Page 219 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed
P. 219
Assessment:
Relatively low concentrations of phosgene irritate the mucous membranes so initial symptoms will
reflect:
• Tearing
• Runny nose
• Throat irritation
If the patient is exposed to a higher concentration, airway and lung damage may also occur. How-
ever symptoms of pulmonary edema will take several hours to develop. Thus a key point in treat-
ment is realizing that the initially mild symptoms may lead to a serious condition within a few hours.
NOTE: Exertion can worsen symptoms.
Treatment of Pulmonary Agent Exposure
Mild Symptoms
• Mild dyspnea Beta-agonist nebulizer (albuterol)
• Wheezing Oxygen
• Cough Rest
Severe Symptoms
• Pulmonary edema Above plus,
• Severe dyspnea Airway management positive pressure
• Stridor ventilation
• Airway obstruction
Riot Control Agents:
Riot control agents include the common terms “tear gas” and “mace”. Specific agents include CS,
CN, CA, CR and pepper spray (OC). Their common effect is intense irritation to the eyes, nose, and
other mucous membranes. In the concentrations employed for field use, these agents are all con-
sidered non-lethal. Under most field conditions, emergency care is limited to removal of the patient
to fresh air. The effects of riot control agents are self-limited and no further treatment is usually
needed. On occasion, a patient may experience severe shortness of breath and wheezing. This
should be treated with a beta-2 agonist.
Biological Agent Illnesses
Biological weapons are living organisms or toxins produced by living organisms. They are deliber-
ately used to cause disease in the target populations. Biological weapons are generally no different
than naturally occurring disease except that they are concentrated and delivered with the intent to
cause harm. There are about a dozen biological agents which are militarily significant. They can be
roughly divided into four groups:
1. Pneumonia-like agents
2. Encephalitis-like agents
3. Biological toxins
4. Miscellaneous biological agents
Chapter 18. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) n 217
