Product Description
US Army, THERAPEUTICS II SUBCOURSE MD0805, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
In Subcourse MD0804, Therapeutics I, the basics of pharmacology were
reviewed. MD0804 stressed the identification and use of references pertaining to drug information. Furthermore, you were given specific information on eight specific
categories of drugs.

Subcourse MD0805, Therapeutics II, is intended to give you a review of certain
essential anatomical and physiological concepts important to pharmacology and to
introduce six categories of drugs. The review of anatomy and physiology should help
you gain a better understanding of how the drugs work in the body and how they
produce the side effects that are commonly associated with their use.

Remember that this subcourse is not intended to be used as an authoritative
source of drug information. New drugs are being discovered and new uses for existing drugs are being found through research. Therefore, you should rely on this subcourse to review concepts or to learn new information. You should then use other sources (see MD0804, Therapeutics I--lesson 1) to gain additional information which will help you to do your job in a better way.

This subcourse consists of 10 lessons. The lessons are:
Lesson 1. Dermatological Agents.
Lesson 2. The Human Muscular System.
Lesson 3. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants.
Lesson 4. Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Antigout Agents.
Lesson 5. Review of Ocular and Auditory Anatomy and Physiology.
Lesson 6. Review of the Autonomic Nervous System.
Lesson 7. Adrenergic Agents.
Lesson 8. Adrenergic Blocking Agents. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, BASIC PATIENT CARE PROCEDURES, SUBCOURSE MD0556, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
The medical soldier caring for patients provides a valuable service to his comrades. He must meet high standards with integrity, dignity, calm thinking, and careful study. The purpose of this subcourse is to provide you with a working knowledge of the procedures discussed herein; however, you must receive guidance and hands-on supervision to become proficient at the procedures described.

The subcourse instructional material consists of the following:
Lesson 1, Hygiene and Care of the Patient.
Lesson 2, Positioning the Patient.
Lesson 3, Caring for the Patient's Environment.
Lesson 4, Specimen Collection
Lesson 5, Handwashing Procedures ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY, SUBCOURSE MD0511, EDITION 100, 2004, Survival Medical Manual

Man's survival is constantly threatened--by bacteria, by physical or chemical injury, and a host of other agents. Although modern science and medicine have done much to cope with these harmful influences, our greatest protection is still afforded by the ability of our bodies to withstand these repeated attacks. If the combination of science and natural resistance is unable to ward off the damaging influences, disease will result. The study of disease and of alterations in function caused by disease is called pathology. Frequently considered in this field are such topics as the cause of the disease, the effect of the disease on the body, and the body's reaction to the disease process.

This subcourse is designed to acquaint you with the fundamental concepts of oral and maxillofacial pathology. It also seeks to familiarize you with the technical nomenclature used in pathology, which is essential to understanding dental procedures. It also stresses the cause and effect of oral infection.

This subcourse consists of three lessons. The lessons are as follows:
Lesson 1, Diseases of the Hard Tissue.
Lesson 2, Diseases of the Soft Tissue.
Lesson 3, Fractures and Dislocation of the Jaw ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, COMBAT LIFESAVER TRAINING COURSE, CLS REF, 2005, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
History has often demonstrated that the course of battle is influenced
more by the health of the troops than by strategy or tactics. Part of
your function as a combat soldier is to recognize potentially dangerous
situations and take preventive measures. This includes taking measures
against potential health hazards as well as protecting yourself against
enemy action. As a combat lifesaver, it is easier for you to remind a
soldier in your squad or team to take preventive measures against
disease and environmental injuries than it is to treat and evacuate the
soldier later because he is too ill to perform his combat duties. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, THERAPEUTICS V, SUBCOURSE MD0808, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
In Subcourses MD804, MED805, MD806, and MD807, various concepts of
anatomy, physiology, and pathology as they pertain to therapeutics were discussed.

In this subcourse, Subcourse MED808, we shall view a drug in its treatment of
specific ailments. We have included a section on biologicals and vitamins and minerals
primarily because natural resistance, and vitamins and minerals can prevent as well as successfully treat disease, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.

