How should a seriously injured patient who has been contaminated with a toxic chemical be decontaminated?

The correct response emphasizes the importance of performing gross decontamination before administering any medical treatment. In cases where a patient has been contaminated with a toxic chemical, removing the hazardous substance is crucial to prevent further absorption and complications. Gross decontamination typically involves removing contaminated clothing and rinsing the body with large amounts of water or a specific decontaminant, depending on the nature of the toxic agent.

By addressing decontamination first, the risk of harming medical personnel or exacerbating the patient's condition through exposure to the chemical is significantly reduced. This step is vital because some chemicals can cause rapid deterioration of the patient’s health or have lingering effects if not appropriately managed after exposure.

Performing decontamination prior to medical treatment ensures that health care providers have a safer environment to offer necessary care. Additionally, immediate medical intervention while the patient is still contaminated could pose risks to both the patient and health care responders.