ZhJiHo/CBRN-OPCW · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties Main Clinical Signs and Symptoms Medical personnel should familiarise themselves with the main clinical signs and symptoms of chemical warfare casualties. This will allow them to determine a clinical diagnosis and start the triage process, assigning priority for decontamination and medical treatment. Clinical Manifestations Vary The nature and timing of these clinical manifestations will vary with the duration and concentration of exposure, and with the route of exposure, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis and triage process. Example: nerve agents and cyanides (blood agents) absorbed by inhalation have rapid onset of effects and need immediate treatment. Indirect Effects of Chemical Exposure Differential diagnosis should also consider the indirect effects of chemical exposure, including heat stress from wearing protective equipment, psychological effects, and even side effects from antidotes. This is particularly important when exposure to an agent has not taken place but antidotes have been administered. Example: auto-injectors with nerve agent poisoning antidotes. Differential diagnosis and triage may also be complicated in cases of mixed casualties who have both conventional and chemical injuries. Antidotes Antidotes are available for some chemical warfare agents, however, their availability will depend on local, regional and national medical doctrines, policies, and regulations. When specific antidotes are not available, therapy will be limited to supportive care. Triage In a chemical mass casualty situation medical resources will be overwhelmed. Triage is a medical decision process used to arrange patients in order of priority, to ensure the most effective use of limited medical resources and minimise morbidity and mortality. Triage is used to assign priority for treatment, evacuation, and decontamination. One of the most commonly used systems for chemical triage contains four categories: Immediate, Delayed, Minimal, and Expectant. Practical Guide for Medical Management The OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties includes information on specific antidotes for chemical weapon agent poisoning, triage of chemical casualties, and other useful information regarding medical management of chemical weapons victims.	Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties Main Clinical Signs and Symptoms Medical personnel should familiarise themselves with the main clinical signs and symptoms of chemical warfare casualties. This will allow them to determine a clinical diagnosis and start the triage process, assigning priority for decontamination and medical treatment. Clinical Manifestations Vary The nature and timing of these clinical manifestations will vary with the duration and concentration of exposure, and with the route of exposure, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis and triage process. Example: nerve agents and cyanides (blood agents) absorbed by inhalation have rapid onset of effects and need immediate treatment. Indirect Effects of Chemical Exposure Differential diagnosis should also consider the indirect effects of chemical exposure, including heat stress from wearing protective equipment, psychological effects, and even side effects from antidotes. This is particularly important when exposure to an agent has not taken place but antidotes have been administered. Example: auto-injectors with nerve agent poisoning antidotes. Differential diagnosis and triage may also be complicated in cases of mixed casualties who have both conventional and chemical injuries. Antidotes Antidotes are available for some chemical warfare agents, however, their availability will depend on local, regional and national medical doctrines, policies, and regulations. When specific antidotes are not available, therapy will be limited to supportive care. Triage In a chemical mass casualty situation medical resources will be overwhelmed. Triage is a medical decision process used to arrange patients in order of priority, to ensure the most effective use of limited medical resources and minimise morbidity and mortality. Triage is used to assign priority for treatment, evacuation, and decontamination. One of the most commonly used systems for chemical triage contains four categories: Immediate, Delayed, Minimal, and Expectant. Practical Guide for Medical Management The OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties includes information on specific antidotes for chemical weapon agent poisoning, triage of chemical casualties, and other useful information regarding medical management of chemical weapons victims.
Symptoms and Signs of Exposure to Different Classes of Chemical Weapon Agents Target Organs Classes of Agent Central Nervous System Seizures, coma, hypoxemia, hyperthermia Blood/ Nerve/ Blister/ BZ Eye, Nose and Skin Constricted pupils Dilated pupils Dry mouth and skin Eye irritation Blistering skin Cyanosis Nerve BZ/Blood BZ Blister/ RCAs/Lung Irritants Blister Blood/ Lung/ Nerve/ Blister Respiratory Tract Asphyxiation Copious secretions Respiratory distress Pulmonary oedema Blood / Lung / Blister / Nerve Nerve Nerve / Lung /Blister Lung / Nerve /Blister Digestive Tract Nausea Diarrhoea Lung / RCAs / Blood /Nerve Nerve Muscoskeletal Fasciculation Nerve	Symptoms and Signs of Exposure to Different Classes of Chemical Weapon Agents Target Organs Classes of Agent Central Nervous System Seizures, coma, hypoxemia, hyperthermia Blood/ Nerve/ Blister/ BZ Eye, Nose and Skin Constricted pupils Dilated pupils Dry mouth and skin Eye irritation Blistering skin Cyanosis Nerve BZ/Blood BZ Blister/ RCAs/Lung Irritants Blister Blood/ Lung/ Nerve/ Blister Respiratory Tract Asphyxiation Copious secretions Respiratory distress Pulmonary oedema Blood / Lung / Blister / Nerve Nerve Nerve / Lung /Blister Lung / Nerve /Blister Digestive Tract Nausea Diarrhoea Lung / RCAs / Blood /Nerve Nerve Muscoskeletal Fasciculation Nerve
