Field Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties Handbook

This publication provides information relative to specific US Army tactics, techniques, procedures, and tasks associated with health service support. It is written from the point of view of a conventional forward-deployed, ground-based medical element performing patient operational decontamination and thorough patient decontamination operations while providing medical treatment at Roles 1 through 3. This handbook will serve as a guide for the mission of providing health service support to chemical and biological casualties.

1. Nerve Agents 1

2. Vesicants 19

3. Cyanide 29

4. Lung-Damaging Agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals 33

5. Riot-Control Agents 43

6. Incapacitating Agents 49

7. Biological Agents 53

8. Toxins 67

9. Field Management and Triage of Contaminated Casualties on the Integrated Battlefield 71

10. Patient Decontamination Station: Planning, Setup, and Operation 81

11. Individual Protective Equipment 131

12. Military Working Dogs in Contaminated Environments 149

Appendices 175

Index 197

The purpose of this handbook is to provide concise, supplemental reading material for attendees of the Field Management of Chemical Casualties Course. Every effort has been made to make the information contained in this handbook consistent with official policy and doctrine.