Remember, this subcourse is not intended to be used as an authoritative source
of drug information. As you know, new drugs as well as new uses for existing drugs are continuously being discovered through research. This subcourse can serve as a means for your review or initial learning of pharmacological concepts. You are strongly encouraged to use other references to gain additional information that may assist you in performing your job and better serving your patients.

This subcourse consists of 6 lessons. The lessons are:
Lesson 1, Introduction to Microbiology.
Lesson 2, Intestinal Parasites and Antiparasitic Agents.
Lesson 3, Antibiotics and Sulfonamides.
Lesson 4, Antifungals, Antihistamines, and Antimalarial Agents.
Lesson 5, Biologicals.
Lesson 6, Vitamins and Minerals. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY DYSFUNCTION, SUBCOURSE MD0542, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse presents a review of the respiratory system, devices such as the
oralpharyngeal airway and bag-valve-mask (BVM) systems which are used to assist a
patient's breathing efforts, procedures for supplying the patient with additional oxygen through the use of the face mask and nasal prongs, and procedures for removing secretions interfering with breathing through the use of suction.

The subcourse instructional material consists of four lessons as follows:
Lesson 1, The Respiratory System.
Lesson 2, Devices used to Aid Breathing.
Lesson 3, Administering Oxygen.
Lesson 4, Oral, Nasopharyngeal, and Nasotracheal Suctioning. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION, EDITION 101,MD0532, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
As a member of the Army Medical Department, you are expected to know how to
perform basic lifesaving procedures in an emergency. Such emergencies can occur
anywhere on the battlefield, in your home, in a restaurant, or on the highway. In such an emergency, a person's life may depend upon your knowledge of what to do and upon your ability to do the procedure properly and quickly.

This subcourse provides instruction which will enable you to remove an obstruction
from a casualty's airway, restore respiration to a casualty who has stopped breathing, and restore blood circulation to a casualty whose heart has stopped beating. Instruction is provided for performing these procedures for an adult casualty, a child, and an infant. Study and know these procedures BEFORE you are faced with an emergency.

This subcourse consists of seven lessons and an examination. The lessons are:
Lesson 1, Review of the Circulatory and Respiratory Systems.
Lesson 2, Heart Attack and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Lesson 3, Initiate Rescue Breathing on an Adult.
Lesson 4, Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on an Adult.
Lesson 5, Remove an Upper Airway Obstruction in an Adult.
Lesson 6, Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on a Child or Infant.
Lesson 7, Remove an Airway Obstruction in a Child or Infant. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES, SUBCOURSE MD0548, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse deals with environmental and climatic injuries including snakebites, insect and spider bites, insect and scorpion stings, dermatitis caused by toxic plants, heat injuries, and cold injuries. Some of the injuries discussed in this subcourse can result in death if not treated promptly and properly. The medical specialist must recognize when the dangers discussed in this subcourse are present , he must take the appropriate preventive measures to protect himself and other soldiers.

This subcourse consists of five lessons. The lessons are as follows:
Lesson 1, North American Snakebites.
Lesson 2, Arthropod Bites and Stings.
Lesson 3, Plant Contact Dermatitis.
Lesson 4, Heat Injuries.
Lesson 5, Cold Injuries. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, BLOOD, ELECTROLYTES AND INTRAVENOUS INFUSIONS, SUBCOURSE MD0564, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse is concerned with knowledge that is vital in order to understand the "whys" and "hows" for using the intravenous route to administer the kinds of fluids that can save life and limb. You should possess the knowledge to correct and expand on the medical procedures used by the Combat Medical Specialist and also have the ability to interact with the physicians and physician assistants who will have the final responsibility for treating battle injuries and illnesses.

at the end of this subcourse. Take a few minutes to read this glossary before you start the lessons. It may save you some dictionary time later.

We suggest that you do not attempt to master large amounts of this information at one sitting. This would be especially difficult if some of the material is new to you.
Contained in the third chapter is the currently accepted method for starting and for discontinuing an intravenous infusion and a blood transfusion.

Mastery of this section is not enough to begin giving infusions and transfusions. You must be trained under the supervision of a person who is qualified to instruct you in these processes, supervise your practice, and evaluate your skills and abilities very carefully.

