How to Treat Sarin Poisoning
Sarin is an extremely dangerous poison. It is hundreds of times more poisonous than comparable poison gases such as cyanide. For this reason, it is crucial to administer a treatment as soon after sarin poisoning as possible to save the lives of those affected by the gas. Protective clothing should be worn by anyone attempting to administer a treatment for sarin poisoning.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Find a hospital that knows how to treat sarin poisoning and has the proper medications. Most hospitals don't keep the information available. Very few have the antidote to sarin. Transferring to another hospital may be necessary.
-
2
Get rid of anything that may have sarin residue on it. Wearing rubber gloves, take off the clothes that were worn and get rid of any items that were in the same vicinity as the sarin. This will prevent any further inhalation of the gas. Clothes that can't be stepped out of should be cut away from the person. Taking the clothes upward over the head can increase the amount of sarin that is inhaled. Place the clothing in a sealable bag, along with towels, gloves and anything else that touched them. Contacts and jewelry should also be put into the bag. Contact your local health department to let them know where the clothing bag is so that they can dispose of it properly.
-
-
3
Wash the person to get rid of any sarin residue. The entire body needs to be rinsed and washed with soap to ensure that no one else is infected with the poison. Caregivers are often poisoned when trying to help sarin victims. Even a tiny amount of sarin left on the body can poison others.
-
4
Take pralidoxime. This is often considered to be the most potent antidote for sarin. Another antidote is antropine. The treatments have to be given very quickly after the poisoning or they will be much less effective.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Sarin takes effect very quickly in the body, even within a minute's time, attacking the nervous system. Early symptoms of sarin poisoning include excessive runny nose, pupil constriction and chest tightness. These symptoms develop into problems with breathing and losing control of bodily functions. Coma and death follow. The immediate administering of an antidote is mandatory if the victim stands the chance to survive.