Long-Term Consequences of Exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents The clinical symptoms and signs shown in the diagram are intended to provide preliminary guidance to the type of chemical warfare agent that a casualty may have been exposed to. This is based on the commonly expected symptoms caused by different classes of chemical warfare agents. Patients may present differently Exposure to uncommon chemical warfare agents and many toxic chemicals could result in additional symptoms and signs being exhibited. Medical practitioners should consult OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties for further information to help them make clinical diagnosis. Other Symptoms Other symptoms and signs not mentioned in the table may also be exhibited, clinical and otherwise. For example, exposure to very high concentrations of sulphur mustard may also cause CNS- effects, and exposure to the blood agent cyanogen chloride (CK) causes eye irritation as well as cyanosis.	Long-Term Consequences of Exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents The clinical symptoms and signs shown in the diagram are intended to provide preliminary guidance to the type of chemical warfare agent that a casualty may have been exposed to. This is based on the commonly expected symptoms caused by different classes of chemical warfare agents. Patients may present differently Exposure to uncommon chemical warfare agents and many toxic chemicals could result in additional symptoms and signs being exhibited. Medical practitioners should consult OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties for further information to help them make clinical diagnosis. Other Symptoms Other symptoms and signs not mentioned in the table may also be exhibited, clinical and otherwise. For example, exposure to very high concentrations of sulphur mustard may also cause CNS- effects, and exposure to the blood agent cyanogen chloride (CK) causes eye irritation as well as cyanosis.
OPCW History	History was made on 29 April 1997 with the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)—the world’s first multilateral disarmament agreement to provide for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction within a fixed time frame. The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force on 29 April 1997. The event marked both the culmination of many years of painstaking negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament and Preparatory Commission as well as the birth of an international chemical weapons disarmament regime headed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW strives to fulfil the Convention’s mandate to end the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons; to prevent their re-emergence; to ensure the elimination of existing stocks of such weapons; and, in so doing, to make the world safe from the threat of chemical warfare.
What to do in a chemical emergency	Symptoms What to do How to decontaminate Chemical agents are most often poisonous gasses or liquids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. If inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin, chemical agents can cause serious health effects, or even death. Download and share this video resource to inform local populations about how to stay safe during a chemical emergency. Download the video Horizontal format Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian Vertical format Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian Symptoms of toxic chemical exposure Unexplained skin or eye irritation Nausea Disorientation Breathing difficulties Burning in the nose, throat and lung Animals may show similar symptoms when exposed to toxic chemicals What to do in a chemical emergency If you recognise a chemical threat, get away immediately and follow these steps: Cover your nose and mouth If you are outdoors, move up-wind away from the source. Find the closest building to shelter-in-place. Shelter in an internal room without windows, if possible. Avoid basements or cellars. Toxic gasses may be heavier than air and accumulate in low areas. Close all doors and windows and turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners and fans. Seal the room. Duct tape and plastic sheeting is best, but other items like plastic trash bags and towels can be used if necessary. Listen for official instructions from authorities on the radio, TV or online. Do not leave the safety of a shelter to go outdoors to help others until authorities say it is safe to do so. If you are affected by a chemical agent, decontaminate yourself and help others decontaminate. How to decontaminate Remove all clothing. Cut off clothing normally removed over the head to avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. Do not remove clothing if it is stuck to the skin. Flush irritated eyes with water. Put contaminated items into a plastic bag and seal it. Wash skin with soap and water. Following these steps will help you stay safe, but always seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties Main Clinical Signs and Symptoms Medical personnel should familiarise themselves with the main clinical signs and symptoms of chemical warfare casualties. This will allow them to determine a clinical diagnosis and start the triage process, assigning priority for decontamination and medical treatment. Clinical Manifestations Vary The nature and timing of these clinical manifestations will vary with the duration and concentration of exposure, and with the route of exposure, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis and triage process. Example: nerve agents and cyanides (blood agents) absorbed by inhalation have rapid onset of effects and need immediate treatment. Indirect Effects of Chemical Exposure Differential diagnosis should also consider the indirect effects of chemical exposure, including heat stress from wearing protective equipment, psychological effects, and even side effects from antidotes. This is particularly important when exposure to an agent has not taken place but antidotes have been administered. Example: auto-injectors with nerve agent poisoning antidotes. Differential diagnosis and triage may also be complicated in cases of mixed casualties who have both conventional and chemical injuries. Antidotes Antidotes are available for some chemical warfare agents, however, their availability will depend on local, regional and national medical doctrines, policies, and regulations. When specific antidotes are not available, therapy will be limited to supportive care. Triage In a chemical mass casualty situation medical resources will be overwhelmed. Triage is a medical decision process used to arrange patients in order of priority, to ensure the most effective use of limited medical resources and minimise morbidity and mortality. Triage is used to assign priority for treatment, evacuation, and decontamination. One of the most commonly used systems for chemical triage contains four categories: Immediate, Delayed, Minimal, and Expectant. Practical Guide for Medical Management The OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties includes information on specific antidotes for chemical weapon agent poisoning, triage of chemical casualties, and other useful information regarding medical management of chemical weapons victims.

