THE COLLECTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM

M291 Decontamination Kit. The purpose of the M291 decontamination kit is to decontaminate skin and selected personnel equipment contaminated with chemical agents. The kit contains six sealed foil packets, enough for three complete skin applications. Each packet contains a folded applicator pad with a handle on one side. The pad is filled with the black decontaminating powder, which is a reactive and absorbent resin that is not toxic but may be slightly irritating to the skin or eyes. New and/or improved CBR defense and decontamination kits, clothing, and equipment are being introduced rapidly. Check with your supervisor to see if any new or improved articles are available. Atropine and oxime are used to counteract the effects of and to relieve the symptoms of nerve agents only. At the appropriate level of readiness, each crew member will be issued three atropine autoinjectors and two oxime autoinjectors. To use the injectors, remove the safety caps and press the injectors against the thigh or buttocks. The pressure on the end of the injector causes the automatic injection of the contents. As soon as the symptoms of nerve agent poisoning are noticed, immediately inject one atropine autoinjector and one oxime autoinjector. Wait 10 to 15 minutes; if symptoms are still present, inject another atropine and oxime autoinjector. CAUTION Use atropine and oxime only against nerve agents. THE COLLECTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— Identify the purpose and use of the collective protection system (CPS) decontamination station. The collective protection system (CPS) protects specific areas of the ship from the effects of CBR contamination by filtering the air supply and maintaining an overpressure to prevent the penetration of contaminants. The system is divided into two protection zones: 1. The total protection (TP) zone, which provides a pressurized, toxic-free environment 2. The limited protection (LP) zone, which isn’t pressurized and doesn’t provide protection against gaseous chemical agents The extent of CPS coverage varies. Some ships have only one or two TP zones and no LP zones. Other ships may have different numbers of protection zones. The level of protection is determined by the ship’s mission, operational requirements, and the overall cost of installation. The following are the three levels of protection: Level I—the shelter envelope. Level I provides protection for messing, berthing, sanitary, and battle dressing functions for 40% of the crew. Level II—the minimum operational protection envelope. Level II provides at least the same protection as level I, but also includes protection for key operational functions. Level III—the maximum operational protection envelope. Level III provides sufficient protection of the ship for mission requirements, but does not include launching aircraft or troops. REVIEW 7 QUESTIONS Q1. There are how many levels of decontamination? Q2. Describe the primary purpose of level 1 decontamination. Q3. What are the two types of contamination hazards? a. b. 13-26 Student Notes: