What is the proper sequence of field decontamination for a suspected chemical exposure?

• A. Remove contaminated clothing, irrigate skin and eyes with water, brush off dry material, continue decontamination until clean, manage and isolate contaminated items.
• B. Remove contaminated clothing, brush off dry material, irrigate skin and eyes with water, continue decontamination until clean, manage and isolate contaminated items.
• C. Irrigate skin and eyes with water, remove contaminated clothing, brush off dry material, continue decontamination until clean.
• D. Remove contaminated clothing, brush off dry material, continue decontamination until clean, and isolate contaminated items without decontamination.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to rapidly reduce exposure by following a staged decontamination sequence that prevents spread and minimizes absorption. Start by removing the person’s contaminated clothing to eliminate the main source of ongoing exposure. Next, physically brush off any dry chemical material from the skin. This step lowers the amount of contaminant on the body and reduces the risk of spreading or reacting if water is applied later. Then irrigate the skin and eyes with water to wash away remaining residue, continuing until the skin is clean. Finally, manage and isolate contaminated items to prevent secondary contamination in the environment and for proper disposal or further processing.

If water were applied before removing clothing or brushing off dry material, the chemical could spread to more skin or surfaces and possibly cause greater absorption or transfer. Skipping the wet decon and simply isolating items would leave residues on the skin. Similarly, omitting the brushing step or the proper order could leave dry particles that are easier to spread or react during irrigation.