Nerve Agent Casualty Decontamination

[go to: Decontamination Section for details]

Decontamination eliminates nerve agents on the skin surface that could continue to absorb into the skin. Assist the casualty in decontaminating exposed skin in the following order:

1. Face
2. Neck area
3. Chest area
4. Abdomen
5. Arms and hands
6. Other exposed skin areas

A mask and protective equipment should be worn while decontaminating nerve agents. Early decontamination is vital. Household bleach solution works best to deactivate nerve agents. Water can decontaminate nerve agents, but, if the nerve agent has been mixed with thickening substances, it works more slowly. The addition of alkaline soap can expedite the process. Once decontaminated, there is no further risk of contamination.