2

CONDUCT UNMASKING PROCEDURES

PRESENTED BY:

3

TASKS

• Conduct Unmasking Procedures Using M256A1

•Conduct Unmasking Procedures Without M256A1

4

Conditions

CONDITIONS:

Given a group of soldiers at MOPP4 (with M8 detector paper); a simulation describing an area where chemical agents have been used; and one of the following situations:

1. The M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit is

available.

2. The M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit is

not available.

5

Standards

STANDARD:

1. Conduct unmasking procedures with the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit without becoming a casualty or allowing any soldier to become a casualty.

2. Conduct unmasking procedures without the chemical agent detector kit exposing no more than two soldiers to possible contamination.

6

Conduct Unmasking Procedures Using M256A1

CONDITIONS:Given a group of soldiers at MOPP4, a simulation describing an area where chemical agents have been used, and the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit is available.

STANDARD:Identify steps to conduct unmasking procedures with the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit, without becoming a casualty or having any of your soldiers become a casualty.

7

When to Conduct Unmasking Procedures

Conduct after detection methods fail to indicate presence of agents.

Should be conducted as soon as possible to restore combat capability.

8

Actions Prior to Conducting Unmasking Procedures

Selected soldiers should be disarmed before they unmask.

Should be conducted in shade. Bright, direct sunlight can cause pupils in the eyes to constrict, giving false signs of nerve agent exposure.

9

Unmasking Using M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(1) Senior person present selects one or two soldiers to unmask after permission is received from higher headquarters.

(2) Conduct unmasking procedures in shade.

(3) Use M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit to test for chemical agents. Use M8 Paper to check for liquid contamination.

NOTE: Continue only if both tests come up negative.

10

Unmasking Using M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(4) Direct at least two soldiers to unmask for 5 minutes and then don, seal, and clear masks.

(5) Observe these soldiers for 10 minutes for symptoms.

(6) If no symptoms appear, direct all soldiers to unmask.

11

Unmasking Using M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(7) Check soldiers for delayed symptoms. Have first aid treatment available.

(8) Complete steps (1) through (7) in sequence.

NOTE: This entire procedure will take approximately 15 minutes.

12

Unmasking Without the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

CONDITIONS:Given a group of soldiers at MOPP4 (with M8 detector paper), a simulation describing an area where chemical agents have been used, and the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit is not available.

STANDARD:Identify steps to conduct unmasking procedures without the chemical agent detector kit without exposing no more than two soldiers to possible agents.

13

Unmasking Without the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(1) Senior person present selects one or two soldiers to unmask after permission is received from higher headquarters.

(2) Conduct unmasking in the shade.

(3) Use M8 paper to check for possible liquid contamination.

NOTE: Continue unmasking procedures only if test is negative.

14

Unmasking Without the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(4) Select one or two soldiers to take a deep breath and break the seals of their masks, while

keeping their eyes open for 15 seconds; then reseal and clear their masks.

(5) Observe them for 10 minutes for symptoms.

(6) If no symptoms appear, direct these soldiers to break the seals of their masks, take two or three breaths, and then reseal and clear their masks.

15

Unmasking Without the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(7) Observe them for 10 more minutes for symptoms.

(8) If no symptoms appear, direct these soldiers to unmask for 5 minutes and then don, seal, and clear their masks.

(9) Observe them for 10 minutes for symptoms.

16

Unmasking Without the M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit

(10) If no symptoms appear, direct all soldiers to unmask.

(11) Check soldiers for delayed symptoms and have first aid available.

(12) Complete steps (1) through (11) in sequence.

NOTE: This entire procedure will take approximately 35 minutes.

17

QUESTIONS