MILD POISONING (SELF-AID).\Casualties with mild poisoning may experience most or all of the following symptoms:

Unexplained runny nose

Unexplained sudden headache

Sudden drooling

Difficulty in seeing

Tightness in the chest or difficulty in breathing

Wheezing and coughing

Localized sweating and muscular twitching in the area of the contaminated skin

Stomach cramps

Nausea with or without vomiting

Tachycardia followed by bradycardia

Figure 13-28.\M291 skin decontamination kit.

Figure 13-29.\M258A1 skin decontamination kit.

SEVERE SYMPTOMS (BUDDY AID).\ Casualties with severe symptoms may experience most or all of the mild symptoms, plus most or all of the following:

Strange or confused behavior

Increased wheezing and difficulty in breathing

Severely pinpointed pupils

Red eyes and tearing

Vomiting

Severe muscular twitching and general weakness

Involuntary urination and defecation

Convulsions

Unconsciousness

Respiratory failure

Bradycardia

Casualties with severe symptoms will not be able to treat themselves and must receive prompt buddy aid and follow-on medical treatment if they are to survive.

Casualties with moderate poisoning will experience an increase in the severity of most or all of the mild symptoms. Especially prominent will be fatigue, weakness, and muscle contraction. The progress of symptoms from mild to moderate indicates either inadequate treatment or continuing exposure to the agent.