Symptoms and Signs of Exposure to Different Classes of Chemical Weapon Agents Target Organs Classes of Agent Central Nervous System Seizures, coma, hypoxemia, hyperthermia Blood/ Nerve/ Blister/ BZ Eye, Nose and Skin Constricted pupils Dilated pupils Dry mouth and skin Eye irritation Blistering skin Cyanosis Nerve BZ/Blood BZ Blister/ RCAs/Lung Irritants Blister Blood/ Lung/ Nerve/ Blister Respiratory Tract Asphyxiation Copious secretions Respiratory distress Pulmonary oedema Blood / Lung / Blister / Nerve Nerve Nerve / Lung /Blister Lung / Nerve /Blister Digestive Tract Nausea Diarrhoea Lung / RCAs / Blood /Nerve Nerve Muscoskeletal Fasciculation Nerve

Long-Term Consequences of Exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents The clinical symptoms and signs shown in the diagram are intended to provide preliminary guidance to the type of chemical warfare agent that a casualty may have been exposed to. This is based on the commonly expected symptoms caused by different classes of chemical warfare agents. Patients may present differently Exposure to uncommon chemical warfare agents and many toxic chemicals could result in additional symptoms and signs being exhibited. Medical practitioners should consult OPCW’s Practical Guide for Medical Management of Chemical Warfare Casualties for further information to help them make clinical diagnosis. Other Symptoms Other symptoms and signs not mentioned in the table may also be exhibited, clinical and otherwise. For example, exposure to very high concentrations of sulphur mustard may also cause CNS- effects, and exposure to the blood agent cyanogen chloride (CK) causes eye irritation as well as cyanosis.

OPCW History

History was made on 29 April 1997 with the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)—the world’s first multilateral disarmament agreement to provide for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction within a fixed time frame. The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force on 29 April 1997. The event marked both the culmination of many years of painstaking negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament and Preparatory Commission as well as the birth of an international chemical weapons disarmament regime headed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW strives to fulfil the Convention’s mandate to end the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons; to prevent their re-emergence; to ensure the elimination of existing stocks of such weapons; and, in so doing, to make the world safe from the threat of chemical warfare.

What to do in a chemical emergency

Symptoms What to do How to decontaminate Chemical agents are most often poisonous gasses or liquids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. If inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin, chemical agents can cause serious health effects, or even death. Download and share this video resource to inform local populations about how to stay safe during a chemical emergency. Download the video Horizontal format Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian Vertical format Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian Symptoms of toxic chemical exposure Unexplained skin or eye irritation Nausea Disorientation Breathing difficulties Burning in the nose, throat and lung Animals may show similar symptoms when exposed to toxic chemicals What to do in a chemical emergency If you recognise a chemical threat, get away immediately and follow these steps: Cover your nose and mouth If you are outdoors, move up-wind away from the source. Find the closest building to shelter-in-place. Shelter in an internal room without windows, if possible. Avoid basements or cellars. Toxic gasses may be heavier than air and accumulate in low areas. Close all doors and windows and turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners and fans. Seal the room. Duct tape and plastic sheeting is best, but other items like plastic trash bags and towels can be used if necessary. Listen for official instructions from authorities on the radio, TV or online. Do not leave the safety of a shelter to go outdoors to help others until authorities say it is safe to do so. If you are affected by a chemical agent, decontaminate yourself and help others decontaminate. How to decontaminate Remove all clothing. Cut off clothing normally removed over the head to avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. Do not remove clothing if it is stuck to the skin. Flush irritated eyes with water. Put contaminated items into a plastic bag and seal it. Wash skin with soap and water. Following these steps will help you stay safe, but always seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.