buttocks. Position the needle end of the atropine injector against the injection site and apply firm, even pressure (not a jabbing motion) to the injector until it pushes the needle into your thigh (or buttocks). Make sure you do not hit any buttons or other objects. Using a jabbing motion may result in an improper injection or injury to the thigh or buttocks. Hold the atropine injector firmly in place for at least 10 seconds. The seconds can be estimated by counting one thousand one, one thousand two, and so forth. Firm pressure automatically triggers the coiled mechanism and plunges the needle through the clothing into the muscle and at the same time injects the atropine antidote into the muscle tissue. Next, inject yourself in the same manner with the 2-PAM Cl injector, using the same procedure as you did for the atropine. This will now complete one set of nerve-agent antidotes. Attach the used injectors to your clothing, to indicate the number of injections you have already received. After administering the first set of injections, wait 10 to 15 minutes (since it takes that long for the antidote to take effect) before administering a second set, if needed. If the symptoms have not disappeared within 10 to 15 minutes, give yourself the second set of injections. If the symptoms still persist after an additional 15 minutes, a third set of injections may be given by nonmedical personnel. After administering each set of injections, you should decontaminate your skin, if necessary, and put on any remaining protective clothing.

Answer 14

For medical personnel, the required therapy is to continue to administer atropine at 15-minute intervals until a mild atropinization occurs. This can be noted by tachycardia and a dry mouth. Atropine alone will not relieve any respiratory muscle failure. Prolonged artificial respiration may be necessary to sustain life. A second auto injector containing Oxime therapy (using pralidoxime chloride, or 2-PAMCl) can also be used for regeneration of the blocked cholinesterase. Since 2-PAMCl is contained in the kit of auto injectors, additional Oxime therapy is not generally medically recommended for those who have already received treatment by auto injection. The 2-PAM Cl auto injector is a hard plastic tube that, when activated, dispenses 600 mg of 2-PAM Cl (300 mg/ml) solution. It also has a pressure-activated coiledspring mechanism identical to that in the atropine auto injector.

Answer 15

Buddy Aid. If you encounter a service member suffering from severe signs of nerve-agent poisoning, you should provide the following aid: Mark the casualty, if necessary. Do not fasten the hood. Administer, in rapid succession, three sets of the nerve-agent antidotes. Follow the procedures for administration as described previously in the self-aid section. **NOTE: Use the casualty’s own auto injectors when providing aid. Do not use your injectors on a casualty.

Answer 16

Also known as, vesicants, exert their primary action on the skin, producing large and painful blisters that are incapacitating. Although vesicants are classed as nonlethal, high doses can cause death. Common blister agents include mustard (HD), nitrogen mustard (HN), and Lewisite (L). Each is chemically different and will cause significant specific symptoms. They are similar in their physical characteristics and toxicology. MUSTARD (HN) Mustards are particularly insidious because they do not manifest their symptoms for several hours after exposure. They attack the eyes and respiratory tract as well as the skin there is no effective therapy for mustard once its effects become visible. Treatment is largely supportive: to relieve itching and pain, and to prevent infection. HD and HN are oily, colorless or pale yellow liquids, sparingly soluble in water. HN is less volatile and more persistent than HD but has the same blistering qualities. LEWISITE (L) An arsenical (an arsenic-based compound). This blistering compound is a light- to dark-brown liquid that vaporizes slowly.

Answer 17

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body to mustard gas. Contamination insufficient to cause injury elsewhere may produce eye inflammation. Because the eye is the most sensitive part of the body, the first noticeable symptoms of mustard exposure will be pain and a gritting feeling in the eyes, accompanied by spastic blinking of the eyelids and photophobia. Vapor or liquid may burn any area of the skin, but the burns will be most severe in the warm, sweaty areas of the body: the armpits, groin, and on the face and neck. Blistering begins in about 12 hours but may be delayed for up to 48 hours. Inhalation of the gas is followed in a few hours by irritation of the throat, hoarseness, and a cough. Fever, moist rales, and dyspnea may develop. Bronchopneumonia is a frequent complication. The primary cause of death is massive edema or mechanical pulmonary obstructions. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure LEWISITE The vapors of arsenicals are so irritating that conscious persons are immediately warned by discomfort to put on the mask. No severe respiratory injuries are likely to occur, except in the wounded who are incapable of donning a mask. The respiratory symptoms are similar to those produced by mustard gas. While distilled mustard and nitrogen mustard cause no pain on the skin during absorption, Lewisite causes intense pain upon contact.

Answer 18

There is no specific antidotal treatment for mustard poisoning. Physically removing as much of the mustard as possible, as soon as possible, is the only effective method for mitigating symptoms before they appear. All other treatment is symptomatic, that is, the relief of pain and itching, and control of infection.

