How is nerve gas poisoning treated? Caregivers may set up a center or location where you can be treated. This may help to keep the nerve gas in one place and keep it from spreading.
Decontamination: You must remove clothing that has nerve gas on it. Clothes, wallets, purses, jewelry, and other belongings may be taken for decontamination. Some items may need to be thrown away.
Antidote: This is a medicine given to reverse your signs and symptoms. Even with treatment, you may have severe and long-lasting nerve or brain damage.
Anticonvulsant medicine: This may be given to prevent or stop a convulsion.
What should I do if I am exposed to nerve gas?
Move to a higher area: Climb to the top floor of a building, or go to the top of a hill. Nerve gas is heavier than air and will settle in low-lying areas, such as ditches and basements.
Hold your breath and move to a safer spot: Try to hold your breath without breathing in first. Hold your breath until you can get to a safer spot. If you are outside, go inside. Close all the doors and windows. Shut off heating or air conditioning to keep outside air from coming in.
Remove clothing: Do not shake your clothing. Put the items in a bag if you have one, and tie or tightly close the top. Ask your caregiver if and how you should dispose of the bag. If you do not have a bag, leave them in a pile and do not pick them up.
Wash your entire body: Take a shower as soon as possible. Use soap and water or cleaning solutions provided by caregivers. Wash your hair. Gently wash your skin. Do not scrub, because this may cause more nerve gas to be absorbed into your skin.
Use powder if you cannot wash: Cover your skin and hair with an absorbent powder, such as talcum powder or baking flour. Stand over a towel or other fabric. Gently pat the powder on your skin to absorb the liquid. When you are finished, put the fabric you stood on into a bag and tightly close it. Ask your caregiver if and how you should dispose of the bag.
When should I seek immediate care? Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
You think you have been exposed to a nerve gas.