FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
J-81. The first step in the treatment process is usually
appropriate self-aid and buddy-aid measures. These
vary depending on the agent. Soldiers mask to prevent
inhaling or ingesting additional agents and remove
agents from exposed skin by washing with soap and
water or using the M291 kit. They use buddy-aid
procedures to observe each other for early symptoms of
toxic exposure and provide medical assistance.
J-82. The platoon leader selects separate casualty
collection points for contaminated and noncontaminated
casualties to prevent cross contamination.
Decontaminate all contaminated casualties as
thoroughly as the situation allows before being
evacuated. The platoon includes the number of
contaminated patients in its casualty evacuation
request. This allows the evacuation team to send the
proper number of vehicles for pickup.
J-83. Chemical agents fall into four major categories:
nerve, blister, blood, and choking. The primary routes of
attack on the body are through the respiratory system
and the skin. These agents are especially dangerous
because they can kill or incapacitate quickly. The first,
and most important, step in dealing with them
effectively is to recognize symptoms so that proper
treatment can be administered. Table J-3, page J-32,
shows protection and detection measures, symptoms,
and treatment and decontamination procedures for
chemical agents.
UNMASKING PROCEDURES
J-84. Soldiers unmask as soon as possible except when a
biological or chemical attack is expected. Use the
procedures outlined in the following paragraphs to
determine if unmasking is safe.
J-85. If an M256 or M256A1 detector kit is available,
use it to supplement unmasking procedures. The kit
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense J-31