Answer 19

Immediately decontaminate the eyes by flushing with copious amounts of water to remove liquid agents and to prevent severe burns. Sodium sulfacetamide, 30 percent solution, may be used to combat eye infection within the first 24 hours after exposure. In severe cases, morphine may be given to relieve pain. In cases of systemic involvement, British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), dimercaprol, is available in a peanut oil suspension for injection. BAL is a specific anti arsenical that combines with the heavy metal to form a water-soluble, nontoxic complex that is excreted. However, BAL is somewhat toxic, and an injection of more than 3 mg/kg will cause severe symptoms. Aside from the use of dimercaprol for the systemic effects of arsenic, treatment is the same as for mustard lesions.

Answer 20

Interferes with enzyme functions in the body, i.e., block oxygen transfer. Hydrocyanic acid (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK) are cyanidecontaining compounds commonly referred to as blood agents. These blood agents are chemicals that are in a gaseous state at normal temperatures and pressures. They are systemic poisons and casualty-producing agents that interfere with vital enzyme systems of the body. They can cause death in a very short time after exposure by interfering with oxygen transfer in the blood. Although very deadly, they are non-persistent agents.

Answer 21

These vary with concentration and duration of exposure. Typically, either death or recovery takes place rapidly. After exposure to high concentrations of the gas, there is a forceful increase in the depth of respiration for a few seconds, violent convulsions after 20 to 30 seconds, and respiratory failure with cessation of heart action within a few minutes

Answer 22

There are two suggested antidotes in the treatment of cyanides: amyl nitrite in crush ampules (provided as first aid) intravenous sodium thiosulfate solution In an attack, if you notice sudden stimulation of breathing or an almond-like odor, hold your breath and don your mask immediately. In treating a victim, upon notification by competent authority that there are no blood agents remaining in the atmosphere, crush two ampules of amyl nitrite in the hollow of your hand and hold it close to the victim's nose. You may repeat this procedure every few minutes until eight ampules have been used. If the atmosphere is contaminated and the victim must remain masked, insert the crushed ampules into the mask under the face plate. Whether amyl nitrite is used or not, sodium thiosulfate therapy is required after the initial lifesaving measures. The required dose is 100 to 200 mg/kg, given intravenously over a 9-minute period. The key to successful cyanide therapy is speed. The antidotes act rapidly to reverse this action. If the specific antidote and artificial respiration are given soon enough, the chance of survival is greatly enhanced

Answer 23

The toxicity of lung agents is due to their effect on lung tissues; they cause extensive damage to alveolar tissue, resulting in severe pulmonary edema. This group includes phosgene (CG) and chlorine (Cl), as well as chloropicrin and diphosgene. However, CG is most likely to be encountered, and its toxic action is representative of the group. Phosgene is a colorless gas with a distinctive odor similar to that of new-mown hay or freshly cut grass. Unfortunately, even at minimal concentrations in the air (i.e., below the threshold of olfactory perception), CG can cause damage to the eyes and throat. Generally speaking, CG does not represent a hazard of long duration; therefore, an individual exposed to a casualty-producing amount should be able to smell it.

Answer 24

There may be watering of the eyes, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. More often, however, there will be no symptoms for 2 to 6 hours after exposure. Latent symptoms are rapid, shallow, and labored breathing; painful cough; cyanosis; frothy sputum; clammy skin; rapid, feeble pulse; and low blood pressure. Shock may develop, followed by death.

Answer 25

Treatment Once symptoms appear, complete bed rest is mandatory. Keep victims with lung edema only moderately warm, and treat the resulting anoxia with oxygen. Because no specific treatment for CG poisoning is known, treatment has to be symptomatic.

Answer 26

Incapacitating agents, which are mainly comprised of psychochemical, produce mental confusion and an inability to function intelligently. The psychochemical temporarily prevent an individual from carrying out assigned actions. These agents may be administered by contaminating food or water, or they may be released as aerosols. The following are characteristics of the incapacitants: High potency (i.e., an extremely low dose is effective) and logistic feasibility. Effects produced mainly by altering or disrupting the higher regulatory activity of the central nervous system. Duration of action comprising hours or days, rather than momentary or transient action. No permanent injury produced.

Answer 27

The first symptoms appear in 30 minutes to several hours and may persist for several days. Abnormal inappropriate behavior may be the only sign of intoxication. Those affected may make irrational statements and have delusions or hallucinations. In some instances, the victim may complain of dizziness, muscular incoordination, dry mouth, and difficulty in swallowing. The standard incapacitant in the United States is 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (BZ), a cholinergic blocking agent, which is effective in producing delirium that may last several days. In small doses it will cause an increase in heart rate, pupil size, and skin temperature, as well as drowsiness, dry skin, and a decrease in alertness. As the dose is increased to higher levels, there is a progressive deterioration of mental capability, ending in stupor.

