Decontaminating victims of chemical exposure is not complicated in theory, but care should be taken to make sure rescuers and bystanders are not contaminated during the process.
For certain chemicals or large spills, hazardous materials specialists will need to perform decontamination. In these cases, simply isolate the area and deny entry to all personnel and bystanders.
In cases of large spills, rescuers should position themselves a significant distance uphill and upwind from the location of the spill.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 20 minutes
Here's How:
- Stay Safe. Do not become a victim as well. If the chemical is not contained, do not enter the area. If there is only a single victim with an isolated instance of chemical exposure, it may be safe to decontaminate the victim.
- Move the victim to a well-ventilated area with a water source.
- Contact the local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- Wear thick rubber gloves like those worn to clean kitchens and bathrooms.
- Strip off any the victim's clothing.
- If the chemical is a dry powder, brush off as much as possible with the victim's own clothing.
- Once as much of the powder has been removed - or if the chemical is a liquid - have the victim shower or flush the victim with water for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo hair to remove chemical.
- Eyes can be flushed with water from a garden hose or sink. Always flush both eyes to avoid washing chemical from one eye to the other. Flush eyes with water for at least 20 minutes.
- Call 911 if victim shows symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, confusion weakness, dizziness, slurred speech, tearing of the eyes, or runny nose.
Tips:
- Many chemicals will cause damage to the skin similar to a burn. Treat these chemical burns the same as any other type of burn.
What You Need:
- Lots of water
- Clean clothes and towels
- Soap
- Household rubber cleaning gloves
