What is the type of decontamination that occurs on scene and is accomplished by first responders?

The type of decontamination that occurs on scene and is executed by first responders is mass decontamination. This process is essential in situations involving a large number of individuals who have been potentially exposed to hazardous materials. The primary goal is to rapidly remove contaminants to prevent further exposure and to reduce the number of affected individuals before they can receive medical care.

Mass decontamination typically involves efficient methods and equipment to simultaneously decontaminate many individuals, using water or chemical solutions designed specifically for the type of contaminants present. First responders are trained to set up decontamination corridors or stations that allow for the quick and organized cleaning of multiple people while ensuring their safety and health.

In contrast, gross decontamination usually refers to the initial removal of contaminants from a person or object and is less structured than mass decontamination. Individual decontamination focuses on treating each person one-on-one, which is often used after mass decontamination to ensure thorough cleaning. Emergency decontamination is an urgent response that may not follow standard protocols and is typically a preliminary measure before full-scale decontamination procedures can be implemented.