MCRP 3-40A.1 governs treatment of chemical warfare agent casualties and conventional military chemical injuries.
View MCRP 3-40A.1 on armypubs.army.mil
MCRP 3-40A.1 covers chemical warfare agents, pulmonary, nerve, blood, blister, incapacitating, riot control, obscurant, and incendiary agents. It also addresses toxic industrial chemicals, casualty triage, decontamination, protection, diagnosis, first aid, and medical management.
Applies to: This publication has been prepared under our direction for use by our respective commands and other commands as appropriate.
When a contaminated casualty has another injury or illness resulting in respiratory difficulty, hemorrhage, or shock, the order of priority for emergency action is as follows: Administer CW agent antidote, if available. Control respiratory failure (provide assisted ventilation) and/or massive hemorrhage. Decontaminate the casualty. Administer additional emergency medical treatment for shock, wounds, and life- or limbthreatening illnesses. Evacuate the casualty as soon as possible, if necessary. (paragraph 2)
Odor alone must not be relied on for detection or identification of a CW agent. (paragraph 1-26)
Standard detection devices are the most reliable means of identifying a CW agent, but may be specific to a given state (such as vapor but not liquid, or vice versa) and may indicate agent presence in their immediate area only. (paragraph 1-26)
Individuals in contact with these casualties must be at MOPP 4, plus wear a butyl rubber apron. (paragraph 5-7)
Contaminated casualties must be decontaminated outside the MTF to prevent vapor accumulation indoors and cross contamination of medical personnel and equipment. (paragraph 5-8)