Chemical Weapons in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) 6. Accumulated Experience in the Treatment of Lesions with Poisonous Nerve Agents

The Iran-Iraq war (1980–1988) was the first modern in which chemical weapons were used. purpose of this work is to summarize experience treating victims, affected by nerve agents. publications Iranian authors different scientific journals used for preparation article. use Iraqi army occurred August 1983 Kurdistan (sulfur mustard). Nerve agent (tabun) on February 29, 1984 battles Majnun Islands. In total, 140 tons tabun and about 600 sarin / cyclosarin against troops during war. Around 5.5 thousand servicemen died directly from For one dead tabun, there at least 7 poisoned people who needed qualified toxicological assistance; lethal outcomes among herd amounted 15%. Military personnel without protective equipment, received large doses agents, lost consciousness within 30 seconds positions a few minutes. most sensitive such agents women, children elderly, accidentally fell under attack. enemy accompanied panic arrival huge number military critical condition medical stations. Sweating, fasciculations miosis clinical signs those toxic recognized. effectiveness antidote therapy (atropine + oxime diazepam) depended time care. effective atropine titration (fractional intravenous drip) achieve ease breathing, absence bronchospasm, disappearance secretions respiratory tract heart rate >80 beats/min. oximes turned out be not treatment tabun. degassing physical removal chemical. Degassing had carried washing with sea or river water, using solutions chlorine-containing household chemicals, sprinkling dry earth