CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE JAN 91

File: 970815_apr96_decls2_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 1
Subject = CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE   JAN 91                                 

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = XVIII CORPS 

Folder Title = MISC MESSAGE TRAFFIC                                                                            

Document Number =          8

Box ID = BX000044





                             DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
                        HEADQUARTERS XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS
                               APO NEW YORK 09657


        AFZA-MD                                            I January 1991


        MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION-

        SUBJECT: Chemical Casualty Care


        1. Corps medical officers and physician assistants have
        completed instruction in medical management of chemical
        casualties. They should be able to optimize rapid recovery and
        return to duty of the more than 95 percent of casualties who
        initially survive chemical agent exposure. The purpose of this
        tasking memorandum is to ensure that their knowledge is
        translated to readiness of all Corps medical soldiers and
        emphasis by commanders.

        2. Each division, separate brigade, Corps hospital and medical
        group commander will designate a medical officer'with additional
        duty as unit chemical casualty care officer. The designated
        officer should be a graduate of the Medical-Management of
        Chemical Casualties Course. He will report directly to the unit
        surgeon or, +or medical units, to the unit commander on all
        matters concerning this additional duty.
        3. The unit chemical casualty care officer will propose, staff,
        and obtain approval of initial and sustainment training programs
        +or medical soldiers in chemical casualty care, medical
        operations in a chemical environment, and :Far-forward rapid
        patient decontamination. Commanders will provide the required
        time and resources +or execution of training as a key combat
        readiness priority. The chemical casualty officer will track
        training and assess proficiency primarily through no-notice
        operational readiness exercises involving medical decision
        making and decontamination of small numbers of patients for
        maximum teaching value. He will coordinate with the unit
        operations officer for tasking exercises and training.

        4. The chemical casualty care officer will also track ordering
        and availability of key medical chemical defense medications,
        equipment and decontamination supplies. He will ensure that
          'h
        eac ground and air evacuation vehicle is uploaded with
        decontamination material sufficient for 4 casualties. He will
        coordinate with the unit logistics officer on all materiel
        readiness as an item of special command interest at USR
        briefings.