Which step is performed first in the standard decontamination sequence?

• A. Remove contaminated clothing
• B. Brush off dry chemicals
• C. Flush skin/eyes with copious water
• D. Transfer to appropriate facility

Answer: (A)

The first action in decontamination is to remove contaminated clothing. This step immediately reduces the body’s exposure and limits further spread of the chemical to skin, hair, and the environment. Clothing can hold onto a lot of contaminant and can keep transferring it to skin or other surfaces; taking it off quickly also protects responders from secondary exposure. After the clothing is removed, you’d typically brush off any dry chemicals that remain, then flush exposed skin or eyes with copious water to wash away residue. Transport to a facility happens after decontamination is completed, not as the initial step.