112.10 Flashcards
Define nerve agents
Nerve agents produce effect by interfering with normal transmission of nerve impulses in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system
Characteristics of nerve agents
- odorless colorless liquid
- moderately soluble in water and fairly stable
- very effect solvents, penetrating cloth, leather and wood as either liquid or vapor
- rubber and synthetics such as polyester are much more resistant
Signs and symptoms of exposure
Vapor exposure: constricted or pinpoint pupils
Skin exposure: local muscular twitching where agent was absorbed
Other symptoms: rhinnorea, dyspnea, diarrhea and vomiting, convulsions, hyper salivation, drowsiness, coma and unconsciousness
Treatment for nerve agents
-When exposed you are issued three 2mg auto injectors of atropine and three 600mg auto injectors of 2-pam chloride
- delivered IM
- required therapy is continued at 15 minute intervals
Self-aid of nerve agents
- if you experience mild symptoms immediately hold your breath and don protective mask
- administer 1 set of (atropine and 2-PAM CL) injections into lateral thigh or butt
- Hold in place for at least 10 seconds
- wait 10-15 seconds before administering a second set
Define blister agents
Aka vesicants, exert primary action on the skin, producing large and painful blisters that are incapacitating. Although vesicants are classified as non lethal, high doses can cause death.
Common types of blister agents
- Mustard (HD)
- Nitrogen Mustard (HN)
- Lewisite (L)
Characters of mustard
- HN and HD are oily, colorless, or pale yellow liquids, and water soluble.
- Proceed in gradual, subtle, way with harmful effects
- Do not manifest for several hours after exposure
- attacks eyes and respiratory tract
Signs and symptoms of exposure to mustard
- Eyes are the most vulnerable and often the first noticeable symptom.
- They will be in pain and feel gritty, accompanied by spastic blinking and photophobia
- Vapor or liquids may burn any area of the skin;but will be most severe in the warm sweaty areas of the body.
- blistering begins in 12 hours but may be delayed up to 48 hours
—primary cause of death is massive edema or mechanic pulmonary obstruction
Treatment for mustard
- no specific antidotal treatment for mustard poisoning
- remove as much of the mustard as possible
- treat symptomstically
Lewisite characteristics
Arsenical, blistering compound, light to dark brown liquid that vaporizes slowly.
Signs and symptoms of Lewisite
Respiratory symptoms similar to those of mustard gas
Lewisite will cause intense pain upon contact
Treatment for Lewisite
- Immediatey decontaminate eyes by flushing with copious amounts of water.
- sodium sulfacetamide, 30% solution, may be used within first 24 hours to combat eye infection
- British anti lewisite in severe cases
Define blood agents
Interfere with enzyme function in the body (block o2 transfer)
Characteristics of blood agents
- system poisons that produce casualties in very short amount of time
- almond like odor
Types of blood agent
Hydrocyanic acid (AC)
Cyanogen chloride (ck)
Signs and symptoms of blood agents
- death or recovery takes place rapidly
- respiratory and heart failure within minutes
Treatment for blood agents
- amyl nitrate , crush 2 ampules and put in victims nose. Repeat every 8 minutes
- IV sodium thysulfate solution, 100-200mg given over 9 minute period
Define choking agents
Cause extensive damage to alveolar tissue, resulting in severe pulmonary edema
Types of choking agents
- phosgene (CG)
- chlorine(CL)
- chloropicrin
- diphosgene
Phosgene (CG)
-colorless gas with distinctive odor similar to new mown hay or freshly cut grass
Incapacitating agents
Produce mental confusion and inability to function properly
Types of incapacitating agents, signs and symptoms and treatment
-BZ
S&s: abnormal inappropriate behavior
Treatment: prevent victim from injuring themselves
Riot control/harassing agents
Collection of chemical compounds , used in low concentrations, used to harass enemy personnel and discourage riots.
