Chemical Attack — Immediate Actions

A chemical attack or industrial chemical release can kill or incapacitate within minutes. The correct immediate response — escape upwind, improvise protection, decontaminate — significantly increases survival.

⚠️ Do not wait for official confirmation. If the signs below are present, act immediately. Delay costs lives.

Recognising a Chemical Incident

Sign	What It May Indicate
Unexplained casualties dropping simultaneously	Nerve agent or blood agent release
Unusual smell (bitter almonds, cut grass, bleach, garlic, pear drops)	Various chemical agents
Visible mist, cloud, or liquid with no obvious source	Possible aerosol or liquid release
Eyes burning, skin tingling, difficulty breathing (multiple people)	Irritant or choking agent
Dead birds or animals in the area	Possible agent release at low level
Oily sheen on surfaces or unusual residue	Possible persistent agent (e.g. mustard gas)

If in doubt — treat it as real and act.

Immediate Response: Get Out and Get Upwind

Chemical agents are typically heavier than air and travel in the direction of wind. Move fast.

Step	Action
1. Hold your breath	Take a deep breath before you do anything else
2. Move upwind immediately	Move crosswind first to clear the cloud, then upwind
3. Move uphill	If terrain allows — many agents settle in low areas
4. Do not run through the cloud	Move perpendicular to its direction, not through it
5. Distance	Get as far from the source as possible — minimum 300 metres for outdoor release
6. Do not touch anything	Avoid liquid or residue on surfaces

Improvised Protection (If You Cannot Escape)

If you cannot escape the area immediately:

Item	Use
Wet cloth over nose and mouth	Offers partial protection from some agents — better than nothing
Goggles or glasses	Protect eyes from vapour and droplets
Any barrier over skin	Long sleeves, gloves, anything to reduce skin contact
Sealed room	Close windows and doors; switch off ventilation; seal gaps with tape or wet towels

This is a last resort. Escape is always preferable to sheltering in place during a chemical attack.

Decontamination — Remove, Remove, Remove

Decontamination must happen as soon as you are clear of the contaminated area.

Step	Action
1. Remove clothing	Cut off — do not pull over the head; removes up to 80% of contamination
2. Bag it	Seal contaminated clothing in plastic bags if available
3. Flush skin	Rinse with large amounts of water for 10–15 minutes — do not scrub
4. Flush eyes	Rinse open eyes with clean water for 10–15 minutes if affected
5. Do not rub	Rubbing spreads the agent
6. Seek medical help	Move to a decontamination point or hospital as soon as possible

Do not allow contaminated clothing or people near unaffected individuals.

Shelter in Place (If Instructed by Authorities)

If authorities direct you to shelter rather than evacuate:

1. Go indoors to an interior room with few windows
2. Close and seal all windows, doors, and vents with tape or wet towels
3. Switch off all air conditioning and ventilation
4. Stay tuned to emergency broadcasts
5. Wait for the all-clear before opening anything

Sheltering in place is most effective for short-duration outdoor releases. If the agent breaches your shelter, evacuate immediately.

Agent-Specific Notes

Agent Type	Key Sign	Specific Action
Nerve agent (e.g. sarin)	Pinpoint pupils, seizures, excessive secretions	Auto-injector (atropine/pralidoxime) if available; CPR if collapsed
Choking agent (e.g. chlorine)	Chlorine/bleach smell, coughing, chest tightness	Move upwind; do not exert yourself — physical effort worsens lung damage
Blister agent (e.g. mustard)	Delayed blistering, eye/skin irritation	Remove clothing immediately; flush all exposed skin; do not touch blisters
Blood agent (e.g. hydrogen cyanide)	Bitter almonds smell, rapid collapse	100% oxygen if available; antidote kit if trained

Quick Reference

Situation	Action
Suspected chemical release nearby	Hold breath; move crosswind then upwind; get distance
Cannot escape	Improvise face covering; seal room; await authorities
Skin or clothing contacted agent	Remove clothing (cut off); flush skin 10–15 min with water; seek medical help
Eyes affected	Flush with clean water for 10–15 min; do not rub
Person collapsed	Do not touch with bare hands; call emergency services; CPR if trained and safe
Authorities say shelter in place	Seal room; close ventilation; monitor broadcasts