How should a contaminated entry team suffering from heat stress be decontaminated?

The correct approach for decontaminating a contaminated entry team suffering from heat stress involves performing emergency decontamination first and then removing clothing. This procedure is vital because contaminated clothing can exacerbate exposure to hazardous materials and continue to harm the team members, especially when they are already compromised by heat stress. By executing emergency decontamination, hazardous substances can be effectively washed away from the skin and any exposed areas before clothing is removed.

Once this initial step is completed, removing clothing further decreases the risk of continued exposure, as contaminated clothing can retain and release harmful substances. It’s crucial to ensure that the team members are decontaminated in an efficient and safe manner to prevent any further harm and to stabilize their condition. This process allows for the dual goals of addressing contamination and safely managing the heat stress experienced by the team.

Other options, such as simply applying ice packs or waiting for recovery, may not sufficiently address the immediate need for decontamination in the face of potential life-threatening substances. Providing fluids and monitoring vitals, while helpful for heat stress, does not directly address contamination, and moving to a shaded area offers only limited relief without tackling safety regarding any hazardous materials they may have come into contact with.