DC MUSEUM

SELF-AID
(Gas Attack)

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SELF-AID

1. SELF-AID TO BE EFFECTIVE MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED IMMEDIATELY AFTER CONTAMINATION.
2. EFFECTIVE SELF-AID DEMANDS:
   1. Immediate action, self-aid should be completed within five (5) minutes after exposure.
   2. Correct cleansing of contaminated parts of the body.
   3. Proper use of protective equipment and materials.
   4. Prevention of the spread of the gas to other parts of the body, to other men, equipment, structures, or ship’s compartments.
3. DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF-AID.
   1. On contamination each man will carry out self-aid AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE in the following order.
      1. If face or eyes have been splashed place BAL ointment into eye or lower lid, massage for one minute then hold eye open with fingers and pour water slowly from canteen or other uncontaminated source into one eye and then into the other. THIS MUST BE DONE IMMEDIATELY AFTER EXPOSURE; a delay of two (2) minutes may result in blindness. Irrigation should be at least thirty (30) seconds and no longer than two minutes.
      2. Dab or blot liquid with hands, then rub contaminated areas thoroughly with protective ointment S-461 or S-330. DO NOT GET OINTMENT IN EYES.
      3. Dab or blot liquid from face, neck and ears, then rub contaminated areas thoroughly with protective ointment S-461 or S-330. COMPLETE THE OPERATION WITHIN THIRTY (30) SECONDS.
      4. Put on gas mask, after face, neck and ears have been decontaminated. Mask must be on face within three (3) or four (4) minutes after exposure.
   2. Continue decontamination elsewhere by covering untreated, exposed skin with protective ointment. REDNESS HAS DEVELOPED.
   3. Cut, tear away or otherwise remove contaminated clothing at once.
   4. After clothing has been removed, spread ointment on areas of skin possibly contaminated, UNLESS REDNESS HAS DEVELOPED.
   5. If clothing cannot be removed and there is a large splash of liquid visible upon it, the contaminated portion should be cut or torn from the clothing and protective ointment applied to the underlying skin as directed.
   6. Dispose of clothing and other material contaminated with liquid so that it cannot serve as a source of poisonous fumes.
   7. Wash with soap and water as soon as battle conditions permit.

NOTE: If protective ointment is not available, blot thoroughly with absorbent. Kerosene or alcohol may be used to wash mustard gas off the skin. They do not neutralize mustard, and must be used in great excess or be thoroughly and promptly washed away with soap and water. THE USE OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID INJURY.