If a conscious patient exposed to hazardous material is brought to decontamination, what should rescuers do first?

The appropriate first action for rescuers when a conscious patient exposed to hazardous materials arrives at decontamination is to cut away all of the patient's clothing and do a rapid rinse. This is critical because clothing can harbor hazardous materials, which may continue to expose the patient to harmful substances even after they have been removed from the source. Promptly removing the clothing reduces the potential for continued skin contact with the hazardous materials.

Following that, performing a rapid rinse helps to wash away contaminants from the skin and can reduce the risk of absorption or further exposure. The process of decontamination is essential in ensuring the safety of both the patient and the rescuers. Addressing contaminants immediately before providing further medical treatment minimizes the potential for serious health complications arising from the hazardous exposure.

Other options, such as providing immediate medical treatment or administering oxygen, do not address the critical need for decontamination first. Placing the patient in a heated environment could be dangerous in the context of exposure to hazardous materials, as it may promote the absorption of toxins. Thus, the first priority must be to ensure that the patient is free from contaminants to enhance their overall safety and outcome.