Figure 6-1.-Basic Plan for Sorting and Handling Casualties.

will be the danger of spreading the chemical to other personnel and equipment. In general, the following order of priority for first aid and decontaminating casualties is recommended: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Control of massive hemorrhage First aid for life-threatening shock and wounds Decontamination of exposed skin and eyes Removal of contaminated clothing and decontamination of body surfaces if not in a toxic environment Adjustment of patient’s mask, if a mask is necessary First aid for less severe shock and wounds The basic plan for sorting and handling casualties is indicated in figure 6-1. This plan should be modified to fit specific needs. In general, the decontamination station, or “dirty” area, receives casualties contaminated with a chemical agent. The arrangement of this area will vary with the site of the medical unit and the facilities available for decontami- nation. All ships of the force will have at least two decontamination stations, insofar as the hull design permits. The “dirty” areas should be topside or in some well-ventilated space. Person- nel manning these areas should be provided with protective equipment. In the “dirty” area casualties will be de- contaminated, undressed, showered, and passed along to clean areas. Both areas should be clearly Figure 6-1.-Basic Plan for Sorting and Handling Casualties. 6-2