• Chemical agents have been refined and developed since they were

first used as a tactical weapon.

Some agents cannot be detected by the senses, and the first signs
of attack may be the appearance of symptoms.

In some cases incapacitation or death can occur from minimal

contact with the agents.

A high standard of individual training is essential to prevent large

numbers of casualties and to enable work to continue.
 CHARACTERISTICS
PHYSICAL STATE. Agents may be as:
1. Liquid splashes or as droplets
2. An aerosol which may be a fine liquid or spray, or solid
particles suspended in the air.
3. A gas or vapour.
4. A solid.

PERSISTENCY. Is a consideration of the period of time

during which chemical agents will remain a hazard.

ODOUR. Some chemical agents can be identified by a

characteristic odour, however, this can be unreliable as a
warning as most of these agents are rapid acting. As a
general rule, the purer the agent the less noticeable the
odour.
 CHARACTERISTICS (cont)
METHOD OF ENTRY. To be effective, an agent must enter the
body by one of three methods:

1. Inhalation is when the agent is breathed in, also

referred to as the respiratory route.
2. Absorption is the penetration of the skin or eyes,
also referred to as the percutaneous route.
3. Ingestion is when the agent is swallowed, normally
with food or water.
 CHEMICAL AGENT

TOXIC AGENTS NON TOXIC AGENTS

INCAPACITATING RIOT CONTROL

NERVE CHOKING BLOOD BLISTER

 Classification of
Agents.
• TOXICITY

• DURATION OF EFFECTIVENESS

• EFFECTS ON THE BODY

 TOXICITY

 TOXIC AGENTS are delivered with the primary

object of killing. The exception is the range of
blister agents which are primarily used for their
incapacitating effect however they can cause
death and are therefore classified as toxic.

 NON TOXIC AGENTS are riot control and

incapacitating agents. They are designed to
cause temporary incapacitation without
permanent injury.
 DURATION OF EFFECTIVENESS

 NON PERSISTENT AGENTS are gases or liquids

which evaporate quickly to produce a vapour
cloud which moves downwind, dispersing by
diffusion. The duration can last for minutes,
hours or days.

 PERSISTENT AGENTS are solids or liquids which

will remain in the target area, presenting a
contact hazard and often evaporating slowly to
produce an vapour hazard which can last for
days, months or years.
 EFFECTS ON THE BODY
 The third method of classification is to group agents
by their action on the body.

TOXIC AGENTS :
1. NERVE AGENTS interfere with the nervous
system and thus disrupt essential body
functions, for example, breathing, muscular
coordination and vision.

2. CHOKING AGENTS attack the breathing

passage and lungs.
 EFFECTS ON THE BODY (cont)
3. BLOOD AGENTS prevent body tissues from
using the oxygen in the blood.

4. BLISTER AGENTS cause inflammation,

blistering of the skin and superficial destruction
of contaminated internal tissues such as the
lining of breathing passages.
 EFFECTS ON THE BODY (cont)
NON TOXIC AGENTS :

1. INCAPACITATING AGENTS cause temporary

disabling conditions, which can be physical or
mental and can persist for hours or days after
exposure to the agent has ceased.

2. RIOT CONTROL AGENTS cause short term

disability. Tear agents CS and CN, and the
vomiting agent DM fall into this group.
Lethal Agents
 Nerve
 Blood

 Choking
Nerve Agents
 Nerve Agent
To kill by interfering with the central nervous system and
disrupting functions such as breathing and muscular
coordination. The effects are cumulative.

Nerve agents are those agents which affect a variety of body

functions as a result of their primary attack on the nerve
structure of the body.

Nerve agents are the deadliest of the chemical agents.

