NCJ Number
191333
Date Published
1999
Length
298 pages
Annotation
This book provides an overview of procedures and tasks for emergency personnel when responding to a possible attack involving chemical and biological weapons.
Abstract
The book describes on-scene procedures when chemical or biological weapons may be involved. There are initial discovery procedures, determinations of agent type, decontamination procedures, site preparation procedures, crowd control procedures, triage, agent removal, equipment decontamination procedures, and decontamination pointers. The handbook examines properties of certain chemical agents, such as sarin and soman, and provides information on how humans, when exposed, react to them. For example, mustard gas produces no effects for hours after exposure, but between 2 and 24 hours, a victim may experience eye irritation, perhaps burning on the skin, or effects of upper airway irritation. It also provides treatment or triage procedures. For example, for nerve agents, such as malathion or sevin, a victim who is suffering from a combination of two or more organ systems (i.e., breathing difficulty and gastrointestinal effects) requires antidotes immediately to save his or her life. Most chemical agents are liquids, but have varying degrees of volatility. The agents can be delivered through weapons and commercial devices. Meteorological conditions determine the success or failure of a chemical attack. High air temperatures may cause the evaporation of aerosol particles, decreasing their size and increasing the chance they will reach someone's lungs. Similar information (effects and treatment) is given for biological agents, such as anthrax. Appendices with case studies, glossary of medical terms, precursor chemicals, equipment, index