Scenario:


An Evaporator Accident

Your answer:
Decontamination kit

Correct answer.
After the patient is medically stable and no further immediate treatment is required, samples can be obtained and the patient subsequently decontaminated. A decontamination kit consists of several cleaning solutions (normal saline, betadine, hydrogen peroxide, phisohex, and shampoo) as well as gauze sponges, scissors and nail clippers. The principle of decontamination is simple: remove the contamination without causing further damage to the affected area. Whatever solution would normally be used to clean a wound is the agent of choice. Intact skin should be cleaned with the mildest solution first (usually soap and water.) If this is not effective, it may be followed by the other stronger solutions.

Removal of contaminated clothing usually removes 90% or greater of the contamination on a patient. This is often performed at the scene of injury, but depending on the criticality of the injury, may be deferred until arrival at the hospital.

Hair is best cleaned by using Johnson's baby shampoo or any other hair cleanser that does not have a protein or conditioning component. The hair shaft is hollow and can thus trap contaminants. If a protein conditioner is used, the shaft is coated and makes removal of contaminants more difficult.