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In theUnited States military, theMark I NAAK, orMARK I Kit, ("Nerve Agent Antidote Kit") is a dual-chamberautoinjector: Two anti-nerve agent drugs—atropine sulfate andpralidoxime chloride—each in injectable form, constitute the kit. The kits are only effective against the nerve agentstabun (GA),sarin (GB),soman (GD) andVX.
Typically, U.S. servicemembers are issued three MARK I Kits when operating in circumstances where chemical weapons are considered a potential hazard. Along with the three kits are issued oneCANA (Convulsive Antidote, Nerve Agent) for simultaneous use. (CANA is the drugdiazepam orValium, an anticonvulsant.) Both of these kits are intended for use in "buddy aid" or "self aid" administration of the drugs prior todecontamination and delivery of the patient to definitive medical care for the condition.
A newer model, theATNAA (Antidote Treatment Nerve Agent Auto-Injector),[1] has both the atropine and the pralidoxime in one syringe, allowing for simplified administration.
The use of a Mark 1 or ATNAA kit inhibits the nerve agents' purpose, thereby reducing the number of fatal casualties in the advent of chemical warfare. The kits should only be administered if nerve agents have been absorbed or inhaled.