Decontamination Procedures
Decontamination Procedures
Decon protects responders, patients, equipment, and the environment by reducing contamination at the boundary. The exam tests decon setup, sequence, and the difference between emergency and technical decon.
Core rules
- Emergency decon is immediate, often with water, to save life and reduce contamination; technical decon is planned and systematic.
- Set up a decon corridor in the warm zone with a dirty side, a clean side, and controlled drainage.
- Remove as much clothing as possible; clothing holds contamination and can increase exposure.
- Use the least aggressive method that works: gross removal, soap and water, rinsing. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach on skin.
- Contain runoff. Decon water is contaminated and must not enter storm drains.
- Decon patients before transport when possible, but treat immediate life threats first with contamination control.
- Monitor and document decon effectiveness.
Worked example
A firefighter exits the hot zone with visible liquid on the turnout coat. The decon team directs the firefighter to a tool drop, then emergency gross decon with water from the outside inward while the firefighter keeps SCBA on. Clothing is cut away and bagged. The firefighter moves to technical decon for soap-and-water wash and rinse, then to the clean side for monitoring and rehabilitation. Runoff is diked and collected. The firefighter does not walk through the cold zone dripping contaminated water.
Traps
- Letting decon water run into a storm drain.
- Using bleach or solvents on skin.
- Deconning equipment before people.
- Removing respiratory protection in the contaminated area.
- No clean/dirty boundary or step-off.