SURVIVAL IN Biological Warfare - Chemical Warfare
What To Do: in case of Biological or Chemical Attack!
Note: Some of this information is intended as general information, and may not apply to your specific situation.
If the worst should happen
WHAT DO YOU DO?
First, DO NOT PANIC! Be aware that the release of any chemical or biological agent is likely to induce a fear factor on the part of a largely unprotected civilian population, and that problems with crowd control, rioting, and other opportunistic crime could be anticipated. Extensive attempts must be made to prevent a "panic reaction" among those that might potentially be exposed to a warfare agent. You may be injured by someone else's panic even if you are not exposed to a chemical/biological agent.
Protect yourself first, then you will be able to care for your children, family and others. It is not selfish to protect yourself first. Provide for your own air supply, then help your family and those around you.
Inhaling the chemical or biological agent is the number one way to become exposed. It is the most likely route of introduction of chemical/biological warfare agents and with the greatest and most rapid effect. Use the protective breathing equipment and/or personal protection equipment that is available.
Travel as far away from the targeted area, as safely as possible. Eventually travel upwind of the contaminated site. Do not travel upwind into the contaminated area!
Establishment of a decontamination area and the decontamination of victims/patients/rescuers will be a priority for the emergency workers. Travel safely to a decontamination area. The location will depend on where the attack occurred. Ask emergency workers, "Where is the nearest decontamination area?"
"Contaminated" patients might not be transported to the hospital. Expect to decontaminate before transport to a hospital.
Emergency workers will be wearing protective equipment. They may appear frightening to children. Reassure your children they are there to help.
Follow the instructions of the emergency workers.
Different chemical or biological agents may require different treatments.
Chemical Agents:
Generally, protected medical and rescue personnel must wash the victim with soap and water
at the scene. Victims of VX and other non- soluble agents should be cleaned with the
alcohol and/or other types of treatments. This must be accomplished as soon as possible,
and the specific antidotes then be administered.
Biological Agents:
In the case of most biological agents a diluted solution of common household bleach
(sodium hypochorite) may often be effective in decontaminating procedures involving people
and equipment. Other antiseptics and disinfectants, as appropriate for the individual
bio-toxin, can also be used.
Remember, "contaminated" patients might not be transported to the hospital. Expect to decontaminate before transport to a hospital.
(This article contains commonly accepted practices in the treatment of those exposed to toxic gases. It should be understood that these recommendations may not be in keeping with local medical practice or EMS standing medical protocols. All practitioners should follow those guidelines that are deemed acceptable within the system that they work. This is not intended to be a comprehensive information source.)
Some typical examples of chemical warfare agents
might include:
A. Sarin
B. Tabun
C. VX
D. Soman
E. Cyanide
F Mustard/Blistering agents
Decontamination of Chemical Agents
After identification of a toxic substance has been accomplished, technical information about it's physical properties must be obtained. In the case of chemical warfare agents, it is recommended that one ascertain whether or not it is a persistent or non-persistent agent. In the case of some non-persistent agents, it is designed to dissipate or degrade fairly readily after it comes in contact with wind, water, sunshine, and other natural elements. Often non-persistent agents can be cleaned from people and equipment with soap and water. The U.S. military has specific decontamination solutions for use in the "de-con" of various types of chemical agents.
When faced with a more persistent agent, however, the decontamination procedure is likely to be more difficult as these chemicals often have an "oily base" and are designed to remain in place and deny access to enemy troops in the area where they are used. Decontamination may require the use of alcohol, acetone, or other solvent.
In either case, the need for rapid and thorough decontamination is mandatory. It is strongly recommended that no contaminated person or vehicle be allowed to leave the scene of a chemical release...to do so will only increase the size of the disaster and may lead to additional injuries or deaths.
Some typical examples of biological warfare agents might include:
A. Anthrax
B. Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB)
C. Bubonic/Pneumonic Plague
D. Cholera
E. Other bio-engineered agents
Decontamination of Biological Agents
Unlike the complexity of ascertaining the varied physical properties of chemical warfare agents and deciding on appropriate counter-agents for neutralization and decontamination, in the case of most biological agents a diluted solution of common household bleach (sodium hypochorite) may often be effective in decontaminating procedures involving people and equipment. Other antiseptics and disinfectants, as appropriate for the individual bio-toxin, can also be used.
With rare exception, when faced with suspected virulent bio-agents, full strength sodium hypochorite may be dumped into/onto the general area of the released agent and may assist in preventing a further spread of the contaminant. Although not all types of bio-agents will be immediately killed by the emergency application of bleach, it is thought in many circles that such an action might be helpful in preventing further infections.
Nerve agents are thought to be in the stockpiles of several extremist nations and terrorist organizations, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria. They are also said to have access to a "Mustard Gas" type agent, which can cause extensive skin and respiratory system burns. Reportedly, Iraq used "Mustard" type agents in past attacks on the Kurdish tribemen in their own country. The consequences of letting the "Chemical Genie out of the bottle" have been demonstrated by the chemical release in the Tokyo subway system. Numerous terrorists have vowed to use whatever means are available to them to strike out against the United States or any of her allies; we must be prepared.
Any treatment, advice, instruction, information here may not help you in your particular situation. Read and follow all instructions. Injury and death may result from the improper use of emergency equipment. Follow the instructions given by the emergency workers. This is not intended to advise you what to do in your situation. Always seek prompt and immediate medical attention if attacked or exposed.
Remember: Protect - Evacuate - Decontaminate