The route of entry determines the speed of onset of the

symptoms and whether they will cause death in seconds or
minutes.
Methods of detection
 1 & 3 Colour detector paper
 RVD

 NAIAD

 CAM
Routes of Entry
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation

Absorption
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation Ingestion

Absorption
 CHARACTERISTICS

 RAPID ACTING WITH DEATH OCCURING WITHIN

MINUTES
 PERCUTENOUS IN THAT THEY PENETRATE THE
SKIN AND CLOTHING
 CUMULATIVE IN EFFECT
 PERSISTENT IN LIQUID FORM
 DISSEMINATED AS LIQUIDS OR VAPOUR
 HAVE NO COLOUR OR ODOUR AND CANNOT BE
DETECTED BY THE SENSES
 Nerve Agent
Early Symptoms
 Nerve Agent
Early Symptoms
 Tightening of the chest

 Running nose

 Increase of saliva

 Pin-pointing of the pupils

 Dimmed vision

 Difficulty in breathing
 Nerve Agent
Later Symptoms
 Nerve Agent
Later Symptoms
 The early symptoms will become more
severe.
 The following additional symptoms will also
occur, but not necessarily in the order given:

 Headache
 Increased salivation
 Dizziness and general weakness
 Excessive sweating
 Nerve Agent
Dangerous Symptoms
 Nerve Agent
Dangerous Symptoms
 Muscle twitching and jerking
 Involuntary urination and
defecation
 Nausea and vomiting
 Stoppage of breathing
 Pre-Treatment against
Nerve Agent Poisoning
 On Authorisation start taking
NAPS
 One tablet to be taken every 8
hours
X 2 PACKETS
Immediate Self Aid
 Up to 3 Combopens per
man
 Inject every 15 mins

 Your combopen is for

you
 Composition of a
Combopen
 2mg Atropine
 blocks accumulated acetylcholine
 500mg Pralidoxime (P2S)
 Reactivates inhibited cholinesterase
 10mg Avizafone (replaced Diazepam)
 Central action
 Anticonvulsant
 Nerve Agent in the eyes
When nerve agent enters the eyes it
causes an effect known as MIOSIS
 Will not cause permanent damage to
the eyes.
 Causes constriction of the pupil which
prevents them reacting correctly.
 Can attack the eyes in less time than it
takes to put the respirator on.
 Eye Effects Nerve Agent

Before Exposure 30 Minutes After Exposure

Showing Normal Pupil Showing Extreme Miosis
 Pupil Response

This man was

accidentally exposed to 3 days
an unknown amount of
nerve agent vapor. The
series of photographs 6 days
shows his eyes gradually
recovering their ability 13 days
to dilate. All
photographs were taken
with an electronic flash 20 days
(which is too fast for the
pupil to react) after the
subject was sitting in a 41 days
totally dark room for 2
minutes. 62 days
 Treatment of
Nerve Agent Casualty
 Mask casualty (check IPE if necessary).
 Inject with Combopen.

 Repeat injection every 15 minutes while

symptoms last (max 3).
 If breathing stops administer
resuscitation.
 Decontaminate if feasible and necessary
or place in Casualty bag.
 Evacuate.
Nerve Agents Liquid Exposure
 Small amount (to 18 hours)
 Localized sweating
 Fasciculations
 No miosis
 Moderate amount (<LD50) (to 18
hours)
 Gastrointestinal effects
 Miosis uncommon
 Large amount (LD50) (<30 minutes)
 Sudden loss of consciousness
 Seizures
 Apnea
 Flaccid paralysis
 Death
 TYPE OF NERVE AGENTS

 GA - TABUN
 GB - SARIN
 GD - SOMAN
 VX
 VR
Questions?
Blood Agents
 Blood Agents
To prevent the body tissues using the oxygen in the
blood.

Blood agents are usually disseminated as vapours or

gases and enter the body through the respiratory route.

They affect the circulatory and respiratory system

preventing the cells from using oxygen carried by the
blood.

After inhaling a high concentration of blood agent a

casualty may be unconscious within a few minutes.
Routes of Entry
Routes of Entry

Inhalation
 CHARACTERISTICS

 RAPID ACTING
 NON-CUMULATIVE
 BREAK DOWN THE FILTERS OF
CANNISTER FASTER THAN OTHER
TYPES OF AGENTS PARTICULARLY
CK WHICH CAN DESTROY THEM IN
20 MINUTES.
 THE TWO COMMON FORMS OF
BLOOD AGENTS ARE :

 HYDROGEN CYANIDE (AC)

