Agent 15 Poisoning Treatment & Management
- Author: Geoffrey M Fitzgerald, MD; Chief Editor: Robert G Darling, MD, FACEP more...
Prehospital Care
- Protection of medical personnel includes removing weapons from victims and using restraints as necessary.
- Use chemical protective masks if residual aerosolized BZ or Agent 15 is present. The high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the gas mask provides adequate protection.
- Protective gowns and gloves are indicated.
- Decontamination of victims is critical and involves removing contaminated clothing and flushing the skin with soap and water. Fine particles can be brushed away gently.
- Anticholinergic poisoning places the victim at high risk for hyperthermia. Thus, remove heavy clothing and initiate intravenous fluids as indicated.
Emergency Department Care
- Ensuring that appropriate decontamination has occurred is paramount to stabilize the patient and to prevent facility contamination. Complete decontamination of the skin and clothing if not already performed in the prehospital setting. Any residual Agent 15 on skin or clothing can be removed effectively with soap and water.
- The 2 greatest risks to the patient are his or her own erratic behavior and hyperthermia.
- Confiscate weapons and closely observe the patient. Physical restraints may be needed in severely affected patients.
- Monitor core temperature and maintain adequate fluids orally or intravenously.
Consultations
Additional advice can be acquired by calling the US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, at (410) 436-3628.
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