Step 3.
Take shelter. Any kind of cover will do. In a tent,
beneath a vehicle, or under your poncho are all places
that will offer some shelter from the vapor, liquid,
or vector attack by chemical or biological agents.
WARNING
You must remain masked until your commander gives the all-
clear signal. Shelters will provide protection, especially
from liquid agents, but dangerous vapors still will be
present.
f. Actions After a CB Attack.
As soon as the initial attack ends, you can assess your situation.
Chemical and biological attacks are short in duration; they may last
only minutes. As soon as possible, you must check yourself and those
in your unit for contamination. You must administer self-aid and
first aid and perform partial decontamination, if necessary, to remove
or neutralize as much of the agent as possible.
(1)
All-Clear Signal.
Persons in positions of leadership normally will give the all-clear
signal to indicate that the danger no longer exists. When
circumstances permit, they may use sound signals, such as a
continuous, sustained blast for one minute on a vehicle horn, a siren,
or similar instrument. If the commander establishes a visual signal
for the all-clear signal, the appropriate color is white; the unit SOP
should cover its meaning and use.
If you were alert and in the appropriate MOPP level, you probably did
not become contaminated. However, if you suspect that you breathed
chemical agent vapors or if you have liquid on your face or skin, you
must try to determine what kind of agent you encountered. You must
remember the symptoms of the different types of agent and perform the
correct self-aid or first-aid procedures.
(2)
Self-Aid/First Aid for Chemical Agent Symptoms.
As soon as the attack is over, personnel should immediately apply
first aid to themselves or to their buddies, if necessary.
(a)
Nerve Agent.
If you (or a buddy) show any symptoms of nerve agent poisoning, you
must use the Nerve Agent Antidote Kit, MARK 1, carried in the inside
pocket of your protective mask carrier. First, remove the
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