Decontamination

Aka: Decontamination, M291, Hypochlorite

1. Indications
   1. Chemical Weapon Exposure
2. Steps: Removal of contaminated clothing and triage
   1. See Contaminated Casualty Management
3. Steps: Physical Removal of contaminant within 1-2 minutes
   1. Preferred method for Decontamination: Shower
      1. Immediate rinsing with copious water and soap
   2. Alternatives if water not available or limited
      1. Dry powder: Soap detergent, earth, flour
      2. Wipe with wet tissue paper
4. Steps: Decontamination Agents
   1. M291 Resin Kit for spot Decontamination of skin
      1. Wallet of 6 individual Decontamination packets
      2. Pads impregnated with Ambergard XE-555 Resin
      3. Pad scrubbed over contaminated skin
         1. Absorbs chemical agent with carbonaceous material
         2. Ion exchange resin neutralizes agent
   2. Hypochlorite 0.5% (1:9 dilution of 5% bleach)
      1. Do not use full strength Hypochlorite (5%)
      2. Full strength increases toxicity and lowers LD50
5. Certification of Decontamination
   1. M-8 Paper
   2. M-9 Tape
   3. M256A1 Ticket
   4. Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM)