Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/642978
When you deal with solid bodies (powders, metals, etc.) or semi-fluid ones you should re- act in the other way. In this case you should re- member to remove them mechanically at first, and then use a large amount of current wa- ter to wash them away. Moreover, you should remember that used water should have as low as possible contact with a remaining, not burnt surface area of the body. Hazards You can be burnt everywhere and in very differ- ent manners, nevertheless we will concentrate on the "environmental" hazards which can occur during the "tactical" situations. Among them can be found the hazards resulted from using flashbangs, incapacitating gases, burns caused by the hot objects (gun barrels), white phosphorus and other chemical agents and an emission of hot gases synthesized during combustion. When I mention toxic gases, I have in mind products of combustion which may suddenly occur in the small space volume as a result of, e.g. a strike of an HEAT warhead into an armored vehicle. A very small time amplitude in relation to a combustion time, causes a phenomenon of a flashover and burning of the all flammable elements (in that clothing, hair, skin, etc.). There is also a danger of a thermal airway injury caused by an inhalation of hot gases, what in the majority of cases is unfor- tunately a lethal factor in the "non-hospital' conditions. In such a case it is always recommended to have at least FR (fire retardant) underwear or FR combat clothing if possible balaclava covering the face and head. Nowadays, more and more armies are introducing FR combat uniforms as a standard in war zones. It will, for sure, limit a burn degree and it will definitely enable to leave a burning vehicle or room in a more efficient and less painful way. Still, you should remember that all the time you are exposed to an inhalation of the hot gases. A problem with which the rescuers have strug- gled for years, is providing first aid to the wound- ed who "has come into contact" with white phos- phorus (WP). It usually happens when a smoke or incendiary grenade is used, which according to law of war, should not contain phosphorus.