The estimates provided in the guide are intended to support projections of medical materiel and logistical requirements. Increased demands may occur for certain types of medical and general supplies. These may include specific equipment, kits, dressings, antibiotics, and other critical medical materiel. Demands may also increase for items unique to the chemical battlefield (such as nerve agent antidote autoinjectors), as well as items adapted to chemical environments (including IV systems and special self-contained intensive care units). Tables showing maximum numbers of personnel by injury severity category (see paragraph 3.3.4 in the guide) can provide useful input for logistical planning.
_a._ The assignment of medical support is normally based upon the total military population and the expected conventional casualty rate. The guide may be used to assess requirements for additional medical units. The use of chemical weapons in tactical situations could be one indication of an increased tempo of warfare and need for additional personnel.
_b._ Although a unit may be targeted for chemical attack, that unit might not be located where the highest number of casualties could occur (as in a downwind hazard area). Accordingly, another unit might have priority for support. The tables presented in the guide can be used in planning for either situation. Some tables (see paragraph 3.3.4 in the guide) show estimated maximum numbers of personnel by injury severity category. Such estimates should be combined with a comprehensive array of other available information to increase the effectiveness of medical force planning.
_c._ The guide is organized into 11 sections. Section 1 introduces the guide and presents background and medical planning considerations. Section 2 provides information on the methodology used to develop the estimates of fatalities, casualties, and effectiveness of individuals remaining in the unit. Section 3 explores the use of the casualty prediction tables based on combat effectiveness decrements and estimates of the number of casualties categorized by insult level. Sections 4 through 10 contain tables of casualty estimates. Section 11 is a tutorial on use of the tool.