This document discusses first aid, treatment, and decontamination of chemical-agent contaminated casualties on the battlefield.
Field management of a contaminated casualty or of a casualty in a contaminated environment is cumbersome and manpower-intensive. Medical care providers must be able to respond quickly and effectively. Soldiers must be trained in first-aid procedures. In front of each medical care facility, from battalion aid station to field hospital, there must be a casualty-receiving station if casualties are contaminated, or if casualties are entering from a contaminated area. In this station, casualties are triaged, given emergency care provided with both casualty and medical care provider encapsulated in protective garments, decontaminated, and then taken into a noncontaminated area for further care. At this stage or after the initial triage, the casualty may be evacuated to a higher-echelon facility, depending on the needs of the casualty and on the resources available. Echelon I is found at unit level and all higher levels and consists of sick call and evacuation capability. Echelon II is where the casualty is evaluated to determine priority for continued evacuation or is treated and returned to duty. Echelon III is provided in a mobile surgical hospital, combat support hospital, or field hospital. Echelon IV is provided in a general hospital. Echelon V is the most comprehensive care available and is provided in the continental United States. Initial triage is greatly hampered by the partial loss of the senses of sight and touch because of the protective garments. Initial medical care in the contaminated area is rudimentary because of potential contamination on the casualty and because of the protective equipment. Decontamination of a casualty takes about 10 to 20 minutes. 2 references