This subcourse consists of three lessons and a glossary. The lessons and glossary are :
as follows
Lesson 1, Human Blood.
Lesson 2, Fluids and Electrolytes.
Lesson 3, Intravenous Preparations and Methods for Administration.
... Read more

Product Description
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this battlebook is to address operational health concerns in environments where Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) threats exist. Potential NBC threats range from weapons of mass destruction to contamination of the battlefield by hazardous material. Medical personnel, in conjunction with chemical personnel, must be able to advise commanders on a wide range of issues including the health effects of NBC threats, protective clothing and measures, and management of NBC casualties.

This manual is not an emergency response book or treatment guide. It is intended to provide a quick reference for decision making as to whether to request expert consultation in a given area. Except in extreme emergency, the contents should not be construed as definitive.

The US Army conducts operations in areas where potential adversaries could use NBC weapons. These weapons range from a megaton nuclear weapon used to destroy an entire city to a barrel of
industrial chemicals used to contaminate an important road intersection. In addition to their destructive power, NBC weapons have political, psychological, operational, and strategic impact.
The use of passive measures such as proactive NBC defense procedures is a potential tool to reduce the threat of NBC weapons. In the event of the use of NBC weapons, the medical personnel must be prepared to provide a variety of services including medical treatment, site hazard surveys, and medical hazard assessments.

Threats
1. Nuclear Weapons. Although the threat of global nuclear annihilation has diminished, Russia and China still maintain large numbers of nuclear weapons. While direct confrontation with these nations is not likely at the present time, medical units must still be prepared for such conflicts. Several potential adversaries such as North Korea, Iraq, and Iran have tried to develop nuclear weapons. These countries could use nuclear weapons either to gain a tactical advantage or as a terrorist weapon. The employment of nuclear weapons in stability and support operations such as Bosnia is not likely; however, commanders must be prepared for their use. With the advent of new technologies, it is conceivable that a terrorist or terrorist organization could obtain a small nuclear device. This device could then be used to hold a city or state at ransom. The employment of nuclear weapons could rapidly escalate a stability and support operational scenario into a major war.

2. Radiological Hazards. Adversaries and even terrorist could spread radioactive material in an effort to deny US forces access to key terrain, roads, and buildings. The use of radiation dispersal devices and destruction of local nuclear reactors by terrorists are examples of radiological threats. Other radiological hazards present during deployments may include improperly dumped waste and accidents involving radioactive commodities.

3. Biological Warfare. Biological warfare agents range in spectrum from sophisticated, specifically engineered infectious microorganisms and toxins produced in modern biotechnology laboratories, to simple expedient food contaminants employed by insurgents or terrorists. Health care personnel must be alert to any increase in infectious disease rates or disease cases not commonly found in the area of operations. Because the use of biological weapons is not always initially evident and symptoms may take days to weeks to appear, epidemiology may provide the first clue to an attack.

4. Chemical Warfare Agents. Chemical agents are relatively simple to make and employ. Since their effects are immediate and dramatic, chemical weapons are used to kill and injure and also for terrain denial for persistent agents. For example, Iraq used large quantities of blister agents in its war against Iran. Although not classed as chemical warfare agents, incendiary/flame munitions, phosphorus compounds, and irritants O-chlorobenzylidene (CS) and chloroacetophenone (CN) ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASES/INJURIES I, SUBCOURSE MD0588, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse on environmental disease and injuries includes sections on
venomous snake bites, spider bites, insect stings and bites, anaphylactic shock,
poisonous marine animals, and hepatitis. The identification of types of snake bites and types of venoms is the main concern of the section on snakes. The snakes described here will be found mainly in the United States. For those soldiers assigned to other parts of the world, supplementary information will be provided by proper persons when an assignment is made. It is not possible to include all species of snakes and their varieties in this subcourse. A LAC-USC Guide for Snake Venom Poisoning is included at the end of the first lesson.

