Emergency Decontamination, especially when performed prior to emergency transport to a hospital, is done to protect emergency medical providers __________.

Emergency Decontamination, especially when performed prior to emergency transport to a hospital, is done to protect emergency medical providers __________.

• A. Only to improve speed
• B. None of the above
• C. Only to protect EMS providers
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Decontamination before transport is about lowering the risk of exposing responders and others to hazardous materials. By removing or neutralizing contaminants at the scene, you prevent secondary exposure to EMS personnel, hospital staff, bystanders, and the ambulance and equipment. It also reduces the chance that the contaminant will spread during transport and handoff, which can streamline and safer the overall process of getting the patient to care. Because decontamination protects responders and others and helps avoid further contamination in the transportation and hospital environment, the best choice is that all of these benefits are included.

Decontamination before transport is about lowering the risk of exposing responders and others to hazardous materials. By removing or neutralizing contaminants at the scene, you prevent secondary exposure to EMS personnel, hospital staff, bystanders, and the ambulance and equipment. It also reduces the chance that the contaminant will spread during transport and handoff, which can streamline and safer the overall process of getting the patient to care. Because decontamination protects responders and others and helps avoid further contamination in the transportation and hospital environment, the best choice is that all of these benefits are included.