BLOOD AGENTS.- Agents, such as AC and CK, enter the body by inhalation and produce symptoms ranging from convulsions to coma. They act on the body by interfering with the ability of oxygen-carrying cells to transfer oxygen to other body tissue. They may have an imitating effect on nasal passages. There is currently no self-aid or buddy aid treatment for blood agent symptoms. Affected personnel should seek medical attention.

CHOKING AGENTS.- This agent produces coughing, choking, nausea, and headaches in casualties. Delayed effects include rapid and shallow breathing, painful cough, discomfort, fatigue, and shock. First aid includes immediate masking. Masking may prevent further damage. No specific first aid other than efforts to prevent shock is available.

VOMITING AGENTS.- For protection against vomiting agents, put on your mask and wear it in spite of coughing, sneezing, salivating, or nausea. If necessary, briefly lift the mask from your face to permit vomiting or to drain saliva from the facepiece. Clear your mask each time you adjust it to your face and before you resume breathing. Carry on with your duties as vigorously as possible; this helps to lessen and to shorten the symptoms. Combat duties can usually be performed in spite of the effects of vomiting agents.

TEAR AGENTS.- When liquid or solid agents have entered your eyes, force your eyes open and flush them with water. Put on your protective mask, cover the outlet valve and voice meter, and blow hard to clear the mask. Keep your eyes open as much as possible. When your vision clears, continue to perform your duties. When it is safe to remove your mask, blot away tears, but do not rub your eyes. Now face into the wind.

INCAPACITATING AGENTS.- By the time a victim who is exposed to an incapacitating agent realizes something is wrong, he or she may be too confused mentally to handle his or her own decontamination. These cases should be taken to medical personnel immediately. If many people are affected, it may be necessary to confine them temporarily under guard to prevent accidents. These personnel must not be allowed to enter critical or dangerous spaces until complete recovery is achieved, because these victims may not be responsible for their actions. In addition, some of these agents prevent sweating, which increases the danger of heat stroke on hot days.