FIRST AID

TM 9-1300-277

perform it. If he is incapacitated, decontamination must

it may cause some temporary irritation of the eyes,

be done for him as soon as possible by any person

nose, and throat. Vapors of WP and PWP (no vapors in

present who can be spared from emergency duties long

smoke) are very poisonous and can produce bone

enough to do so.

decay. Burning particles of WP and PWP can produce

extensive burns which heal very slowly. Imbedded

d. It is important that all personnel be trained to

particles may cause systemic phosphorous poisoning.

administer artificial respiration effectively. The mouth-

to-mouth method and its variations as well as the back

c. Self-Aid.

pressure-arm lift method (Holger-Nielsen method) are

(1) If burning particles strike and stick to

recommended.

clothing, take off the contaminated clothing quickly

e. First aid procedures for the following chemical

before the phosphorous burns through to the skin.

groups are:

(2) If burning particles strike the skin,

(1) CA and CN (including CNS/ CNB). The

smother the flame with water, wet cloth or wet sand.

contaminated person should be removed to fresh air

Keep the phosphorous covered with wet material to

and faced toward the wind with eyes open. If some

exclude air until the particles can be removed. WP and

contaminant remains in the eye (rarely) it should be

PWP continues to burn unless deprived of oxygen.

flushed out promptly with water or saline solution. If

(3) Try to remove the particles with a knife,

available, a 1/4 percent solution of sodium sulfite will be

stick, or other available object. It may be possible to

more effective in dissolving and neutralizing the agent.

remove some particles with a wet cloth.

The eyes must not be rubbed or bandaged. Dermatitis

(4) If the eyes become contaminated, flush

and superficial skin burns may be treated with Calomine

the eyes immediately with water. Tilt the head to one

lotion for symptomatic relief. The treatment of deeper

side, pull the eyelids apart with the fingers and pour

burns is the same as for thermal burns of like severity

water slowly into the eye so that it will run off the side of

(TM 8-285).

the face to avoid the spreading of the contamination.

(2) CS (CS1 and CS2). Treatment is similar

(5) Report to the medical services as soon as

to that for CN. Eyes must be thoroughly irrigated with

possible.

water or saline solution or, preferably, a 1/4 percent

3-4. FIRST AID

solution of sodium sulfite, and the casualty must be sent

a. Self-aid comprises those aid measures which

for medical treatment of the eyes.

the individual can apply in helping himself and is

(3) DM, DA, and DC. -Remove the casualty

described in paragraphs 3-2 and 3-3.

First Aid

to fresh air and away from heat. Have him rinse his

comprises the emergency actions undertaken by

nose and throat with salt water or bicarbonate of soda

nonmedical personnel to restore or to maintain vital

solution. Wash the exposed skin and scalp with soap

body functions in a casualty.

and water and allow it to dry on the skin; dust the skin

b. Whenever a casualty in a chemically

with borated talcum. Let the casualty sniff chlorine

contaminated area is unable to put on his protective

vapor from bleach solution; if the person's reactions are

mask, that must be done for him immediately by the

severe, let him carefully breath chloroform vapors until

nearest person able to do so, to prevent further

the symptoms or irritation subside. Chloroform is not to

exposure.

be used to the point of inducing anesthesia, since

c. Every individual is responsible for his own

personal decontamination if he is physically able to

3-5