 CYANOGEN CHLORIDE (CK)
 SYMPTOMS
 GIDDINESS, DIZZINESS
 INCREASED BREATHING RATE (AC) OR
DECREASED BREATHING RATE (CK)
 AN EYE EFFECT MAY BE APPARENT AT LOW
CONCENTRATIONS OF CK
 HEADACHES
 INCREASED PULSE AND POUNDING HEART
 LIPS AND SKIN ARE RED (AC) OR LIPS AND
SKIN ARE BLUE (CK)
 CONVULSIONS
 UNCONSCIOUSNESS LAPSING INTO COMA
 DEATH
 Hydrogen Cyanide
Symptoms in Low Concentrations
 Hydrogen Cyanide
Symptoms in Low Concentrations
 Headache
 Vertigo, giddiness, unable to
stand upright
 Nausea
 Hydrogen Cyanide
Symptoms in High Concentrations
 Hydrogen Cyanide
Symptoms in High Concentrations
 Deep fast rate of breathing.
 Convulsion.
 Respiratory arrest.
Treatment of Blood
Agent Casualty
 Mask casualty, check IPE if
necessary
 Keep casualty warm
 Reassurance
 Consider canister change after
high concentration attack
 Evacuate
Questions?
Choking Agents
 Choking Agents
Attacks the breathing passages
and lungs causing large
quantities of fluid to seep into the
lungs.
Casualty drowns in his own fluids.
Known as ‘Dry land drowning’.
Routes of Entry

Inhalation
 CHARACTERISTICS

 MOST ARE GASES

 A VARIETY OF ODOURS
 PERSISTENCY IS SHORT
 THEY RAPIDLY HYDROLYSE
 THE ACTION OF THE AGENTS MAY BE DELAYED
 EFFECTS OF CHOKING AGENTS ARE CUMULATIVE
 IN NON-LETHAL DOSES THE SYMPTOMS WILL
GRADUALLY DISAPPEAR AS THE WATERY LIQUID IS RE-
ABSORBED
Symptoms of Choking Agent

Latent period followed by:

Symptoms of Choking Agent
Latent period followed by:
 Rapid Respiration
 Fluid seeping into lungs (noisy breathing)

 Blueness of complexion

 Painful breathless cough

 Spitting phlegm

 Shock

 Death between 3 and 48 hours after poisoning

 Treatment of Choking Agent
 Mask Casualty, check IPE if
necessary
 Keep casualty warm
 Reassurance
 Give oxygen (if available) ???
 Evacuate
 TYPE OF CHOKING AGENTS

 CL - CHLORINE
 CG - PHOSGENE
 DP - DIPHOSGENE
Questions?
Damaging Agents
• Blister
 Blister Agents
Causes inflammation and blistering of the skin, reddening of
affected parts and superficial destruction of internal
contaminated tissue, e.g. lining of lungs and airways.
They burn and blister the skin or any other body part that it
contacts.
Blister agents damage the respiratory tract when inhaled and
cause vomiting when absorbed.
Most vesicants are deceitful in that there is little or no pain
when first contact is made with the agent, except for CX.
In some cases the signs of injury may be delayed for several
hours.
CATEGORIES OF CHOKING AGENTS

 MUSTARD
 ARSENICALS
 URTICANTS
Routes of Entry
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation

Absorption
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation Ingestion

Absorption
 Blister Agents
Symptoms
 Blister Agents
Symptoms
 Skin Irritation
 Reddening of the skin

 Blistering

 Nausea and Vomiting

 Cough
 Inflammation of the larynx

 Nasal Discharge
 Flow of tears

 Sneezing

 Puffy swelling around the eyes due to fluid

 Eyes are sensitive to light
Treatment of
Blister Agent on the skin
 Decontaminate with Fullers Earth
 Cover with a clean sterile dressing
 If available use a chemical cover
 Reassurance
 Evacuate
Blister Agent in the Eyes
- within 5 mins
 Flush out from bridge of nose
outward with water
 Avoid spreading contamination
 Decontaminate
 Dry sterile pads
 Reassurance
 Evacuate
Blister Agent in the Eyes
- after 5 mins
 Decontaminate affected
part
 Dry sterile pads

 Reassurance

 Evacuate
Treatment of Blister Agent
in the respiratory tract
 Dilute with water or milk
 Try to ensure that the
casualty does not vomit
 Reassurance
 Evacuate
 TYPE OF BLISTER AGENTS