The spiders that are identified can be as lethal as some types of snakes, but
many of the insects are not. These insects are included because they are medically
important, in terms of pain and the possibility of an allergic reaction. Many people can show an allergy that will progress to anaphylactic shock. Some types of marine life can emit a poison that is more lethal than that of any snake, and many military personnel are stationed at, or near the habitats of these animals. The lesson on hepatitis identifies the various types of this disease. The routes of person to person transmission, and disease precautions, will be of special interest.

For your convenience, we have included a glossary of special terms at the end of
this subcourse. Take a few minutes to read this glossary before you start the lessons. It will save you some dictionary time later. We suggest that you do not attempt to master large amounts of this information at one sitting. This would be especially difficult if some of the material is new to you.

The subcourse instructional material consists of four lessons as follows:
Lesson 1, Snake Bites.
Lesson 2, Bites and Stings.
Lesson 3, Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock.
Lesson 4, Hepatitis. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, THERAPEUTICS III, SUBCOURSE MD0806, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
Drugs that act upon the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, or urinary
system are frequently dispensed in both military and civilian pharmacies. This is
because conditions that affect these systems (that is, hypertension affecting the
cardiovascular system) affect many people. Consequently, it is imperative that you
have an understanding of these systems and the drugs that act on them.

As with MD0804 (Therapeutics I) and MD0805 (Therapeutics II), anatomy,
physiology, and pharmacology are presented in a combined perspective. This is done
to help you to understand and remember the actions, uses, side effects, and patient
warnings associated with the drugs included in these lessons.

You should remember that this subcourse is not intended to replace accepted
references in anatomy, physiology, or pharmacology. Instead, it is designed to help you gain a background in these areas so that you may continue learning in a self-directed manner. You are encouraged to read pertinent journals, study pharmacology texts, and talk to fellow health-care professionals in order to learn more about the topics presented in this subcourse.

This subcourse consists of 9 lessons as follows:
Lesson 1. The Respiratory System and Respiratory System Drugs.
Lesson 2. The Human Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems.
Lesson 3. Cardiac Drugs.
Lesson 4. Vasodilator Drugs.
Lesson 5. Drugs Acting on the Hematopoietic System.
Lesson 6. The Human Urogenital Systems.
Lesson 7. Antihypertensive Drugs.
Lesson 8. Diuretic and Antidiuretic Agents.
Lesson 9. Toxicology and Poison Control

... Read more

Product Description
US Army, CHEST AND AIRWAY PROBLEMS, SUBCOURSE MD0569, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
In this subcourse, you will study chest and airway problems. Chest trauma refers
to general information about chest injuries as well as information about specific chest
injuries. Airway problems includes information on devices -- nasopharyngeal airway
(NPA), the Combitube™ and KING LT-D™ airway [which are both BIADS (blind
insertion airway devices)], and the endotracheal tube (ET) -- that can be used to open and maintain an airway. If other life-saving methods are not successful in opening and maintaining an airway, an opening is made in the trachea to bypass the site of an upper airway obstruction. This subject matter is of vital importance in saving lives.

This subcourse consists of three lessons:
Lesson 1, Chest Trauma.
Lesson 2, Airway Management.
Lesson 3, Cricothyroidotomy. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, Snake Bites, ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASES/INJURIES I, SUBCOURSE MD0588, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse on environmental disease and injuries includes sections on
venomous snake bites, spider bites, insect stings and bites, anaphylactic shock,
poisonous marine animals, and hepatitis. The identification of types of snake bites and types of venoms is the main concern of the section on snakes. The snakes described here will be found mainly in the United States. For those soldiers assigned to other parts of the world, supplementary information will be provided by proper persons when an assignment is made. It is not possible to include all species of snakes and their varieties in this subcourse. A LAC-USC Guide for Snake Venom Poisoning is included at the end of the first lesson.

The spiders that are identified can be as lethal as some types of snakes, but
many of the insects are not. These insects are included because they are medically
important in terms of pain and the possibility of an allergic reaction. Many people can show an allergy that will progress to anaphylactic shock. Some types of marine life can emit a poison that is more lethal than that of any snake, and many military personnel are stationed at or near the habitats of these animals. The lesson on hepatitis identifies the various types of this disease. The routes of person to person transmission, and disease precautions, will be of special interest.

