What is the first step of decontaminating a casualty exposed to chemical agents?

• A. Remove contaminated clothing and perform skin decontamination with soap and water
• B. Apply neutralizing chemicals to skin
• C. Wait for symptoms to appear
• D. Cover with sterile dressing

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that rapid removal of the source of exposure is the first priority in chemical casualty decontamination. Removing contaminated clothing immediately reduces ongoing exposure and limits spreading the agent to skin, other people, and surfaces. Once the clothing is removed, washing the exposed skin with soap and water physically removes most of the chemical residues; soap helps to emulsify oily agents and improves their removal when rinsing. This approach minimizes dermal absorption and potential injury.

Neutralizing chemicals on the skin isn’t used because it can cause unpredictable reactions, additional heat or chemical burns, and not all agents have safe, universal neutralizers. Waiting for symptoms is unsafe since some chemical exposures have delayed or progressive effects, so decontamination should happen right away rather than relying on symptom onset. Simply covering the area with a dressing doesn’t remove contamination and would not stop ongoing exposure.