Ukraine is fighting an insidious enemy that does not respect any international prohibitions or rules of warfare. You never know what other dirty tricks the aggressor country will use, so you should be prepared for anything. Today, «CHARITY FUND «DIRECT INCLUSION» will share the rules of priority response to a chemical attack. Read the article yourself and send the link to your family members to help them save precious time in case of danger.

First minutes after an attack: how to act?

The announcement of the enemy's use of chemical weapons should theoretically appear on local radio, regional TV channels, and the Internet. Local authorities may also send personalized messages to mobile phones. If a chemical attack occurs in your area, in addition to internal peace of mind, you should also provide the following items:

  • Close the windows and doors, vents, chimneys, etc. tightly;
  • Seal gaps in the windows with paper or tape;
  • Turn on the TV, radio, and other media for further instructions;
  • Warn your family about the danger and the possibility of evacuation;
  • Turn off the household appliances and gas supply.

When you decide to evacuate, it is important to have a first aid kit with you. Be sure to dress with as few exposed body parts as possible. Use gas masks or cotton gauze bandages moistened with water/2-5% solution of baking soda (in case of chlorine exposure)/acetic or citric acid (in case of ammonia exposure) if possible. It is better to leave the room by the stairs. Running outside, touching objects, or stepping into puddles is not recommended. Do not drink or eat.

Stay at high elevations if the chemical is chlorine and at low elevations if it is ammonia. Leave the contaminated area as soon as possible.

Features of reaction to certain types of chemical attacks

Many chemicals can be used by the enemy. Information about the substance used in the attack can save your life and health.

In the case of chlorine poisoning:

  • The victim should be taken outdoors, covered tightly, and allowed to breathe water vapor or an aerosol of 0.5% baking soda solution for 15 minutes;
  • The victim should not be able to walk independently;
  • The victim should be transported lying down;
  • If necessary, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation;
  • Water is the best way to resist chlorine and should be drunk in large quantities.

In case of ammonia poisoning:

  • A person should be taken out into the yard;
  • Transportation should be carried out lying down;
  • Provide the victim with warmth and calm; give humidified oxygen;
  • If possible, wash off contaminants from the body and remove the victim's clothing.

In the case of phosgene poisoning:

  • Take the victim to clean air;
  • Rinse the victim's eyes with water and provide access to oxygen;
  • Stay with the person for 48 hours to monitor the condition and prevent the development of pulmonary edema in case of deterioration.

In case of phosphine poisoning:

  • Take the victim to fresh air;
  • Wash off chemical residue and remove clothing;
  • If necessary, give the victim oxygen, and activated carbon (1 gr/kg).

In the case of hydrogen chloride poisoning:

  • Take the victim to clean air;
  • Wash off chemical dust from the body within three minutes and change the person's clothes;
  • If necessary, rinse the eyes with plain water for 15 minutes;
  • The victim should drink as much water as possible.

In the case of nitrogen oxide poisoning:

  • Take the person to fresh air;
  • Wash off poisonous dust and change the victim's clothes for 15 minutes;
  • Rinse the victim's eyes for at least 15 minutes;
  • The victim should drink plenty of water.

The «CHARITY FUND «DIRECT INCLUSION» notes that the above rules are recommendations for the first response to chemical poisoning. It is important to contact medical staff and transfer the victim under their care in such a situation. The degree of injury and quality of care can only be determined outpatient.