Which intervention should be implemented first as clients arrive at the ED after an explosion in a chemical manufacturing plant?

Which intervention should be implemented first as clients arrive at the ED after an explosion in a chemical manufacturing plant?

• A. Triage the explosion victims in the ambulances.
• B. Find out if family members have been notified.
• C. Prepare charts for the clients as they come into the ED.
• D. Remove the client's clothes before entering the ED.

Answer: (D)

When chemical exposure incidents occur, the immediate priority is to prevent further contamination of staff and other patients. Removing the client’s clothing on arrival is the quickest and most effective way to achieve this, because the bulk of the chemical residue is on the clothing and skin. Doffing contaminated garments reduces ongoing dermal absorption and limits contamination of the ED environment and personnel, creating a safer space for subsequent assessment and treatment. After decontamination begins with clothing removal, patients can be brought into the ED in a decontaminated state for proper triage and care. Other steps like charting, arranging family notification, or even early triage in the ambulances can follow once decontamination has begun or been completed.

When chemical exposure incidents occur, the immediate priority is to prevent further contamination of staff and other patients. Removing the client’s clothing on arrival is the quickest and most effective way to achieve this, because the bulk of the chemical residue is on the clothing and skin. Doffing contaminated garments reduces ongoing dermal absorption and limits contamination of the ED environment and personnel, creating a safer space for subsequent assessment and treatment. After decontamination begins with clothing removal, patients can be brought into the ED in a decontaminated state for proper triage and care. Other steps like charting, arranging family notification, or even early triage in the ambulances can follow once decontamination has begun or been completed.