Emergency decontamination is described as Immediate decon and prioritized speed.

• A. Immediate decon, prioritized speed
• B. Delayed decon after assessment
• C. Routine decon after transport
• D. No decon required

Answer: (A)

Emergency decontamination is about rapidly removing contaminants at the scene to minimize exposure and cross-contamination. In a hazmat incident, time is critical because contact and absorption can increase quickly, and delaying decon lets more contaminant stay on the person and spread to others and equipment. The approach described as immediate decon with prioritized speed reflects the need to start decontamination immediately and do so as fast as possible, often using simple, rapid methods to get contaminants off before more thorough measures are taken.

Delaying decon after assessment would waste valuable seconds that could reduce exposure. Routine decon after transport is not appropriate for the emergency phase, since waiting to perform decon later allows ongoing risk. No decon required is incompatible with protecting people from contamination.