The subcourse instructional material consists of four lessons and two appendixes
as follows:
Lesson 1, Snake Bites.
Lesson 2, Bites and Stings.
Lesson 3, Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock.
Lesson 4, Hepatitis.
Appendix A, Snake Venom Poisoning and Antivenins
Appendix B, Glossary ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES/DISEASES II, SUBCOURSE MD0589, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, infectious organisms have plagued society. Biblical accounts
of plagues attest to this fact. In London in the 1600s, the Black Plague killed thousands of people. In a combat situation, the impact of disease on the combat soldier cannot be overstated. In every war in which the American soldier has fought, there have been more casualties caused by disease than by combat wounds. An outbreak of a simple intestinal disease in a combat zone can greatly affect the morale and fighting strength of the Army. Information concerning the identification, treatment, and preventive measures for arthropod-borne, animal-borne, and helminthic diseases will be discussed in this subcourse. As a Medical NCO, it is extremely important that you are aware of the prevention and treatments for the numerous diseases which you will encounter.
With the awareness of those diseases, their general characteristics, modes of
transmission, and clinical findings, you may be alert for either treatment or prevention.

The subcourse instructional material consists of four lessons as follows:
Lesson 1, Arthropod-Borne Diseases.
Lesson 2, Animal-Borne Diseases.
Lesson 3, Helminthic Diseases.
Lesson 4, Malaria. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, THERAPEUTICS IV, SUBCOURSE MD0807, EDITION 200, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
In Subcourses MD0804, MD0805, and MD0806, various topics pertaining to
anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology were presented. Specifically, topics like drug references, the physiology of the nervous system, nervous system drugs, and dermatological agents were introduced.

In this subcourse, MD0807, other systems of the body (for example, the digestive
system) and the drugs used to treat conditions of those systems will be discussed. As in the other pharmacology subcourses, you will be provided background material in anatomy, physiology, and pathology in order to help you learn about the specific drugs discussed in the subcourse.

Remember, this subcourse is not intended to be used as an authoritative source
of drug information. As you know, new drugs are being discovered and new uses for
existing drugs are being found through research. Therefore, this subcourse can serve as a means for your review or initial learning of pharmacological concepts. You are strongly encouraged to use other references (see MD0804, Pharmacology I) to gain additional information which will help you to do your job in a better way. Knowing more about pharmacology can help you to better serve your patients.

This subcourse consists of eleven lessons as follows:
Lesson 1 The Human Digestive System.
Lesson 2, Antacids and Digestants.
Lesson 3, Emetics, Antiemetics, and Antidiarrheals.
Lesson 4, Cathartics.
Lesson 5, Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy.
Lesson 6, Review of the Endocrine System.
Lesson 7, Thyroid, Antithyroid, and Parathyroid Preparations.
Lesson 8, Reproductive Hormones and Oral Contraceptives.
Lesson 9, Adrenocortical Hormones.
Lesson 10, Insulin and the Oral Hypoglycemic Agents.
Lesson 11, Oxytocics and Ergot Alkaloids. ... Read more

Product Description
2006, US Army, ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES 2 , SUBCOURSE MD0548, EDITION 100, Survival Medical Manual

INTRODUCTION
This subcourse deals with environmental and climatic injuries including snakebites, insect and spider bites, insect and scorpion stings, dermatitis caused by toxic plants, heat injuries, and cold injuries. Some of the injuries discussed in this subcourse can result in death if not treated promptly and properly. The medical specialist must recognize when the dangers discussed in this subcourse are present , he must take the appropriate preventive measures to protect himself and other soldiers.

This subcourse consists of five lessons. The lessons are as follows:
Lesson 1, North American Snakebites.
Lesson 2, Arthropod Bites and Stings.
Lesson 3, Plant Contact Dermatitis.
Lesson 4, Heat Injuries.
Lesson 5, Cold Injuries. ... Read more

Product Description
US Army, TREATING CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENT CASUALTIES, SUBCOURSE MD0534, Survival Medical Manual

In future conflicts, soldiers must be prepared to function in a field environment contaminated by chemical or biological agents. This subcourse is designed to provide instruction in protecting yourself from chemical and biological agents and in providing care in the field to soldiers who have been exposed to chemical or biological agents.