 HD - DISTILLED MUSTARD
 HN - NITROGEN MUSTARD
 L - LEWISITE
 CX - PHOSGENE OXIME
Questions?
Incapacitating Agents
 Mental
 Physical
 Incapacitating Agents
Designed to impair the subjects ability to perform duties without
causing serious risk of death or permanent injury.
Those agents which produce physiological or mental effects
and impair the individuals ability to carry out his duties.
These effects may last for hours or days after exposure has
ceased.
There is no serious risk of death or permanent injury.
These agents are classified as physical incapacitants or
psychochemical agents according to whether their action is
predominantly upon the physical or mental activities of the
casualty.
Routes of Entry
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation

Absorption
 Routes of Entry

Inhalation Ingestion

Absorption
 Physical and Mental
Incapacitants

 Mental
 Hallucinatory Agents (BZ)
 Physical
 Vomiting Agents (Adamsite DM)
 Riot Control Agents (CS)
 PHYSICAL INCAPACITANTS
 POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF PHYSICAL
INCAPACITATION ARE MANY, BUT THE
CRITERION THAT NO SERIOUS RISK OF
DEATH OR PERMANENT INJURY SHOULD
RESULT MEANS THAT NO PRACTICAL
PHYSICAL INCAPACITANT, SUITABLE FOR
WIDE RANGE DISSEMINATION, IS KNOWN
AT PRESENT
 SYMPTOMS
 IMMEDIATE
 Rapid heart beat
 Dry mouth, lips, throat and skin
 Increased pupil size, blurred vision
 Headache and vomiting
 Dizziness
 Confusion and stupor
 Staggering, slurred voice
 Failure to respond to orders
 SYMPTOMS (cont)
 4 TO 8 HOURS
 Disorientation
 Visual and auditory hallucinations
 Unable to move about or react efficiently to his/her
surroundings
 Loss of memory

 8 TO 96 HOURS
 Activity returns
 Random unpredictable behaviour
 Gradual return to normal in 96 hours
 RIOT CONTROL AGENTS (ANTI RIOT)

 Riot control agents (Anti riot) produce a

temporary irritating or incapacitating effect and
therefore have great value as defence training
agents.
 They may be classified as either tear agents, for
example CS and CN or vomiting agents, for
example DM.
 TEAR AGENTS
 These agents cause tearing, respiratory irritation and intense eye pain.
 Heavy contamination in hot climates may cause mild blistering.
 The common tear agent for training is CS.

 CS
 This riot control agent of UK origin was developed in the 1950’s.
 It has been used extensively throughout the world for riot control and
training.

 Vomiting Agents
 Normally solids which vaporise when heated and condense to form
aerosols.
 Under open conditions, vomiting agents cause great discomfort, and in
confined areas may cause serious illness or death.
 These agents produce a strong peppery irritation of the respiratory tract and
eyes, causing uncontrollable sneezing, coughing and vomiting.
 The most used agent in this class is Adamsite (DM).
 SYMPTOMS
ANTI RIOT
- Extreme burning of the eyes, accompanied by copious flow of tears.
- Involuntary closing of the eyes.
- Burning of the skin in moist areas.
- Running nose.
- Coughing, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and saliva flow
- Heavy concentrations will cause nausea and vomiting.

DM
- Irritation of eyes and nose.
- Sneezing and coughing.
- Severe headache.
- Acute pain and tightness in the chest and bowels.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting may occur within three minutes.
- Death may occur through unconsciousness and asphyxiation.
Treatment of Mental
Incapacitaing Agents
 Restraint may be necessary
 Remove weapon
 Prevention of Heat Stroke
 NB: The casualty may be required
to be bound and gagged
•NERVE AGENT.
•Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), Soman (GD) & VX.
•BLISTER AGENT.
•Nitrogen Mustard (HN), Mustard (H), Distilled
Mustard (HD), Lewisit (L).
•CHOKING AGENT.
•Fosgen (CG).
•BLOOD AGENT.
•Hidrogen Sianida (AC), Sianogen Klorida (CK).
. ANTI RIOT
CS, CN
. VOMITING
. ADAMSITE (DM)
. INCAPICITATING AGENT (BZ)
Symptoms of Atropine
Poisoning
Symptoms of Atropine
Poisoning
 Rapid pulse (Over 100)
 Dry mouth
 Dry skin
 Restlessness
 Anxiety
 Dilated pupils
 Treatment of
Atropine Poisoning
 Rest

 Reassurance

 Sips of water
Questions?