What immediate first aid action should be taken when dealing with a person experiencing nerve agent poisoning?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Army Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class (E6) Board Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

In the case of nerve agent poisoning, the immediate first aid action is to administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kits, which typically contain atropine and pralidoxime (2-PAM). These antidotes work by counteracting the effects of the nerve agent on the body. Atropine alleviates symptoms caused by the overactivation of acetylcholine due to the nerve agent, while pralidoxime helps to restore the function of the inhibited enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Timely administration of these antidotes is crucial since nerve agents can cause rapid deterioration in a victim's condition, leading to severe symptoms like respiratory failure. The emphasis is on the use of these antidotes as they directly combat the biochemical effects of nerve agents, effectively increasing the chances of recovery.

In contrast, removing clothing may help to decontaminate the individual to some extent but is not an effective immediate response to the biological impact of the poisoning. Administering food and water is inappropriate and potentially harmful, as the victim may have difficulties swallowing or may be at risk for aspiration due to respiratory distress. Applying direct pressure to wounds does not address the root issue, which is the impact of the nerve agent on the nervous system and is also unlikely to be