First aid includes the immediate actions required to prevent further injury or complications from the effects of chemical agents. First aid necessarily includes the prompt removal of agents from the eyes and decontamination of the skin to avoid casualties from lethal liquid agents. Therefore, first aid must include performing self-aid, or personal decontamination, automatically and without orders when it is required. First aid also includes the use of appropriate medications or actions to reduce the effects of the agent, such as the use of the nerve agent antidote injector for nerve agent poisoning. Each individual must be thoroughly trained in both first aid and personal decontamination so he or she can perform these actions quickly.

Figure 9-2.-M258A1 skin decontamination kit.