Final answer:
If exposed to nerve or blister agents in the eyes, rinse with water or sodium hypochlorite solution immediately and seek medical help. Avoid scrubbing the eyes. For skin exposure, wash with detergent and water, then decontaminate with a bleach solution and remove contaminated clothing.
Step-by-step explanation:
If nerve and blister agents get in the eyes, it is critical to act quickly to minimize damage and potential complications. The eyes should be rinsed immediately with water for at least 10-15 minutes. If available, a solution containing sodium hypochlorite can be used for decontamination. It is essential to avoid scrubbing the eyes, as this can cause further injury. After rinsing, seek medical attention right away by calling a Poison Control Centre or a doctor. The healthcare professionals will likely continue irrigation of the eyes and provide appropriate treatments such as anticholinergics and oximes, if a nerve agent is involved, to counteract the effects of the agents.
For skin exposure, the area should be washed with detergent and warm water, followed by a decontaminating solution such as 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for 1 minute. Contaminated clothing must be removed and isolated to prevent further exposure. All first responders and medical personnel working with contaminated patients need to wear protective clothing, including a coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves, to prevent self-contamination. Any contaminated waste must be handled with care and either incinerated or autoclaved in a strong basic solution.