Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 5
Control the Situation
Pre-decontamination is the initial phase of a decontamination process where
“cross-contamination” controls are established at the egress point of the Hot
Zone. It controls the spread of raw, visible, or gross contamination as early as
possible. Pre-decontamination aids significantly in the prevention of “crosscontamination”.
It involves standing in a footbath (shuffle pit) filled with
decontamination solution (household bleach) and removing supplementary
footwear and gloving (if worn). The contaminated footwear and gloves are
deposited in waste containers. Individuals may then continue through the
footbath en-route to the main decontamination process. Equipment may be
bathed in decontaminating solution at this point.
Elimination of liquid or solid contamination includes chemical agent and radiation
monitoring, visual inspection, application of decontamination solutions, and a
systematic, directed, undressing of casualties.
Elimination of vapour threats includes maintaining respiratory protection until
thorough decontamination has been completed.
Finally, respiratory protection can be removed, and decontaminated casualties
can dress in temporary clothing. Data on the decontaminated casualties are
then recorded.
A Decontamination Line involves more elaborate decontamination procedures
and will vary depending on type and extent of contamination, number of affected
persons, and available resources. It is a deliberate and controlled process but is
flexible and includes variations of the preceding stages. For example, it could be
as simple as a two-person setup, or involve many persons.
A Decontamination Facility, a component of the Decontamination Line, is a
shelter such as a tent, trailer, bus, or a building such as a school or office.
5.4 Summary
Control of the situation is a Key Response Task. It includes performing a safe scene
size-up, establishing safety and security perimeters, and the control of potentially
contaminated casualties.
The purpose of the Inner (safety) Perimeter is to keep responders and others from
entering a potentially dangerous area. The Outer (security) Perimeter is established to
restrict public access and provide a secure working area for all responders.
Potentially contaminated casualties present a hazard to everyone, and should not be
touched by responders not wearing proper PPE. Control of the situation can be more
efficiently managed when safe gathering points are established for the safety of victims,
responders, and others. Emergency Washdown should be performed to try to remove
CBRN First Responder Training Program
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Basic Level Course