Chemical agents are fast acting. You must be prepared to quickly perform the necessary triage and treatment procedures in the event of a chemical agent attack. Biological agents usually act at a slower rate. The major emphasis of this subcourse is chemical agents and chemical agent casualties.

Protection against chemical and biological agents and self-aid procedures for exposure to nerve agents are presented in this subcourse for two reasons. One, you must know the procedures in order to protect yourself and to treat yourself in case of exposure to nerve agents. Also, you must make sure that other soldiers take proper precautions and know how to perform self-aid/buddy-aid procedures.
Subcourse Components:

This subcourse consists of four lessons. The lessons are:
Lesson 1, Chemical Agents and Protection from Chemical Agents.
Lesson 2, Treating Nerve Agent Poisoning.
Lesson 3, Treating Blood, Choking, and Blister Agent Poisoning.
Lesson 4, Biological Agents
... Read more

Product Description


FM 3-5 integrates the nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) fundamentals published in FM 3-100 and implements Standardized North Atlantic Treaty Organization Agreement (STANAG) 2426.

The extent and timing of decon depends on the tactical situation, the mission, the area of contamination, and the decon resources available. Survivability and reducing the effect of any chemical threat
are the ultimate goals of decon. This manual provides detailed guidance on conducting decon operations performed by chemical and nonchemical personnel. Individual soldiers and leaders must be
familiar with the basic procedures and concepts in this manual.

Appendix A contains an English to metric measurement conversion chart.

The use of NBC weapons creates unique residual hazards that may
require decon. In addition to the deliberate use of these weapons, collateral damage, natural disasters, and industrial emitters may require decon. The presence of contamination generally reduces the effectiveness of our combat power. Contamination forces us into protective equipment that degrades our ability to perform individual and collective tasks.

CONTAMINATION FORMS
1-1. The following are the different forms of contamination:

• Solids – radioactive particles, biological spores, or dusty agents that could appear as a fine dust.

• Liquids – liquid droplets that fall like rain. Droplets can range from
thick and sticky to the consistency of water.

• Vapors or gases – created by bursting munitions or generators. These clouds are affected by the weather and can cover large areas.

• Aerosols – fine liquids or solid particles suspended in the air. They
behave much like vapors.

CONTAMINATION-HAZARDS TRANSMISSION
1-2 Contamination hazards can be transmitted in the followingmanner:

• Transfer. Anything that touches a surface covered with liquid or
solid contamination will tend to pick up that contamination and move it from one surface to another.

• Spread. Touching a surface covered with liquid chemical agent can
spread contamination on the same surface, thereby, increasing the
size of the contaminated area.

• Vapor. Vapors can be carried through the air in the form of a dust,
atomized liquids (aerosols), or true gases. Vapors in an open/outdoor
area disperse rapidly, so there is no need to decon.

• Desorption. Liquid-chemical contamination absorbs into porous
surfaces. Once absorbed, it begins to desorb or give off gas; that is, low levels of vapor pass out of the contaminated surface into the air and can be transferred to any surface that contacts it, including bare skin.

• Radiation. Radiation is given off by radioactive dust or dirt, most of
which appears as fallout. For decon purposes, radiation can be thought of as a solid.

AGENT CLASSIFICATION
1-3. Depending on the length of time agents will be a hazard, they are
classified as--

• Nonpersistent – an immediate threat that lasts a few minutes. They
rarely require decon.

• Persistent – takes a longer time to act and may last for days. In a
protected environment, these agents can last for long periods of time.
All agents are affected to some extent by the weather. Even
radiological particles can “rain out” of the air and form hot spots on
the ground. Biological organisms are greatly affected by sunlight.
Chemical agents can be decontaminated by the weather. The duration
of a hazard is a complex estimation that is based on numerous factors
which include the—

Type of contamination.
Contamination density and droplet size.
Temperature.
Wind speed.
Sunlight.
Humidity and rain.
Composition of the contaminated surface.
Type of soil and terrain.
... Read more