Soldier protection — immediate elimination of contamination

Abstract

The article deals with the current issue, which is the protection of the soldier after contamination, including the restoration of the so-called immediate liquidation of contamination in the Polish Armed Forces. Elimination of contamination is the only element of the system of defence against weapons of mass destruction (WMD), in which the recovery of soldiers, equipment, and technology after contamination occurs. The most important element of decontamination is immediate elimination of contamination as it may affect health and often life of the contaminated persons. According to the conducted research, the effect of chemical weapon (CW) is almost instantaneous, and fabric coverings slightly delay the effect of poisoning. The guided 2020 doctrinal document DD /3.8(B) contains the main principles for conducting immediate decontamination, which are inconsistent with other documents. It is important to recognise that waiting for a commander’s order or postponing the elimination of contamination of the exposed skin surfaces or uniforms can be tragic in its consequences. Keywords: chemical sciences, defense against weapons of mass destruction, protection of the soldier, immediate elimination of contamination