What is the standard decontamination sequence for suspected chemical exposure?

• A. Remove contaminated clothing, brush off dry chemicals, flush skin/eyes with copious water, continue decontamination until clean, transfer to appropriate facility
• B. Remove contaminated clothing and leave; then transport
• C. Brush off dry chemicals then apply topical lotion
• D. Flush skin only and then leave the scene

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to remove the contaminant from the patient in a way that minimizes ongoing exposure and protects responders. Start by taking off the patient’s contaminated clothing to eliminate most of the chemical quickly and reduce skin contact. Next, brush off any dry chemical particulates from skin or hair so loose material isn’t carried into the decontamination water. Then flush the skin and eyes with copious, running water, continuing for as long as needed (usually several minutes) until the skin is clean and residual irritation or contamination is minimized. After thorough decontamination, transfer the patient to the appropriate facility for further medical evaluation and care. Skipping steps or stopping early—such as leaving after clothes are removed, only brushing off without washing, or flushing only part of the body—allows ongoing exposure and spreading of contamination. Applying topical lotions is not part of standard decontamination and can hinder removal of chemicals.