How should EMS respond to chlorine gas exposure?

• A. Move to fresh air, administer high-flow oxygen, monitor for bronchospasm; decontaminate if contaminated; avoid re-exposure.
• B. Ignore and wait outdoors.
• C. Apply hydrocortisone cream.
• D. Use humidified air and refrain from decontamination.

Answer: (A)

Chlorine gas is a strong airway irritant that can cause rapid airway inflammation and dangerous drops in blood oxygen. The key EMS actions are to remove the person from the source and get them into fresh air, then support oxygenation and watch for airway reactivity. Moving to fresh air stops ongoing exposure and reduces the dose of chlorine reaching the lungs. Providing high-flow oxygen helps correct hypoxemia and supports the damaged airway as inflammation develops. Monitoring for bronchospasm is important because chlorine can trigger airway narrowing, so be ready to treat if wheezing or breathing difficulty appears. If there’s any contamination, decontamination is essential to prevent ongoing exposure for the patient and to protect responders and other patients. Avoid re-exposure by keeping clear of the leak or contaminated area and using proper PPE. The other options miss these critical steps—removing from the source, maximizing oxygen delivery, watching for airway reactivity, and decontaminating.