TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES

There are no self-aid measures for the diseases that are caused by BW agents. It may be a matter of days before it can be determined what types of BW agents are present. Medical personnel will direct the decontamination of these casualties.

RADIOLOGICAL WARFARE

Radiological warfare (RW) is the deliberate use of radiological weapons to produce injury and death. The explosion of a radiological weapon, similar to that of an ordinary bomb, causes damage by the heat and blast liberated at the time of detonation. Nuclear radiation is emitted when the bomb explodes. This radiation may also be released by particles called radioactive fallout.

EFFECTS OF RADIATION

The first indication of an overdose of radiation probably will not occur for several hours or days. At that time, you will probably become ill with nausea and vomiting. The length of time it takes for these symptoms to appear generally depends on the extent of radiation exposure. The larger the dose, the quicker you may become ill.

TYPES OF EXPLOSIONS

An air burst is a nuclear explosion that causes damage by heat and blast. The initial radiation from an air burst occurs within the first minute after the blast and disappears quickly.

A ground or surface burst is one that is low or on the ground surface. It causes less damage from the heat and blast. This type of burst produces radioactivity fallout or residual radiation, which lasts for a long time period.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES

To protect yourself against RW, you must know how to protect yourself during nuclear attacks and be familiar with the kinds of equipment available for your protection.

Self-Protection

Speed in taking cover is vital; you must protect yourself from the heat and the blast. Remember that the initial radiation after an explosion can be very dangerous. As with any explosion, the more material or distance between you and the burst, the safer you are. Falling flat and covering your face is better than standing.

Protective Clothing

Any type of clothing that covers you gives some protection against radiological weapons. To protect the clothes you are wearing from radioactive materials, an extra protective covering is recommended.

Gloves and Masks

When you enter a radioactive area, you must wear gloves to protect your hands. Touching radiographic material with bare hands may result in serious burns. You should wear a protective mask or a dust respirator in the affected area to prevent inhaling radioactive materials. The point to remember is never inhale radioactive material. Serious injury and radiation sickness may result.

DECONTAMINATION

If you suspect that you are contaminated, or if detection equipment indicates you are, report to a personnel decontamination station. Outer clothing will serve as a trap for most radioactive contamination. By taking off your clothes, you may remove most of the contamination.

The usual procedure at the personnel decontamination station is as follows: discard clothing and equipment as directed. Enter the shower; then bathe, using plenty of soap and warm water. In scrubbing the entire body, give particular attention to the hair, fingernails, body creases, and ears. After the shower, you will be directed to a monitor who will check you with a radiation detector. If any contamination remains, you must shower again. If no contamination is detected, you may proceed to the dressing room for a new issue of clothing and equipment.

Since food and water are especially subject to contamination, avoid consuming uncovered food and water if they are in a radioactive area. Canned foods and covered water supplies may be consumed with safety, even after the outside of the containers are decontaminated.

Self-Aid

If the situation does not permit you to go to a decontamination station, you must be able to remove most of the radioactive material with whatever you have on hand. If you become heavily contaminated, the following measures are recommended:

1. Remove your outer garments. Shake them vigorously or brush them off. Be sure that the clothing is held downwind. This will remove most of the radioactive material, unless it is wet and muddy

2. If it is too cold or wet to remove your clothing, brush or scrape them carefully.

3. The same procedure should be used to decontaminate your equipment.

Treatment of Casualties

In the case of an air burst explosion, you may administer first aid to those casualties who received injuries from nuclear explosions, without fear of becoming contaminated by the casualties. If the weapon has been detonated close to the ground, both you and the casualties may have some radioactive fallout on your skin and clothing. You must treat for hemorrhage, shock, wounds, fractures, burns, and other injuries.