Answer 28

Treatment The first aid is to prevent victims from injuring themselves and others during the toxic psychosis. Generally, there is no specific therapy for this type intoxication. However, with BZ and other agents in the class of compounds known as glycolates, physostigmine is the drug treatment of choice. It is not effective during the first 4 hours following exposure; after that, it is very effective as long as treatment is continued. Treatment does not shorten the duration of BZ intoxication, and premature discontinuation of therapy will result in relapse.

Answer 29

Collective term used to describe a collection of chemical compounds, all having similar characteristics which, though relatively nontoxic, produce an immediate but temporary effect in very low concentrations. These agents are used to harass enemy personnel or to discourage riot actions. Generally, patients require no therapy; removal from the environment is sufficient to effect recovery in a short time. There are two classes of riot-control/harassment agents: Lacrimators Vomiting agents

Answer 30

Lacrimators (or tear gases) are essentially local irritants that act primarily on the eyes. In high concentrations, they also irritate the respiratory tract and the skin. The principal agents used are chloracetophenone (CN) and orthochlorobenzilidine malanonitrile (CS). Although CS is basically a lacrimator, it is considerably more potent than CN and causes more severe respiratory symptoms. CN is the standard training agent and is the tear gas most commonly encountered because it is not as potent. CS is more widely used by the military as a riot-control agent. Protection against all tear agents is provided by protective masks and ordinary field clothing secured at the neck, wrists, and ankles. Personnel handling CS should wear rubber gloves for additional protection.

Answer 31

Lacrimators produce intense pain in the eyes with excessive tearing. The symptoms following the most severe exposure to vapors seldom last over 2 hours. After moderate exposure, they last only a few minutes.

Answer 32

First aid for lacrimators is generally not necessary. Exposure to fresh air and letting wind blow into wide open eyes, held open if necessary, is sufficient for recovery in a short time. Any chest discomfort after CS exposure can be relieved by talking. An important point to remember is that this material adheres tenaciously to clothing, and a change of clothing may be necessary. Do not forget the hair (both head and facial) as a potential source of recontamination.

Answer 33

Vomiting agents comprise the second class of agents in the riot-control category. The principal agents of this group are diphenylaminochloroarsine (Adamsite (DM)), diphenylchloroarsine (DA), and diphenylcyanoarsine (DC). They are dispersed as aerosols and produce their effects by inhalation or by direct action on the eyes. All of these agents have similar properties and pathology

Answer 34

Vomiting agents produce a strong pepper-like irritation in the upper respiratory tract, with irritation of the eyes and lacrimation. They cause violent uncontrollable sneezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of malaise. Inhalation causes a burning sensation in the nose and throat, hyper salivation, and rhinorrhea. The sinuses fill rapidly and cause a violent frontal headache.

Answer 35

It is of the utmost importance that the mask be worn in spite of coughing, sneezing, salivation, and nausea. Victims may believe the mask is ineffective and remove it, further exposing themselves. While the mask must be worn, it may be lifted from the face briefly, if necessary, to permit vomiting or to drain saliva from the face piece. Carry on duties as vigorously as possible. This will help to lessen and shorten the symptoms. Combat duties usually can be performed in spite of the effects of vomiting agents if an individual is motivated. First aid consists of washing the skin and rinsing the eyes and mouth with water. A mild analgesic may be given to relieve headache. Recovery is usually spontaneous and complete within 1 to 3 hours.

Answer 36

Screening smokes fit in with riot-control agents. Their primary use is to obscure vision and to hide targets or areas. When used for this purpose outdoors, they are not generally considered toxic. Exposure to heavy smoke concentration for extended periods, particularly near the source, may cause illness or death. Under no circumstances should smoke munitions be activated indoors or in closed compartments. Symptomatic treatment of medical problems or discomfort resulting from exposure to screening smokes will generally suffice.

Answer 37

White phosphorus (WP) is a pale, waxy solid that ignites spontaneously on contact with air to give a hot, dense, white smoke composed of phosphorus pentoxide particles. While field concentrations of the smoke may cause temporary irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, casualties from the smoke have not occurred in combat operations. No treatment is necessary, and spontaneous recovery is rapid once the patient is removed from the WP source. White phosphorus smoke not only creates an obscuring smoke, but it also has a secondary effect upon personnel if it contacts the skin. When burning particles of WP embed in the skin, they must be covered with water, a wet cloth, or mud. A freshly mixed 0.5 percent solution of copper sulfate (which produces an airproof black coating of copper phosphide) may be used as a rinse but must not be used as a dressing. The phosphorus particles must be removed surgically.

112 CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOACTIVE, & NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards

(61 cards)