CHAPTER 8MEDICAL ASPECTS OF CHEMICAL,BIOLOGICAL, AND RADIOLOGICAL WARFAREIn this chapter we will discuss the history ofchemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) warfare,and the recognition and treatment of CBR-producedconditions. We will also discuss the MedicalDepartment’s role in meeting the medical aspects of CBRdefense, which includes protection from CBR hazards,mass casualty decontamination, decontaminationstations, and supplies for decontamination. Table 8-1provides a summary of CBR symptoms and treatments.CHEMICAL WARFARELEARNING OBJECTIVE: Select theappropriate treatment and decontaminationprocedure for chemical, biological, orradiological exposures.The use of chemical agents in warfare, frequentlyreferred to as “gas warfare,” is defined as the use ofchemical agents in gaseous, solid, or liquid states toharass personnel, produce casualties, render areasimpassable or untenable, or contaminate food andwater. The chances of surviving a chemical attack areincreased as knowledge of the nature of the agents andof the use of correct protective measures is increased.HISTORYThe first large-scale use of chemical agents camein World War I when, in 1915, the Germans releasedchlorine gas against the Allied positions at Ypres,Belgium. Over 5,000 casualties resulted. There wereother gas attacks by both combatant forces duringWorld War I, and it is well documented thatapproximately one-third of all American casualties inthis conflict were due to chemical agent attacks.During the interval between World Wars I and II,each of the major powers continued to develop itscapability for chemical warfare, in spite of a ban by theGeneva Treaty. In isolated cases in the late 1930s,toxic chemicals were used; however, they were notused during World War II. Nor were toxic chemicalsauthorized for use in Korea, Vietnam, or Desert Storm.Defoliants and riot-control agents were used withsome degree of effectiveness in the junglesof Vietnam, in tunnel and perimeter-clearingoperations.DISPERSALChemical agents are dispersed by modernweapons for strategic as well as tactical purposes.However, the areas of their use are limited by the rangeof the weapons or aircraft used by the combatant force.A naval unit afloat finds itself in a unique situationwith respect to defending against toxic chemicalagents. Agents can be released as clouds of vapor oraerosol. These can envelope the exterior of a vesseland penetrate the hull of the ship. Extensivecontamination can result from such an attack, and theship must be decontaminated while the personnelmanning it continue to eat, sleep, live, and fight onboard.To properly meet the medical needs of the ship, themedical officer or Hospital Corpsman on independentduty must organize the Medical Department well inadvance of the actual threat of a chemical agent attack.All hands must be indoctrinated in the use of protectiveequipment and self-aid procedures, and close liaisonand planning must be maintained with damage controlpersonnel responsible for area decontamination.SELF-PROTECTION AND TREATMENTIn a chemical attack, the first priority is to ensureyour own survival so that you may then treat casualties.There are several items available to help you survive achemical attack, and you should know how to usethem. Along with protective clothing, there is aprotective mask, which should be put on at the firstindication of a chemical attack. The mask will filterout all known chemical agents from the air and allowyou to work in a chemically contaminated area. Achemical agent on the skin can be removed effectivelyby using the M291 skin decontamination kit (fig. 8-1).The M291 skin decontamination kit replaces theM258A1 (fig. 8-2). Upon receipt of the M291,discontinue use of the M258A1.8-1
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business